Four out of five families try to be thrifty with energy

Four out of five participating families try to be thrifty with utility bills- show the results of a joint survey conducted in December by GKI and Masterplast. 

In this survey -conducted by GKI between 1-8 December – the sample of 1000 people is representative regarding characteristics like sex, age, place of residence, and qualification. Since January 2020, the survey has been sponsored by Masterplast Nyrt.

Nearly five months have passed since the first governmental decision and announcement about the changes to reduced utility cost regulations. Though the rules changed in several significant respects, consumers now have actual experience with how this affects their families finances. According to GKI, 60% of the survey participants said that the changes to reduced utility cost regulations had increased their utility bills to a greater or lesser degree. Almost one out of three participants have not been affected, and 8% could not or decided not to respond to the survey. Differences are significant according to property types: two out of three residents of detached houses reported utility cost increase, and less than half of brick apartment residents said the same. Heading down the municipal slope, more and more participants report increasing amounts on their bills: in Budapest, this ratio is 53%, in municipalities 55%, in other cities 60%, while 68% in the countryside.

32% of participating households reported an increase of less than 10,000 HUF per month, 11% between 11-20,000 HUF and 7% experienced an increase between 21-30,000 HUF, while a further 12% suggests a rise of over 40,000 HUF. Every eight household could not or did not wish to respond to the survey. Households affected by increased utility costs reported an average 22,000 HUF rise in expenses. Considering those who did not respond to the survey, the changes in utility cost regulations mean 12,000HUF per month extra for an average Hungarian family. (As a benchmark, the average consumer in the government decree pays 7,570 HUF per month for electricity and 14,700 HUF for gas.) Considering all households, residents living in detached family homes reported an average of 15,000 HUF extra cost, while residents of brick apartments 7-8,000 HUF.

Increased energy prices and the uncertainty related to the future of the energy market force most of the population to somehow reduce their energy consumption. Only 18% of the participants suggested not using any efficient methods and are not planning to do so either. Further, 4% could no tor did not respond to the survey. This means that 78% of participants are trying to be resourceful. 82% of detached house residents and 74% of apartment residents reported some kind of efficiency tool they use. And even two out of three households not affected by the changes in utility cost regulations are trying to save on their energy consumption.

45% of families are more resourceful regarding energy consumption. Every ninth family purchased one or more energy-efficient domestic appliances. These are significant steps forward not only to cost efficiency but towards sustainability. One out of three participants sets the thermostat to a lower temperature: 36% of detached family houses, 40% of apartment residents and one out of four residents of panel flats heat their apartments less. 18% of participants do not heat specific areas of their apartments. This is most common among residents of detached family homes and residents over 60 years old. Every sixth (every fourth resident of detached family homes) reported more usage of gas-based heating alternative methods like wood or coal, electric heating or AC units. Every eighth family plans to do energy-efficiency home upgrades like thermal insulation, upgrade of doors and windows, and new heating solutions. Families over 60 are less active in this respect. Only every thirteenth is planning on such changes.