Forget about ironing, turn off the oven and take a shower at work. Europeans they are trying to cut down on energy consumption, but electricity bills are getting more and more inflated.

How wholesale natural gas prices and his electric increased dramatically, millions of people in Europe now spend a very large proportion of their income on energy.

In the town Grimsby east england, Philip Keatley he didn’t even turn on his house fan when Britain melted in the heat this summer. A look at his bank account explains why. “The cost of living has increased, and yet we will have to survive on the money that we had when there was no crisis … Either I will be warm, or I will eat,” he explained.

Citizens and others European countries voluntarily trying to save, cut consumption, as gas, electricity and fuel prices skyrocketed due to the war in Ukrainesanctions in Russia and its consequences COVID-19 pandemic.

The price of gas in Europe rose by 550% within 12 months. The cost of energy for British consumers will rise by 80% since October, as the regulator announced today Ofgem. On average, households will pay annually 3549 pounds (about 4200 euros) on the accounts.

European governments rushed support consumersbut the facts show that this assistance did not change anything.

This winter, the British will spend an average of 10% of income them for natural gas, electricity and other fuels for their heating and movement (mainly oil and diesel).

According to his calculations, this figure is twice as high as in 2021. carbon brief based on official data. This means that the current energy crisis is more serious than those of decades ago. 1970 and his 1980.

oil embargo oil-producing countries and the Iranian revolution in 1979 caused power outages and long lines at gas stations in the West. In the midst of this crisis 1982the British spent them 9.3% of their income to cover their electricity bills.

British charity National Energy Action (National Energy Action – NEA) estimates that 8.9 million UK households they will face the specter of energy poverty after October – they faced this problem last year 4.5 million households.

Energy poverty is defined as the situation of a low-income household and spend 10% or even more than that income to meet his energy needs, according to the NEA and others. The term is also informally used in other European countries.

“The increase in electricity bills that we are seeing today is unprecedented,” said Mr. Peter Smithpolitical director of the NEA.

Food or heating?

Keatley lost his job in April and is currently living on a growth allowance. 600 pounds (about 710 euros) per month. He gives half of the money for rent, and covers his basic needs with the rest.

He now eats one meal a day, but although he has kept his energy intake to a minimum, fifteen% his money goes into the accounts.

According to a survey conducted Trust in financial justice.