Press Release: Energy Bill Disparities Across Europe Revealed
Energy bills form a significant portion of living expenses for households across Europe, with prices differing widely by country, influenced by taxes, distribution fees, and grid usage. A recent report by the Household Energy Price Index (HEPI) highlights these disparities, particularly focusing on the share of costs attributed to distribution, also known as network charges.
As of April 2024, the percentage of electricity bills allocated to distribution ranges drastically, from as low as 11% in Nicosia to a staggering 65% in Budapest. Amsterdam, another notable city, follows closely at 60%, which would decrease to 39% if tax refunds were excluded. The EU-27 average for distribution costs stands at 28%, with Luxembourg City (46%), Podgorica (43%), and Bucharest (42%) also reporting high distribution shares.
Central and Eastern European cities commonly see shares above the EU average, while Nordic capitals like Helsinki and Stockholm reflect lower figures (17%-23%). In contrast, cities in Southern Europe, such as Athens and Rome, report some of the lowest distribution shares at 15%.
Gas distribution costs show slightly lower averages at 23%. Notable variation exists, with Kyiv at 10% and Bern at 43%. The report notes that economic and regulatory factors largely explain these differences, as local infrastructure investment and electrification demands play significant roles.
Disruption from the ongoing energy crisis, exacerbated by geopolitical events, has also shifted these figures. Support measures aimed at alleviating costs have periodically altered the landscape, illustrating the dynamic nature of energy pricing in Europe.
For a detailed overview of electricity and gas prices across Europe, including factors influencing these fluctuations, refer to the full HEPI report.
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