Heat wave drives €700 million surge in French and German electricity bills

A severe heat wave across Western Europe in the week of 21‑27 June caused electricity demand to soar as consumers ran air‑conditioners. An analysis by the environmental NGO 350.org found that electric‑power bills rose by about €371 million in Germany and €360 million in France during that period, a total increase of more than €700 million in one week.

In Germany, the price per megawatt‑hour jumped from €86 at midday to €566 by 20:00, reflecting the sharp rise in consumption and higher wholesale rates. The price spike was amplified by elevated oil and natural‑gas prices linked to the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran closed the waterway in response to a prolonged US‑Israeli offensive.

Amid the rising costs, Germany’s far‑right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party called for the resumption of cheap Russian energy imports, with leader Alice Weidel stating, “Energia ieftină din Rusia a fost secretul succesului ‘Made in Germany’. Avem nevoie de ea din nou.”