Energy costs spark anxiety and cutbacks for most Portuguese households
Eight out of ten Portuguese worry about electricity and gas bills, and many are trimming other expenses to afford energy and fuel.
In the 20th edition of the Barometer on poverty and economic hardship, conducted by Secours Populaire Français, 80% of Portuguese respondents expressed concern over electricity and gas costs, and 77% were uneasy about fuel expenses. The survey, covering ten European countries, found that a third of Europeans have reduced important outlays—such as food or medical care—to meet energy bills, with Portugal at 28%. Households are responding by switching off heating in parts of their homes (57% in Portugal), setting thermostats below 18°C (38%), or limiting use of appliances (40%).
Parents report that inadequate indoor temperatures negatively affect children’s rest and concentration. Overall, seven-in-ten Europeans believe affordable energy access has worsened compared with their parents’ generation.
