household bills

Economy

How do regional disparities in housing costs vary across Europe?

Regional disparities in housing costs as a share of disposable income vary widely across countries. While the UK has the largest gap, it also includes some of the regions with the lowest cost proportions.

04/01/2025

Europe News

EU puts billion-tonne carbon cap on buildings and road transport

The European Commission has set the volume of emissions allowances to be auctioned in the first year of a potentially controversial scheme that could push up fuel prices.

04/12/2024

Eco-Innovation

How do heat pumps work? 5 common myths debunked

Around 24 million heat pumps have been installed in Europe so far - here’s why they work well in different countries and conditions.

24/11/2024

Economy

Low-income Europeans facing hard times over housing cost struggle

ECB research shows that more than one-fourth of low-income households expect late payments on their mortgages in the coming months.

22/04/2024

Economy

UK consumers struggle with bills despite easing housing costs

Housing costs are well past last summer’s peak, although affordability issues continue to hamper the UK market.

10/04/2024

Business

Thames Water in danger of sinking as investors refuse to pay up

Thames Water could potentially be nationalised, as the company sinks deeper into debt and investors describe it as "uninvestable".

28/03/2024

Green News

Severe drought in Tunisia has led to more expensive drinking water

Tourist facilities and excessive consumers will be hit hardest by price increases.

04/03/2024

Eco-Innovation

India makes it easier to install rooftop solar panels on homes

India last year became the world's most populous nation, with 1.4 billion people and a hunger for energy that is rising fast.

22/02/2024

Eco-Innovation

Will a heat pump save you money? It depends on your home, experts say

Is your home ‘heat pump ready’? Here's why careful costing is essential before installing the green tech.

23/12/2023

Economy

Where in Europe are people the most financially literate?

A new report suggests many adults lack the skills needed to understand and navigate challenging financial situations.

18/12/2023

Economy

Health and wealth: Where in Europe are medical bills driving poverty?

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that millions of people in Europe are struggling to pay their medical bills.

13/12/2023

Economy

Using energy at the right time can save Europe €10.5 billion a year

You could save 7% on your electricity bill by 2030 - and 10% by 2050 - in the EU and the UK if you tweak your consumption habits, according to a new study. Here’s how to get there.

21/11/2023

Eco-Innovation

Why is sun-blessed Sicily turning against solar?

The island's governor threatened to stop approving new solar plants until Sicily receives some special benefits.

07/05/2023

Climate

Europeans' need for air con at home soars by 170% in 40 years

European land temperatures have increased more than the global average, with big consequences for our energy use at home.

06/12/2022

Money

How are European countries helping people pay their energy bills?

Countries are stepping up to help their citizens pay the bills this winter, when households are expected to bear the brunt of the energy crisis.

26/10/2022

Home

Prepayment meters are making a comeback amid the energy crisis

We take a look at the pros and cons of prepayment energy meters - and why more people are likely to turn to them this winter.

25/10/2022

Green News

UK households offered discounts for off-peak energy use

The National Grid says that homes could get paid like ‘virtual power plants’ for avoiding energy use during peak times.

21/10/2022

Home

These are the most expensive, energy-hungry appliances in your home

We take a look at how energy is used in a typical household, which appliances use the most power, and how much this could be costing you.

02/10/2022

Green News

‘Warm spaces’ are being set up to help vulnerable Brits through winter

Martin Lewis has helped advise on how UK libraries, councils and others can provide for people facing unfeasible energy bills.

23/09/2022

Portugal

Portuguese ceramic industry takes a dent as energy crisis looms

Gas and electricity bills have skyrocketed in Portugal. And many tilemakers and sellers are struggling to see concrete solutions

13/09/2022