"When we heard about the initiative, we were immediately convinced that our association could provide the necessary infrastructure and the right service for a successful implementation," explains Jörn Gellermann, Managing Director of ElectronicPartner Austria. More than 800 specialist dealers distributed throughout Austria, all of whom have committed themselves to a high quality promise, guarantee the competent and sustainable implementation of the project. In addition, there is the necessary modern IT infrastructure and logistics, which are provided by the ElectronicPartner headquarters.

“The challenging situation with regard to rising energy prices affects us all. However, low-income households in particular are now facing a high burden and often do not have the opportunity to purchase large, energy-saving electrical appliances. This is exactly where the project comes in,” says Jörn Gellermann. The funding program for exchanging energy guzzlers in households was started by the Ministry of Climate Protection and is being handled by the Climate and Energy Fund.

With the support of all the bodies involved - such as industrial companies, social institutions, energy consultants, climate and energy funds and the Ministry of Climate Protection - the ElectronicPartner specialist dealers who carry out the work are trained, the correct devices are selected and the targeted support of the customers is ensured even after the purchase . First of all, particularly energy-intensive devices are identified as part of needs-based consultations. If a need for replacement is identified, the climate and energy fund (with funds from the BMK) will support the acquisition costs and the device replacement in full. This includes purchase and installation as well as the professional disposal of the old product. Eligible devices range from refrigerators and freezers to dishwashers and washing machines and, in some cases, electric cookers. In addition, the energy consultants provide information about specific savings opportunities, show how bills are correctly interpreted and what to look out for when ventilating and sealing windows and doors.

Michael Hofer, Managing Director of ElectronicPartner Austria, is looking forward to the implementation: "We are proud that ElectronicPartner and thus the EP specialist dealers are allowed to implement such an important project of the climate and energy fund! We are thus laying another milestone in the direction of a green future and are not only supporting those households that are particularly affected by the high energy prices, but also regional trade!”

Further information can be found at:

• www.klimafonds.gv.at/call/energiesparen-im-Haushalt-beratung-und-geraetetausch

• www.caritas.at/energiesparberatung

Background:

More than 800 specialist dealers are active throughout Austria as local contacts with competent advice and comprehensive service for their customers. Their high-quality assortments range from entertainment and household electronics to IT, multimedia, and telecommunications products. The specialist shops are part of the ElectronicPartner Group and are therefore part of a strong association. As a result, they benefit from attractive purchase prices and a wide range of services, e.g. marketing and assortment planning. Further information at: www.ep.at