The energy crisis is a hot topic. Unfortunately, it’s a hot topic that is causing cold homes. Many people are choosing to put on more layers and wrap themselves in a blanket rather than risk facing an energy price rise that will drain their bank balance.
While energy price rises are difficult enough for the average household, imagine how hard it is for older people above the state pension age. If an older person cannot afford to heat their home, then this will seriously impact their health.
Here is everything you need to know about how the energy crisis affects older people, and how you can do your bit to keep your elderly loved ones warm this winter.
How Did the Energy Crisis Happen?
Many things have contributed to the energy crisis, like rising energy prices, the cost of living soaring, the war in Ukraine, the aftermaths of the pandemic and fuel poverty.
However, the main cause of the energy crisis is COVID. While businesses were forced to close, the economy was paused. When the economy opened, power generators could not keep up with the sudden demand.
Then, there was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Most of Europe relies on Russian gas, so when the sanctions came in, European gas prices soared.
This surge in the price of energy bills has pushed the cost of living up, making it difficult for older people above the state pension age to afford their energy bills.
Is The Energy Crisis Just in the UK?
The energy crisis is affecting the whole of Europe. The war between Russia and Ukraine has cut off Russia’s gas supply. That’s 150 billion cubic meters of gas that Europe won’t receive.
Although the gas supply has gone down, the demand hasn’t. This high demand with short supply has resulted in a rise in energy prices and the creation of fuel poverty. The cost of living has also risen alongside energy bills, and older people are feeling the effects more than most.
Yes. Energy price rises mixed with the cost-of-living rising have resulted in an expensive winter for many households. Although some people are more affected than others, the reality is that everyone is feeling financial pain, especially older people.
How Long Is the Energy Crisis Expected to Last?
High energy bills in the UK are expected to continue until at least 2024. We expect that fuel poverty will be lasting just as long.
This depends on varying factors. For example, if Russia pulls out of Ukraine, then sanctions could be lifted, and Europe might start buying Russian gas again. However, if the cost of living continues to rise and the Russian invasion continues, we will have high energy bills and fuel poverty for some time.
When Did the Energy Crisis Begin?
Energy bills started to rise in 2021. Many factors contributed to this, but the main one was the repercussions of the pandemic. As the economy started to open, we began to understand the financial impact that lockdowns had caused.
This is especially hard for older people above the state pension age. After being locked down for so long, they’re then hit by rising energy prices and fuel poverty. Because people above the state pension age often rely on their pensions alone for financial support, high energy prices have serious financial implications for them.
Keep Your Loved Ones Safe This Winter
Our monitors allow you to keep an eye on older people without making them feel like they’ve lost their independence. They measure a property’s temperature so that you can make sure it’s warm enough.
They also track movement in the home, so you can be assured that normal movement throughout the home is occurring, giving you peace of mind.
They also pick up doors being left open. If your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia, then you can make sure no cold air is being let in if they have forgotten to close the door behind them.
Keep your loved one safe and warm this winter with our cost-effective monitors. Discover more about our product by clicking here.
