Yearly electricity expenses for households could potentially increase by up to EUR 150
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in electricity consumption patterns across German households, according to a survey conducted by the comparison portal Verivox. The survey revealed that home office work, altered leisure behaviour, and changes in cooking habits have contributed to increased electricity consumption, particularly among younger consumer groups.
During the lockdown periods, many people have been working from home, engaging in more home-based activities, and altering daily routines. These changes have led to a noticeable increase in residential electricity use, as people spend more time using devices for work, study, and entertainment.
The survey findings illustrate intergenerational differences in behaviour and consumption during the pandemic. Younger people, aged 18 to 29, have shown a more significant increase in electricity demand due to the higher usage of devices for remote work, study, and entertainment. Older adults, aged 50 to 69, have also contributed to higher residential consumption, albeit at a lower rate than younger generations.
The group aged 30 to 49 lies in between, with 42 percent reporting an increased demand for electrical energy. Among this age group, home office work and changed leisure behaviour were the primary factors contributing to increased electricity consumption.
The survey results align with analyses showing the significant effect of COVID-19 lockdowns on electricity use patterns in households and intergenerational behaviour shifts during the pandemic. However, more granular data specifically quantifying consumption changes by age group in German households was not available in the retrieved sources.
The electricity consumption in Germany during July and August was almost one percent higher than the previous year, totaling around 78 billion kilowatt-hours. Despite the overall decrease in electricity consumption in Germany in the first half of the year compared to 2019, the increase in consumption in July and August offset this decrease.
More than a third of those surveyed believe that electrical appliances in their households are being used more frequently since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis. The survey also indicated that operating a home office and cooking one more meal a day could increase electricity costs by up to 150 euros per year.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in electricity consumption patterns in German households, with younger consumer groups showing a more significant increase in demand. The survey results highlight the importance of understanding these changes to make informed decisions about energy use and consumption.
- Amidst the altered daily routines due to the pandemic, the increased use of devices for work, study, and entertainment have led to an uptick in personal-finance considerations related to electricity consumption for many home-based workers.
- As the pandemic has highlighted, sports and leisure activities outside the home have been replaced by home-based options, causing a rise in electricity demand for younger consumer groups, thus impacting personal-finance budgets associated with household energy expenses.
