Austria's largest electricity producer Verbund has introduced security measures to combat the effects of the Covid-19 virus, it said late March 17. It has 131 hydropower plants and two thermal plants to manage and is also in exclusive talks with OMV about purchasing a stake in the national gas transmission system.

CEO Wolfgang Anzengruber said: “Our employees know about the great responsibility that they have. Electricity remains the most important pillar of our modern life and must be secured accordingly. That is our main task in the current situation."

He said Verbund's employees were made aware of the risks of Covid-19 transmission at an early stage. Specialist personnel at the power stations are segregated and teams are split up. In order to avoid unnecessary contacts, autonomous “work islands” have been created at the power plants, which are operated by remote control. Customer platforms and electricity deliveries are also run smoothly, it said.

Verbund said it "will not cancel any customers for payment arrears during this challenging period until further notice. Customers are only reminded of arrears in payment, their energy supply is ensured by Verbund until further notice."