Electricity prices in Europe are expected to remain volatile through 2025, with Italy projected to have some of the highest rates among major European economies. This trend reflects the ongoing challenges in the energy sector, including the transition to renewable sources and the impact of geopolitical events on supply chains. Despite efforts to stabilize the market, prices in countries like Italy are forecast to reach ****** euros per megawatt hour by February 2025, indicating persistent pressure on consumers and businesses alike. Natural gas futures shaping electricity costs The electricity market's future trajectory is closely tied to natural gas prices, a key component in power generation. Dutch TTF gas futures, a benchmark for European natural gas prices, are projected to be ***** euros per megawatt hour in July 2025. The reduced output from the Groningen gas field and increased reliance on imports further complicate the pricing landscape, potentially contributing to higher electricity costs in countries like Italy. Regional disparities and global market influences While European electricity prices remain high, significant regional differences persist. For instance, natural gas prices in the United States are expected to be roughly one-third of those in Europe by March 2025, at **** U.S. dollars per million British thermal units. This stark contrast highlights the impact of domestic production capabilities on global natural gas prices. Europe's greater reliance on imports, particularly in the aftermath of geopolitical tensions and the shift away from Russian gas, continues to keep prices elevated compared to more self-sufficient markets. As a result, countries like Italy may face sustained pressure on electricity prices due to their position within the broader European energy market.

In most European cities, energy prices constituted the main share of the residential end-user electricity price in July 2025. Energy price shares are among the highest in the capital cities of Cyprus, Malta, and Greece, which are largely reliant on energy imports. Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Brussels account for the largest energy taxes in the region. In the Danish capital, for instance, energy taxes -including VAT- represented 58 percent of the residential electricity price. Household electricity prices around the world Italy and Germany have some of the highest electricity prices in the world. Heavily reliant on natural gas imports, these two countries were profoundly stricken by the 2022 energy crisis. Overall, Western Europe is the most expensive region for household power purchases, while many large energy-producing countries such as Russia and Saudi Arabia offer their residents the cheapest average rates. Heating gas prices in European cities In terms of residential use gas prices in Europe, Stockholm was the most expensive city in January 2025. Inhabitants of Sweden's capital paid for gas over 80 percent more than consumers in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, which ranked second. Imports dominate Sweden's gas supply.

In 2024, electricity prices for an annual consumption between 2,500 and 5,000 kilowatt-hours in the European Union were the highest for households in Germany. The nation's residences paid on average more than 40 euro cents per kilowatt-hour. In comparison, costs were the lowest in Hungary, where households paid 10.6 euro cents per kilowatt-hour. Household electricity prices in the European Union averaged 28.7 euro cents per kilowatt-hour in the second half of the year.