Energy crisis has Europeans rationing power. Here’s what they’re doing
Global News
In Europe's biggest economy, Germany, household gas bills more than doubled in July from 2021, data from prices portal Check24 showed.
No more ironing, limited oven use and showering at work – Europeans are trying to keep their energy use down but the bills keep climbing.
As wholesale gas and electricity prices surge, millions of people in Europe are now spending a record amount of their income on energy, data shows.
In the east England town of Grimsby, Philip Keetley didn’t turn on his cooling fan at home as Britain sweltered under a record heat-wave this summer.
A look at his bank account showed he couldn’t afford to.
“The cost of living has increased and yet you’re still expected to live on the money provided for when there wasn’t a crisis … I either can have my heating on or eat,” Keetley said.
Citizens in other European countries too are voluntarily taking action to cut consumption as gas, electricity and fuel prices sky-rocket due to war in Ukraine, sanctions on Russia and the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
The benchmark European gas price has soared 550 per cent in the past 12 months. The cost of energy for British consumers will rise by 80 per cent from October, regulator Ofgem said on Friday, taking average annual household bills to 3,549 pounds (US$4,188).
European governments have rushed to offer aid, but data shows the assistance hasn’t made a significant difference to households.
