Vorarlberg businesses protest illwerke vkw expansion

Twelve private companies in the photovoltaic and electrical sectors are protesting the expansion of the state-owned energy group illwerke vkw in Vorarlberg, Austria. The businesses argue that the state corporation's entry into their specific business fields creates unfair competition and places additional pressure on private enterprises already struggling with a weak construction market.

Andreas Müller, representing a photovoltaic provider, warned that the expansion could lead to a loss of orders and jobs. He criticized the contradiction in political leadership, noting that while politicians praise the achievements and apprenticeship programs of local craftsmen, they simultaneously compete against them through the state-owned group.

Following a meeting three months ago with State Governor Markus Wallner that yielded no concrete results, the affected companies are organizing to seek further discussions with the Governor and support from the Economic Chamber. The tension follows illwerke vkw's recent move to fully acquire the photovoltaic company DOMA, a process registered with the Federal Competition Authority in July 2026.