Reducing electricity costs: This is how bakeries can save several thousand euros in 2026

Hardly any other cost factor is currently affecting the Austrian baking and confectionery industry as much as energy prices. Ovens, fermentation systems, cold storage rooms, freezers, kneading machines, air conditioning systems, and retail outlets require large amounts of electricity daily. Even small price differences per kilowatt-hour can therefore add up to several thousand euros over the course of a year.

A recent factsheet from the Federal Association of Trade and Industry shows that many businesses could significantly reduce their electricity costs. Besides investing in energy efficiency or participating in energy cooperatives, regularly comparing electricity tariffs is one of the simplest ways to sustainably reduce ongoing operating costs.

Bakeries and confectioneries in particular should take a close look at their existing supply contracts. While raw material prices are often only partially controllable, the electricity market frequently offers potential for savings. This analysis is based on calculations by the German Energy Institute (Energieinstitut der Wirtschaft) as well as data from E-Control and the European statistical office Eurostat.

Comparing tariffs is the first step towards cost reduction.

For businesses with an annual electricity consumption of up to 100,000 kilowatt hours , E-Control provides a commercial tariff calculator . It compares electricity offers including energy prices, network costs, taxes and levies, and immediately shows potential savings.

For the comparison, only the postal code and annual consumption are required. Optionally, further details about the load profile can be added, making the calculation even more accurate. Switching energy suppliers is usually straightforward, as the new supplier typically handles the cancellation of the contract with the previous provider.

This is how the tariff change works

1. Check your current electricity supply contract regarding its duration and notice period.
2. Have your annual consumption and meter point number ready.
3. Enter data into the E-Control commercial tariff calculator.
4. Compare offers including potential savings.
5. Select a suitable tariff and switch suppliers.

Practical examples demonstrate the potential for savings.

The Federal Association of Trade and Industry analyzed several real-world commercial enterprises. The results show that switching tariffs can result in savings of between approximately 13 and over 20 percent, depending on consumption and location.

Although the food example used in the tariff calculator comes from a butcher shop, the results can be applied to many energy-intensive bakeries. The decisive factor is electricity consumption, not the industry. Anyone who regularly operates ovens, refrigeration equipment, and production facilities can benefit from similar savings potential.

Why bakeries can particularly benefit

Bakeries' electricity demand is spread throughout the entire day. Even in the early morning hours, kneading machines, fermentation systems, and refrigeration equipment are running. During the day, sales outlets, air conditioning, and other production steps are added to the mix. This results in consistently high consumption, where even a price difference of just a few cents per kilowatt-hour can have a significant impact on annual costs.

Regular price comparisons should therefore be an integral part of operational cost management. A renewed market analysis is particularly worthwhile after the expiration of fixed prices or bonus promotions.

SME energy price check: The right tool for larger bakeries

While the commercial tariff calculator is designed for businesses with an annual consumption of up to 100,000 kilowatt hours, the E-Control's SME energy price check is aimed at companies with higher energy demands. This includes many medium-sized and larger bakeries, production facilities, and companies with multiple branches.

The SME energy price check allows companies with an annual consumption of more than 100,000 kilowatt hours of electricity or more than 400,000 kilowatt hours of gas to compare their own energy price with the prices of other companies of similar size and comparable consumption behavior.

Comparison based on real consumption data

For the evaluation, monthly statements or annual consumption data, the agreed energy price in cents per kilowatt-hour, the contract year, as well as the industry and type of business are required. Based on this information, E-Control assigns the business to a corresponding load profile group and compares it with similar companies.

The results do not constitute a price recommendation. Rather, they show whether your electricity price is in line with comparable businesses or whether there is significant potential for savings. Since production processes and load profiles differ between industries, individual contracts may deviate considerably from statistical averages.

Practical example: Viennese bakery with an annual consumption of 200,000 kilowatt hours

As a concrete example, the factsheet analyzes a Viennese bakery with an annual electricity consumption of 200,000 kilowatt hours. During the period under review, the business paid an energy price of 9.75 cents, or 97.5 euros, per megawatt hour.

