Speaking in Kaposvár at the inauguration of the Hungarian electricity and natural gas provider MVM’s new office in Kaposvár, State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy Zsófia Koncz emphasized that Hungarian citizens have been enjoying the lowest electricity and gas prices in the European Union since the introduction of the cost-cutting measures in 2013. Koncz acknowledged the challenges posed by the outbreak of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict in 2022 and the subsequent surge in energy prices due to what she called ‘misguided Brussels responses.’ These price hikes placed additional strain on municipalities, which also required assistance from the central government.
Nevertheless, Koncz highlighted, Hungary has managed to maintain its commitment to price reduction and energy cost protection.
She pointed out that Hungary faces continuous criticism as a result,
with the latest report from the European Commission attacking the energy price reduction policy. But safeguarding Hungarian interests remains a constant priority of the government, she stressed.
Koncz underlined the significant role of the MVM Group in energy cost protection and supply. Working in close collaboration with the government, the company ensures that Hungarian citizens have access to affordable energy. She also emphasized the importance of customer service, noting that despite the growing popularity of digital interactions, many still rely on MVM’s application, and this is especially the case during an energy crisis.
The MVM Group is actively developing ten additional offices throughout Hungary to better serve its customers and ensure efficiency. In closing, Koncz encouraged citizens to use digital channels for their transactions whenever possible.
Local officials, including Kaposvár Mayor Károly Szita and Fidesz-KDNP MP Attila Gelencsér, expressed their gratitude to the government for its handling of the energy crisis. The officials highlighted the significant price increases in gas and electricity and praised the government’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict on energy costs.
CEO of the MVM Group Károly Mátrai shared that the kaposvár branch handles 15-20 thousand customer inquiries annually, with the majority related to natural gas and some to electricity. He stressed the company’s commitment to providing a 21st-century environment for customer service, aiming to be a partner in addition to a utility provider, offering energy efficiency advice and related services. Additionally, he encouraged customers to utilize digital channels for their transactions as much as possible.
Despite the sanctions and the war driving up energy prices,
the Hungarian measures to combat inflation and price increases are undeniably working.
While EU countries scramble to look for new avenues to import electricity and gas, the Hungarian plans and contracts have managed to keep energy prices at affordable levels for citizens. Although the government had to introduce a limit on how much discounted utility usage is allowed per household in the country, reports have shown that most households are able to stay below that limit. Thus, Hungarians still pay a fraction of the utility prices that are being charged in other EU capitals.
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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/MVM Group/MTI
