Over 11,000 Applications Submitted for Austria's New Household Appliance Repair Subsidy

The Austrian government has launched a new initiative, the "Geräte-Retter-Prämie," which offers subsidies for the repair of household electrical appliances. This scheme replaces the previous "Reparaturbonus" and aims to encourage the repair and continued use of domestic devices, reducing electronic waste and supporting sustainability efforts.

Since its implementation earlier this week, the program has seen significant uptake, with 11,752 applications for repair vouchers submitted via the official website. Of these, 3,498 vouchers have already been redeemed, indicating strong early interest from the public in accessing financial support for appliance repairs.

The subsidy is available to residents who wish to repair a variety of household electrical devices, including washing machines, refrigerators, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, and cordless drills. The program also extends support to the repair of essential medical equipment for home care, such as wheelchairs, nursing beds, ventilators, and blood pressure monitors. The scheme covers 50 percent of the repair costs, up to a maximum of 130 euros per device. Additionally, the cost of obtaining repair estimates is subsidized up to 30 euros.

It is important to note that the new program has narrowed the range of eligible items compared to its predecessor. Repairs for bicycles, including e-bikes, as well as mobile phones and certain luxury, wellness, and entertainment devices, are no longer eligible for financial support under this scheme. This adjustment reflects a targeted focus on essential household and medical appliances.

Applications and voucher redemptions are processed exclusively through the official online platform, ensuring transparency and streamlined administration. The government anticipates that the program will not only promote resource conservation and waste reduction but also provide economic benefits by supporting local repair businesses.

The early response to the "Geräte-Retter-Prämie" suggests a strong public interest in repairing rather than replacing defective appliances. This aligns with broader environmental objectives and supports Austria's commitment to sustainable consumption practices. The program will continue to monitor and report on participation rates and outcomes as it progresses.