Compared to the Austrian average, this price was 27.7 percent below the national average for businesses in this consumption class. At the same time, the agreed energy price was also below the EU-27 average.

This example impressively demonstrates that well-negotiated supply contracts can yield significant cost advantages. Especially in energy-intensive bakeries, price differences of just a few cents per kilowatt-hour can quickly add up to several thousand euros per year.

Load profile is a key factor

Bakeries have a very specific energy consumption profile. Ovens, fermentation systems, cold storage rooms, freezers, kneading machines, and conveyor systems are already running during the night and early morning hours. During the day, branches, retail outlets, refrigerated display cases, and air conditioning systems are added to the mix.

This means that the load profile differs significantly from that of many other commercial enterprises. The SME energy price check takes these differences into account and assigns companies to comparable consumer groups.

Austria in European comparison

In addition to comparing individual contracts, Austrian electricity prices were compared to the average prices of other European countries. The data is based on information from the European statistical office Eurostat. Only the pure energy prices are compared, excluding network costs, taxes, and levies.

Austria is above the EU average.

In all consumption groups considered, Austrian energy prices in 2025 were above the EU-27 average.

For many bakeries, the medium consumption group is particularly relevant. An annual consumption of 200,000 kilowatt hours corresponds to 200 megawatt hours and therefore falls precisely into this category.

Comparison with Germany

Austrian energy prices were also higher than those in Germany across all consumer groups.

For Austrian bakeries, this means that German competitors can sometimes produce more cheaply in terms of pure energy prices.

Comparison with Italy

The comparison with Italy paints a different picture. Austrian energy prices were below the Italian average.

Spain as a cheap comparison country

The biggest differences are evident when compared with Spain. There, average energy prices were significantly lower than in Austria.

Particularly in the consumption range of 20 to 499 megawatt hours, which is relevant for many bakeries, Austrian average prices were more than 40 percent higher than the corresponding Spanish prices. The analysis clearly shows that regular price comparisons and proactive contract negotiation can be economically advantageous for Austrian bakeries.

Real contract data shows large differences.

In addition to the average values from the Eurostat database, the factsheet also analyzes specific electricity supply contracts of Austrian companies. The analysis makes it clear that actual energy prices can deviate considerably from the statistical average, depending on the contract model, the time of conclusion, and the tariff.

This finding is particularly important for bakeries and confectioneries. While average values provide a guideline, the individually negotiated electricity supply contract ultimately determines the actual energy costs. Even a difference of just a few cents per kilowatt-hour can add up to considerable additional or reduced costs for annual consumption of several hundred thousand kilowatt-hours.

Smaller businesses with less than 20 megawatt hours

For smaller businesses, the Federal Division of Trade and Industry analyzed the electricity contract of a Viennese carpentry workshop with an annual consumption of approximately 7,000 kilowatt hours. The same business was examined at two different points in time during the year 2025.

Within just a few months, the energy price fell from €149.50 to €140.10 per megawatt hour. This example shows how drastically prices can change even within the same contract year.

The most important consumer group for bakeries

Many artisanal and medium-sized bakeries fall within the consumption range of 20 to 499 megawatt hours per year. Several of the practical examples evaluated in the factsheet also fall into this range.

The Viennese bakery example demonstrates the potential

The Viennese example is particularly interesting for the baking and confectionery trade. With an annual consumption of 200,000 kilowatt hours, the operation is comparable in size to many medium-sized bakeries with their own production facilities and several retail outlets.

The agreed energy price was €97.50 per megawatt hour, significantly below the Austrian average for this consumption class. Compared to the national average, this represented a price advantage of 27.7 percent. The contract was also below the EU-27 average.

This example shows that professional procurement and a favorable contract timing can have a direct impact on competitiveness.

Flexible tariffs can offer price advantages.

The analyzed examples also show how drastically energy prices can change within just a few months. Particularly significant price decreases were observed for flexible tariffs in 2025.

In the analyzed carpentry workshop, the energy price fell from €155.40 to €78.90 per megawatt hour. The price also decreased in the plastics processing industry, from €165.00 to €124.20 per megawatt hour.

