Electricity bills are expected to increase by 18,2% in the first quarter of 2025, as announced by ARERA. This increase will affect approximately 3,4 million users, including those over 75, social bonus recipients, disabled people, and those living in emergency housing units. Despite the increase, annual spending for those served under "enhanced protection" will amount to €523, a 2,1% decrease from €534 the previous year.
Causes of the Increase
The increase in bills is mainly attributed to the end-of-year gas rally, coinciding with the expiration of the methane transit contract between Russia and Ukraine. The Energy Authority reports the “persistence of geopolitical tensions in some strategic areas” and the “seasonal rise in wholesale electricity prices”. Gas futures contracts in Amsterdam saw a 4,3% increase to 47,7 euros per MWh.
Inventory situation
As of December 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out renewing the deal with Moscow, while winter temperatures are eroding gas supplies in the European Union, which have fallen below 75%.
Currently, Italian reserves stand at 80,5%, while German ones are at 82,19%. Despite the tensions, some experts do not rule out a possible agreement between Russia and Ukraine, given the importance of Russian gas, which still represents 19% of European needs.
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