Mother and child warming up in front of the heating
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Helping has a tradition

The co-operation between VERBUND and Caritas is celebrating an important anniversary: For 15 years, the VERBUND Electricity Assistance Fund has been supporting people in Austria who are affected by energy poverty. With an impressive total donation amount of €9 million, around 20,000 people and 8,000 households have been relieved.

Sustainable help for those affected

The VERBUND Electricity Assistance Fund was set up in 2009 and works through the 71 Caritas social counselling centres throughout Austria. The aim is to help people in difficult situations to cover their energy costs or to finance urgently needed household appliances.

The President of Caritas Austria, Nora Tödtling-Musenbichler, emphasises the positive impact of this initiative: "With the VERBUND Electricity Assistance Fund, Caritas has not only been able to help thousands of people out of acute emergency situations, but also create long-term prospects through energy advice and appliance replacement." These measures have also saved around 1,400 tonnesof CO2 emissions and thus contribute to climate protection.

Additional funds during the crisis

The energy crisis of 2022 to 2024 presented many households with immense challenges. VERBUND responded by increasing the fund by an additional €5 million and also supported the "Funken Wärme" campaign organised by Caritas and the Kronenzeitung newspaper with €100,000 per year. Thanks to these measures, it was possible to provide even more help during the crisis years.

Solidarity as the key to success

Tödtling-Musenbichler emphasises the importance of cooperation: "The solidarity shown by Austrians is remarkable. The support from companies like VERBUND, but also from volunteers and private donations, shows how strongly the community sticks together in difficult times."

Michael Strugl, CEO of VERBUND, emphasises the relevance of the initiative: "For 15 years, the VERBUND Electricity Assistance Fund has been helping people at risk of energy poverty. ... With the Electricity Assistance Fund, together with Caritas Austria, we have found an instrument that provides proven help - regardless of their energy provider - wherever help is needed: With bridging payments for energy bills, swapping to more efficient appliances and energy counselling. Thanks to the Caritas team for the many years of partnership."

A proven model for the future

The collaboration between VERBUND and Caritas is an impressive example of how long-term partnerships can provide sustainable support. In times of growing social and economic challenges, the VERBUND Electricity Assistance Fund remains an indispensable instrument for helping the families affected.

#schongenial what has been achieved here together over the last 15 years.

It's nice to see so many positive things:
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