Such developments make it clear that not only the supplier, but also the timing of the contract and the chosen tariff model can have a significant impact on energy costs.

Bakeries need a long-term procurement strategy.

Ovens, refrigeration systems, cold storage facilities, proofing cabinets, and air conditioning systems generate a consistently high electricity demand. At the same time, many businesses operate multiple production shifts or supply a branch network. This results in load profiles that differ significantly from those of other commercial enterprises.

Bakeries and confectioneries are therefore advised to regularly review their existing supply contracts. In addition to the energy price, contract durations, fixed prices, switching bonuses, and any renewal clauses should be carefully analyzed. A favorable contract can significantly reduce production costs over several years.

The data basis of the factsheet

For the evaluation, the Federal Division of Trade and Industry provided real business data from various sectors. This formed the basis for the tariff calculator, the SME energy price check, and the comparison with the Eurostat database.

Relief measures are intended to support businesses in 2026.

In addition to regular tariff comparisons, government measures also influence companies' electricity costs. Several European countries have relieved the burden on their businesses through lower electricity taxes, reduced levies, or direct subsidies. Austria, too, will rely on several instruments in 2026 to lower energy costs for companies.

The factsheet from the Federal Division of Trade and Industry distinguishes between direct subsidies and general political measures such as tax relief or price supports, which have a direct impact on the electricity price level.

Austria reduces the electricity tax

Austrian companies will continue to benefit from a reduced electricity tax in 2026. The standard tax rate of 1.50 cents per kilowatt-hour has been lowered by 45.3 percent to 0.82 cents per kilowatt-hour until the end of 2026.

This will also provide relief for bakeries and confectioneries. At the same time, a European comparison shows that Austria remains above the EU minimum tax rate.

According to calculations by the Federal Division of Trade and Industry, a commercial enterprise with an annual consumption of 36,800 kilowatt hours would save approximately 533 euros more than the regular Austrian tax rate if only the European minimum tax rate for business use were charged.

EAG contributions are also decreasing.

In addition, companies will benefit from lower subsidies under the Renewable Energy Expansion Act in 2026. Since a lower funding requirement was identified for 2026, these cost components will be significantly reduced.

According to calculations by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism, for example, a commercial enterprise with an annual consumption of 55,000 kilowatt hours saves around 152 euros net. This corresponds to a reduction of approximately 21 percent in this cost component.

Bakeries and confectioneries also benefit from this measure. Due to their often higher electricity consumption, the absolute savings can be correspondingly greater.

Energy price crisis mechanism should take effect automatically

On May 27, 2026, the Council of Ministers approved the so-called electricity energy price crisis mechanism. Its aim is to automatically provide relief to households and businesses when electricity prices rise exceptionally sharply.

A uniform subsidy per kilowatt-hour consumed is planned for businesses. This will be processed directly through the electricity bill and therefore will not require a separate application process.

The mechanism should be activated when several conditions are met simultaneously.

At the time of publication of the factsheet, the specific details regarding the amount of the subsidy were still unclear. The Federal Association of Trade and Industry is therefore calling for swift clarification and automatic, and ideally unbureaucratic, implementation.

Germany is committed to permanently lower electricity taxes.

Germany takes a different approach. There, manufacturing companies with an annual consumption of 12,500 kilowatt hours or more benefit permanently from a reduced electricity tax.

The standard electricity tax is 2.05 cents per kilowatt hour. After the refund, the actual burden for eligible companies drops to just 0.05 cents per kilowatt hour, thus reaching the European minimum level.

In addition, the German government will support network operators with federal funds in 2026. This is expected to reduce network costs for companies by approximately 16.1 to 26.4 percent, depending on consumption.

For export-oriented bakeries or companies competing with German competitors, this further improves the cost position of German businesses.

Italy grants direct price reductions

New relief packages for businesses have been in effect in Italy since February 2026. They reduce electricity prices directly.

Italy is thus relying on direct price reductions for companies and will gradually improve their competitiveness over several years.

Spain limits the electricity tax

Spain also reacted to high energy prices with tax relief. Until June 30, 2026, the electricity tax ("Impuesto Especial sobre la Electricidad") was capped at 0.5 percent, provided that price developments allowed for this.

