BEI, for 70% of Italians, high energy prices have reduced their purchasing power

Seven out of ten Italians say that the increase in energy prices has significantly reduced their purchasing power in the last 12 months. A percentage that exceeds the EU average which is 60%. And for almost one in four Italians (24%), the reduction was drastic.

At the same time, six out of ten Italians have already installed a heat pump or intend to do so in the next three years: 60%, the highest percentage in the EU, compared to a European average of 41%.

These are some of the main results of the eighth edition of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Climate Survey, published today and based on a survey conducted by Ipsos Bva on 1,000 people in Italy. The survey also analyzes Italians' expectations on the energy transition, which is seen as an opportunity to reduce Europe's dependence on energy imports, contain costs and generate benefits for the climate.

Eight out of ten Italians (81%) believe that the energy transition is urgent for their country (compared to 75% of the EU). Respondents were asked to list the benefits of the energy transition by choosing from several options: 88% selected "less dependence on oil and gas imports", 84% "greater stability or cut in energy prices" and another 84% "fighting climate change". In all Member States, the majority of respondents (the percentages range from 58% in Estonia to 87% in Hungary) expect the energy transition to contribute to combating climate change.