Austrians Remain Ill-Equipped for Power Outages
Prepared, Yet Unprepared? Austrians and Their Blackout Readiness
Blackout scenarios, like the one recently experienced in Spain, would leave most Austrians caught off-guard, as vividly depicted in books and films such as "Blackout" by Marc Elsberg. A recent survey by Real Estate Yield AG paints a picture of Austrian preparedness and willingness to spend on emergency essentials.
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Surprisingly, 9% consider blackout as a conspiracy theory. The survey found that nearly half (48%) of respondents aged 16 to 75 have privately or at work prepared for a blackout by keeping candles, emergency food, and water supplies, and a third possess a battery radio. 11% have photovoltaic panels and 9% have water purification equipment and tablets. Interestingly, 7% have even enrolled in self-defense courses or have weapons at home in case of unrest, while 5% have a camping toilet for emergencies. Shockingly, about a quarter (25%) have taken no preventive measures whatsoever.
46% of respondents are willing to save on their heating expenses. The pain threshold for energy costs (heating & electricity) stands at 213 euros per month.
46% trimming the winter warmth budgetAs frozen temperatures begin to take hold, energy costs are on the rise yet again. Despite the financial strain, nearly half (46%) of Austrians are determined to economize on their winter heating bill. "According to our survey from last year, this figure represents only a 2% decrease from the 48% who were similarly cost-conscious in 2023," remarks Michael Rajtora, CEO of Real Estate Yield AG.
The younger the respondents, the higher the sacrifice for warmth, with 61% of young Austrians prepared to forgo cozy homes to save money. Savings-mindedness is notably higher in Vienna (63%) and more prominent among lower-income households (59%). The average monthly budget limit for heating and electricity stands at 213 euros.
While Austria boasts a highly secure electricity supply system, the recent surge in energy costs might leave many homes feeling chilly this winter. With the government emphasizing blackout preparedness and a comprehensive military readiness in the event of emergencies, it seems Austrians stand prepared yet unprepared for potential blackout scenarios.
- Nearly half of Austrians are willing to save on their heating expenses, with the pain threshold for energy costs standing at 213 euros per month.
- The younger the respondents, the higher the sacrifice for warmth, with 61% of young Austrians prepared to forgo cozy homes to save money.
- Savings-mindedness is notably higher in Vienna (63%) and more prominent among lower-income households (59%).
- Despite the emphasis on blackout preparedness by the government and a secure electricity supply system, a quarter of Austrians have taken no preventive measures whatsoever, and 9% consider blackouts a conspiracy theory.
