A recent survey conducted by Ipsos for ČEZ has unveiled a noteworthy trend in the Czech Republic, where households are proactively adopting energy-saving measures in response to concerns over escalating energy prices. This surge in energy-conscious behavior is a direct result of the fears shared by nearly half of the respondents in a September survey regarding further price hikes.

The Ipsos research has revealed that a significant 80% of the households surveyed are actively planning and implementing diverse methods to conserve energy. These strategies range from replacing energy-intensive appliances and bulbs with more efficient alternatives to making structural modifications to their residences. A striking aspect of this trend is that some families are prepared to invest over 50,000 Czech crowns in these energy-saving endeavors, with the expectation of receiving state subsidies to offset their expenses.

Michal Straka, an analyst from Ipsos, noted that the majority of individuals are not contemplating extreme measures like lowering the temperature within their homes to a minimum. Instead, the situation appears to be stabilizing, with households opting for more practical and sustainable approaches.

What’s interesting is that in January, nearly half of the surveyed households reported an increase in their energy bill installments. By August and September, this figure had dropped to slightly more than a quarter of households, with most experiencing an increase of up to 500 Czech crowns per month.

Notably, over 60% of households reported last year that a further rise in energy prices would compel them to significantly curtail leisure activities. However, by the end of the third quarter of this year, this percentage had decreased to less than 40%, indicating a growing resilience to energy cost fluctuations.

It is essential to recognize that this survey was conducted prior to the Energy Regulatory Office (ERÚ) proposing a substantial increase in the regulated part of energy prices. Currently, this regulated component constitutes approximately 40% of the final price for households and about 20% for gas.

In response to the situation, Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) has reassured the public that energy prices for the coming year will increase by a maximum of single-digit percentages. He attributes this moderation to the decline in the commercial component of energy costs, offering some relief to households grappling with the challenges of managing their energy expenses in the face of global energy price fluctuations.

Article by Prague Forum