Electricity Bills Have Rocketed by 60% - Major Impact on Pensioners

Pensioners and older adults are facing another major financial blow, as electricity prices have risen by more than 62% compared to the same period last year, according to data published by the National Institute of Statistics (Institutul Național de Statistică).

For seniors on small pensions, this increase represents an enormous challenge, given that they spend more time at home and require constant heating and lighting. Many older people find themselves having to choose between medication, food, and heating.

Beyond electricity, district heating bills have risen by nearly 19%, affecting in particular seniors living in older flats with poor thermal insulation. These increases come on top of already significant expenditure on medicines and medical care.

Rail transport, frequently used by pensioners to travel to medical appointments or visit family, has become more than 18% more expensive. This rise further restricts the mobility of older adults, who depend on affordable public transport.

The situation becomes even more dire for seniors living alone in individual houses, where energy costs can account for as much as 40–50% of their monthly pension. Many are forced to lower the temperature in their homes or limit their use of essential electrical appliances.

Social care specialists warn that these price rises may lead to even greater isolation among older adults, who will avoid leaving home in order to save on heating costs — with a negative impact on both their physical and mental health.