Italy electricity demand hits peak amid rising air conditioning costs

Extreme heat during the summer of 2026 has led to increased electricity consumption and higher utility bills for residents in Italy. On July 15, Italian electricity demand reached a yearly peak of 57,985 megawatts, a 4.6% increase compared to the peak recorded in 2025.

Estimates suggest that the duration of air conditioner use significantly impacts costs. For example, using an A+ class dual split unit for eight hours a day over three months is estimated to cost approximately 146 euros, a 4% increase from the previous year. In contrast, an A+++ rated device could reduce that cost to 74 euros. For a single inverter split unit, seasonal costs are estimated between 95 and 170 euros, while older models can range from 145 to 215 euros. Multisplit systems may exceed 400 euros for the summer season.

Technologically, multisplit systems utilize a single outdoor motor to power multiple indoor units via copper piping and refrigerant. While these systems allow for independent temperature control in different rooms, they cannot simultaneously provide heating in one room and cooling in another due to the single direction of the refrigerant cycle.