With the arrival of summer and the thermometers soaring, Electricity consumption becomes one of the most relevant issues for households and the economy. High temperatures force millions of people to turn on cooling systems for longer hours, a daily gesture that has consequences both for their wallets and for the electricity grid. At the same time, this seasonal surge in consumption reveals significant inequalities in access to electricity, as well as the urgent need to advance renewable energy.
In the last months, the price of electricity has experienced a considerable rise in the wholesale market, especially in June. The causes are mainly an unusual increase in demand caused by intense heat waves and the decline in wind and hydroelectric power generation, which has given greater weight to gas-fired power plants in the national energy mix.
Rising electricity prices and climatic causes
During the month of June, The wholesale cost of electricity soared to €72,60/MWh, which represents an increase of 29,5% compared to previous months. The main reason is the increase in electricity demand, which in June rose 10,5% year-on-year and 7,4% compared to the average for the last five years. This increase is linked to a historic heat wave, with average temperatures even exceeding those typically recorded in July and August.
Most of the electricity came from solar plants (26% of the total?), although combined gas cycles reached a share close to 20%, placing themselves above nuclear energy. decline in wind power production (-27,8% year-on-year) has also contributed to this change in the mix.
The price of electricity outside of daylight hoursDuring the peak solar power generation period (102:10 a.m. to 00:18 p.m.), prices averaged €00/MWh. Forecasts indicate that these high costs could continue in July, driven by the key role of gas and the reduction in other sources.
Domestic consumption: air conditioning and fans
The increase in temperatures and the increased use of refrigeration systems This raises concerns among consumers about the efficiency and cost of various appliances. Many households are wondering whether it's better to use air conditioning or a fan, both for health reasons and the impact on their bills.
Electrical experts have recently clarified the real cost of keeping a fan on all nightFor example, if a 50-watt fan is used for eight hours a day for a month, the cost is estimated at around €0,75 per month, a figure much lower than that of other air conditioning systems. This makes it an effective and economical option to cope with the night heat without the bill skyrocketing.
The reason is that the power consumption of a fan is very low compared to air conditioning. Therefore, It can be a convenient alternative to reduce energy expenditure and maintain comfort in homes..
Global inequality in access to electricity
Despite price problems or supply cuts in some urban areas, There are still more than 666 million people in the world without basic access to electricity.The latest report from the UN and several international agencies warns that, although global access exceeds 92%, progress is slow and uneven, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where 50% of the world's population without electricity is concentrated.
This situation perpetuates the Poverty hinders education and makes it difficult to improve the quality of lifeIn addition, nearly 2.100 billion people rely on polluting forms of energy for cooking, leading to high rates of indoor air quality-related illnesses.
International financing for clean energy has grown in recent years, but it still falls far short of what is needed. Only 9,8% of this funding is provided as grants, which limits progress in the most disadvantaged countries.
Renewable transition and challenges for the energy sector
To address these challenges, the report recommends accelerate investment in renewable energy and decentralized solutions, such as off-grid solar systems and mini-grids, especially in rural areas. Per capita renewable capacity in developing countries has doubled in recent years, and there is a growing commitment to the energy transition.
In parallel, some companies and tourism sectors have opted for agreements to ensure the 100% renewable electricity supply in their facilities. The implementation of solar panels and efficient energy use are key steps toward a zero-carbon footprint and reducing emissions per stay.
The current situation regarding electrification, prices, and access in different regions shows that the energy challenge is multidimensional: it involves climatic, social, economic, and technological factors. Ensuring that everyone can turn on a light or cool their homes sustainably is an urgent task that requires global coordination and a decisive push toward renewables and efficiency.
