La light rise it is one of the problems that is keeping us awake. More and more Spaniards have to close down their small and medium businesses because they cannot afford the expenses. But in the case of families, dealing with increases while the salary remains fixed (and that if you have a salary and a job) seems more like an odyssey.
But why has the light turned up? Does it affect us all equally? What if it doesn't stop climbing? Are there ways to save? If you need to understand all the problems of the rise of the light, below we try to give you the information you need.
Why does the light go up
One of the questions that many people throw their hands to the head with the rise of the light is why this happens. It must be borne in mind that electrical energy is the main source worldwide, and that not having opted for renewable energies is taking its toll on us, especially since they are not sufficiently established or developed to be able to supply the entire world.
But one of the main reasons for this increase that is drowning more and more people is the natural gas revaluation that has been produced in international markets. To give you an idea, in TFF, which is the main European natural gas market, it registered a price of 25 euros / MWh in May. It doesn't seem like much, but if we tell you that this price represents an increase of 400% compared to last year, things change.
But it is not the only reason why the light is going up by leaps and bounds. Another "culprit" is CO2. Because the prices that have to be paid for CO2 emissions have risen (we are talking about an increase of 100% in six months), the cost of electricity has skyrocketed even more. Putting figures, if before 25-30 euros were paid, now 50-55 euros are paid. And worst of all, it is expected to go even higher.
La high demand from each userEither in summer with the air conditioning, or in winter with the heating, it also increases the price. And it is that energy is becoming a privileged asset that only a few will be able to pay to continue like this. For this reason, since there is a high demand for it, the companies themselves make the price more expensive, which is why it is paid even more expensive.
Is Spain where electricity costs the most?
Although this information will not alleviate the burden of the electricity bill, you should know that Spain is not the country where electricity is most expensive. Specifically, we are talking about the fifth country.
According to data from the European statistical agency, Eurostat, the country whose energy is the most expensive in Europe is Germany. However, this must be taken with a grain of salt because the data to prepare this scale have only had as a reference the data for the second half of 2020, not the enormous increases in light that are being experienced in 2021 and that can make the result in a few months will be completely different than it is now.
Who is affected by the rise of light
The new electricity rate came into effect on June 1, 2021 and has completely changed our lifestyle to adapt to consuming electricity only at the cheapest hours, that is, from 00,00:08,00 to 08,00:10,00 , 14,00 hours (called valley section), and from 18,00 to 10,00 and from 14,00 to 18,00 (flat section); while avoiding at all costs the use of light from 22,00 am to XNUMX pm and from XNUMX pm to XNUMX pm. Something very difficult to accomplish.
But does the rise of light affect everyone equally? The truth is that no. Right now, and according to the data that have been coming out, It only affects 11 million homes, those that are covered by the Voluntary Price for the Small Consumer (PVPC). What's that? Well, it is the hourly electricity rate that the Government regulates.
This does not mean that the rest is free and that it does not have that raise. Sooner or later (and much earlier than you might think), the rise in electricity will also affect those with free market rates since the traders offer offers and prices and these are becoming more expensive over time.
Although a user can choose between different rates, be it stable price, hourly discrimination, flat rate or personalized, it is the companies that can determine the price.
In other words, in the end we will all be affected by the rise of the light. The only advantage for now is that free market rates appear to be not going up that much (for now).
How to save with the rise of light
Now that you know a little more about why many are drowning with the rise of light, is there anything we can do? Well the truth is that yes.
Change lifestyles before the rise of light
You have to try to save as much as possible on the electricity bill, which implies trying do everything we must in the valley and plain sections, which are the cheapest.
We know that for businesses, shops, etc. It is not something viable, especially since the business hours are from 9 a.m. to 14 p.m. and from 16 p.m. to 21 p.m., with which they catch the hours in which electricity is most expensively paid.
But at a particular level, you can try to use the weekends to put washing machines, dryers, make meals, etc. in such a way that, on a day-to-day basis, less is consumed.
Change the bulbs for led lights
Not only will they last longer, but they will also consume little. In this way, activating a switch that turns on the light will not cost you so much.
Make the most of natural light
In Spain natural light is an asset that we take little advantage of. So it's time for that to change. There are many hours of daylight in which you can make your house heat up to put less time on the heating in winter.
And in summer? You can invest to keep heat out of your home and use tricks to prevent the cool in your home from escaping without having to turn on fans or air conditioning.
Check the electricity rate and your company
If you notice that you pay too much, Why not change your rate and / or company? You can choose different companies that will provide you with different rates.
Do not leave the appliances on stand by
Everything that you do not use daily, or that you only use occasionally, is better than you unplug it because, even without using it, it will be consuming energy and that implies that it will be reflected in your invoice.
Likewise, always opt for efficient appliances that consume little. Yes, they are going to be more expensive, but it is the best investment you can have right now.
Can you tell us any more tricks you can do? What do you think of the rise of light?