February 18 is internationally recognized as energy saving day. Established in 2005 with the Kyoto protocol, this year the anniversary finds an Italy more attentive to the protection of the environment and sensitive to saving money at home. The Pulsee Luce&Gas observatory on Italian habits has ascertained that two out of three Italians take care of saving energy and adopt consequent behaviors. It is one of the many surveys spread in this period of expensive bills.
The market research firm Nielsen surveyed a sample of men and women between 18 and 65 years old, discovering an increase in interest in sustainable lifestyles. For 87% of them, environmental pollution is very important. To save energy, in the last year, 70% purchased low-consumption appliances, high-efficiency, low-emission boilers and stoves. For the 72% it is important that the energy that reaches homes is green. But you think about saving even when it's hot. And although summer 2021 was among the hottest, 60% of those interviewed said they had reduced the use of air conditioning.
Bills in installments
Distressed by the high bills, the vast majority of the sample said they turn on the lights at home only if necessary. A somewhat excessive response, but which gives the measure of disorientation and savings on the part of families in the face of the increase in prices. In this regard Adiconsum has signed an agreement with A2A, ACSM-AGAM and AEB for the installment of bills for amounts greater than 50 euros. There is a more sensitive and attentive country, therefore, to which the government try to give answers with buffer measures, reliefs and bonuses. The savings also concern the use of private cars, from which derives the demand for greater availability of public bicycles, electric vehicles and cycle paths. Also in this case answers are expected from local authorities.
From Energy Saving Day to the comparison on the Pnrr
The attention to the issues discussed on energy saving day is growing. Consumers' Forum, the association that brings together consumer organisations, institutions and businesses has called for Thursday 24 February a public meeting with the Bank of Italy, Consob and Ivass on the topics of PNRR affecting final consumers of goods and services. We will start with the presentation of the research "The PNRR from the consumer side", carried out together with Roma Tre University to analyze the dynamics of the investments of the Plan on the social structure. It is true that the figure of the consumer is not directly mentioned in the Plan, but it is useful to begin to understand what impact the green transition and the digital transition will have on household incomes. In practice, what are the risks and opportunities associated with the great transformation.
