The heat wave that will hit Belgium could increase your electricity bill: here’s why
Indeed, when the temperatures rise, the Belgian tends to consume more electricity for a little freshness. Among the energy-consuming devices, we can mention in particular the air conditioning, the fan or the humidifier.
“An air conditioner set to 18 degrees consumes a lot more than an air conditioner set to 25 degrees, which remains a comfortable temperature when it’s much warmer outside,” Bram Claeyes, energy expert at RAP, told Nieuwsblad.
And a strong demand for electricity requires an increase in prices: “We must then appeal to the most expensive sources of electricity production. In Belgium, these different production possibilities are found in solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric power stations, nuclear energy and of course natural gas power stations. Today, natural gas power plants are the most expensive on the list”.
Another reason for your increased electricity bill may be… solar panels! Contrary to what one might think, solar panels do not work at full speed during high temperatures. According to Bram Claeyes, their production would be greater when the days are longer and the days less hot, in May and June.