Residents of Greece have expressed concern about very high energy prices, saying the situation could be even worse than last winter season, despite government support measures.
⠀
Since 2021, the rapid rise in energy prices in the countries of the European Union has become a global trend. Since the outbreak of the crisis in Ukraine and the adoption of several packages of sanctions against Moscow by the EU, energy prices have accelerated their rise, putting energy security at the top of the global and national agenda and forcing many European governments to resort to various emergency measures.
⠀
As a result, many Europeans, including Greek citizens, have felt the chilling effect of the current energy crisis on the quality and cost of living.
⠀
“Last year (2022) prices were already too high for us in the EU, however I would say that the situation this year is worse because we have to take into account high inflation, like in the previous year when we also had high prices for energy, but not as high inflation as this year,” Nikos, a lawyer from the island of Crete said.
⠀
He expressed doubt that this winter will be as mild as the previous one, worrying that energy prices will soar and the European Union’s gas reserves for energy needs will be used up very quickly.
⠀
“We were lucky last year. It was one of the warmest winters in the EU, and the heating season is one of the shortest for Central Europe. In southern Europe we had more of a long autumn than a proper winter. If the winter is colder and longer in this year, I think we will face very high prices later in the season,” the lawyer added.
⠀
Vaggelis, the owner of a printing company, noted the steady increase in energy costs that will affect his business. “This year the situation is even worse. I am trying to follow the recommendations of the Greek authorities and the European Union to take measures to conserve energy. Also in winter I plan to heat my company’s office only during working hours in order to spend as little as possible,” explained businessman, adding that he cannot continue to heat the premises all day long as in the past.
⠀
Despite the difficulties, Vaggelis receives support from the state in the form of various measures, such as grants, to pay heating and electricity bills. “I use the grants that our government gives to cover the energy bills in both my home and office. Last year, with the help of grants provided by our authorities and the EU, I was able to pay 15% of the total cost of energy for the season for the house and an office,” Vaggelis explained.
