Everyday from the world: Italians are already lowering the temperature of their homes in the midst of an energy crisis. A country dependent on Russia is now rapidly looking for new energy sources, writes ‘s Italian journalist Jenna Vehviläinen.
ROME I don’t think I will ever freeze as much as in Italy in the winter.
Although the climate is relatively mild in winter, homes are buzzing. The reason is the poor insulation of the houses.
I myself have gotten used to the cold-humid interior. During my college days in Florence, the temperature in my home dropped so low in January that I slept in wool socks on my leg and wrapped in a scarf under a blanket for several weeks.
In Milan, my family home used to sit in the living room in a warm bathrobe with clothes on, and still always freeze. To go into the shower, I first heat the bathroom for ten minutes with a heat fan.
So it has been a warm home for Italians a distant dream or an expensive investment even before the price of energy would shoot up last year.
A year ago, electricity in Italy cost 20 cents per kilowatt hour, now its price has risen to 46 cents.
An acquaintance told me last week that his four-person family had an electricity and gas bill of a thousand euros in February – despite having moderately warmed his home.
In fact, in November, I adjusted the temperature of my home two degrees lower than last year to avoid astronomical declines. Wool socks and a beanie have been heavily used inside, and I still write this text with my fingers on the ice.
When Russia attacked In Ukraine in the second week, a Europe dependent on imported energy panicked.
– We have made a mistake, we are dependent on imported energy. Now is the time to make a plan to increase energy security, said the minister responsible for the green transition Roberto Cingolani.
The Italian Government immediately started negotiations (you switch to another service) increasing gas imports in the event of a disruption of supplies from Russia. Foreign minister Luigi Di Maio visited Algeria last week, which brings Italy the second most gas after Russia. Italy is also negotiating with Azerbaijan.
Decision makers are also talking about a faster transition to renewable energy.
And even if they were enough, change will not be a matter of turn. According to Minister Cingolan, revolutionary changes in the country’s energy structure will be achieved in maybe two years.
Fortunately, spring would seem to be at the door, and in a couple of months, heating will no longer be needed. Next winter, Italians dare not think yet.
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