This measure benefits both private households and businesses.

What significance do these measures have for bakeries?

For the Austrian baking and confectionery trade, international comparisons reveal two things: On the one hand, tax breaks and lower levies are also providing relief in Austria. On the other hand, other EU countries are pursuing measures that are sometimes significantly more extensive, such as lower electricity taxes or direct price reductions.

Bakeries, especially those with energy-intensive production processes, should therefore view government subsidies as a supplement to, not a replacement for, active energy management. The most significant factor often remains their own electricity supply contract. Regular price comparisons, suitable tariff models, and timely contract negotiations can often have a greater impact on annual energy costs than individual subsidies.

Energy costs remain a competitive factor

Ovens, refrigeration systems, proofing cabinets, and branch networks ensure that electricity costs will remain a key expense in the coming years. The factsheet from the Federal Association of Trade and Industry shows that significant savings can often be achieved through switching tariffs, comparing prices, and strategic procurement.

Those who also utilize available relief measures and regularly review existing supply contracts can sustainably strengthen their competitiveness and better cope with rising energy costs.

Appendix: Consumption classes of the Eurostat electricity price statistics

European electricity price comparisons are based on the consumption bands of the statistical office Eurostat. This allows companies with similar annual consumption to be compared. For the bakery and confectionery trade, the first three consumption classes are particularly relevant.

What Eurostat understands by the electricity price

The Eurostat data used in the factsheet relate exclusively to the "Energy and Supply" component. This includes, among other things, the costs of electricity generation, energy procurement, balancing energy, supply, and customer service.

Network charges, metering costs, VAT, national taxes, levies, and subsidies are not included. A company's actual electricity bill will therefore be higher than the energy prices shown here.

Why averages only provide a guideline

Eurostat publishes weighted national average prices. These are derived from the actual invoice prices paid by numerous companies in a country. The individual electricity suppliers are weighted according to their market share.

For individual businesses, this means: The published average is neither a price recommendation nor a guideline for a specific contract. Depending on the time of signing, tariff model, contract duration, and load profile, actual prices may deviate significantly from the average.

These cost components are not included.

The published energy prices deliberately only consider the actual energy price. The following components are not included:

• Network charges for transmission and distribution
• System usage fees
• Metering and metering costs
• VAT
• Electricity tax
• Levies to promote renewable energies
• Environmental levies and CO₂-related taxes
• Other national fees and levies

This makes it easier to compare the actual energy costs between member states, regardless of the respective national tax systems.

What data was analyzed?

The Federal Division of Trade and Industry combined several data sources for the factsheet. These include actual electricity supply contracts of Austrian companies, calculations from the commercial tariff calculator and the SME energy price check of E-Control, as well as European comparative data from the Eurostat electricity price statistics.

This combination reveals both the current market situation in Austria and the international competitive position of domestic companies.

Rising energy prices will remain a key issue for bakeries and confectioneries in 2026. However, the factsheet also clearly demonstrates that actual electricity costs can be actively influenced. Regular tariff comparisons, the use of E-Control's tools, and an analysis of your own electricity supply contract can lead to significant savings.

Businesses with an annual consumption of more than 100,000 kilowatt-hours should especially use the SME energy price check and compare their energy prices with those of similar companies. The practical example of a bakery in Vienna with an annual consumption of 200,000 kilowatt-hours illustrates that well-negotiated contracts can be significantly below the Austrian average.

In addition, there are government relief measures such as reduced electricity taxes, lower EAG contributions, and the planned energy price crisis mechanism. These can further reduce costs, but they do not replace the need to regularly review your electricity contract.

For many bakeries, energy is therefore not just a cost factor, but increasingly also a competitive factor. Those who strategically plan their energy procurement and seize market opportunities can sustainably improve the profitability of their business.

Source: Factsheet “Electricity cost reduction and electricity price comparisons in the EU – examples from trade and crafts on cost reduction for electricity”, Federal Division of Trade and Crafts, prepared by the Energy Institute of the Economy, July 2026.