Brescia businesses face up to 50% surge in energy costs

Businesses in the Brescia province, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, have faced significant increases in energy costs following the summer season. According to estimates from Confesercenti Lombardia Orientale, electricity bills for many local activities rose by over 40% compared to the previous summer, with increases approaching 50% for hotels and restaurants.

Specific financial impacts include an estimated increase of approximately 4,000 euros for a medium-sized hotel with 45 rooms, representing a 48.5% rise. Restaurants saw an estimated increase of about 1,000 euros (47.6%), while bars experienced a rise of roughly 550 euros (44%).

This local trend aligns with broader national data. Preliminary Istat estimates indicate that Italian inflation rose to 3.3% annually in August, up from 2.9% in July. The surge is largely driven by energy prices; regulated energy costs rose from 14.8% in July to 18.8% in August. Nationally, Confesercenti and Gruppo Innova estimate that Italian commerce, hospitality, and catering businesses incurred approximately 870 million euros in additional energy costs between June and August.