As energy markets stabilize following the 2022-2023 crisis,a growing disparity is emerging between rates offered on new contracts and those locked in by consumers during peak price periods. While overall energy prices, particularly for natural gas, have fallen, households on older, fixed-rate plans may soon see bills surge-potentially reaching levels not experienced since November 2024. Experts warn that this gap could disproportionately impact lower-income households and those unable to regularly renegotiate their energy supply agreements [[1]], [[2]].
Households with average energy consumption and older, more expensive contracts could face annual electricity and natural gas bills up to €1,328 higher than the most favorable current rates. This represents a cost increase not seen since November 2024, during the height of the energy crisis.
Energy prices have decreased since then, particularly for natural gas. Consequently, older energy contracts are now significantly more expensive than those available today.
