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Europe faces rising energy costs and climate policy delays
European citizens and businesses are facing significant economic pressure due to rising energy costs and climate change. An OECD report indicates that while extreme heat days increased by 126% between 2021 and 2025, global climate action slowed to a 1% growth rate in 2025, compared to a 10% average seen previously.
In Italy, energy price volatility is impacting vulnerable customers and small businesses. Federconsumatori reports a 9.1% increase in gas costs for vulnerable clients in October 2026, while Confartigianato notes that small Italian enterprises pay 22.1% more for electricity than the European average.
An EIB survey of 23,000 people across the EU reveals that 60% of Europeans have seen their purchasing power reduced by energy costs. In Italy, this figure is higher at 70%. To cope, many are reducing spending on food and health or modifying transportation habits.
Regarding market transitions, ARERA has announced that the Gradual Protection Service (STG) for non-vulnerable customers will expire on March 31, 2027. From April 1, 2027, the service will only exist as a last-resort measure for customers without a vendor. The transition to the free market is expected to occur without supply interruptions.
Entities
ARERA · Confartigianato · European Investment Bank · European Union · Federconsumatori · Gestore dei Mercati Energetici · Italy · OECD · Portugal
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The national single electricity price showed strong growth compared to levels at the beginning of the year. www.technoblitz.it · quotidianodifoggia.it · www.periodicodaily.com · quotidianodibari.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] From April 1, 2027, the STG will only exist as a last-resort measure for customers without a vendor. www.technoblitz.it · quotidianodifoggia.it · www.periodicodaily.com · quotidianodibari.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Gradual Protection Service (STG) will expire on March 31, 2027. www.technoblitz.it · quotidianodifoggia.it · www.periodicodaily.com · quotidianodibari.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] Electricity economic conditions for vulnerable customers increased in the fourth quarter of 2026 compared to the previous quarter. www.technoblitz.it · quotidianodifoggia.it · www.periodicodaily.com · quotidianodibari.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] Economic conditions for customers from April 1, 2027, will be based on offers received from current STG providers in December 2026. www.technoblitz.it · quotidianodifoggia.it · www.periodicodaily.com · quotidianodibari.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] The transition to the free market will occur without supply interruptions. www.technoblitz.it · quotidianodifoggia.it · www.periodicodaily.com · quotidianodibari.it
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Global climate action grew by approximately 1% in 2025. www.quotidiano.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The number of days per year with temperatures above the average increased by 126% between 2021 and 2025 compared to 1981-2010. www.quotidiano.net