The problems with paying the bills for the rise in prices for electricity have risen sharply, not only in Europe but also in the U.S. - to date, about 20 million American households are not able to make payments, Bloomberg wrote with reference to the national association NEADA. The publication cites skyrocketing gas prices and inflation as the reasons.

Problems with payment have been observed in the country since the beginning of the pandemic, but this year the situation has become even worse. Inflation is particularly hitting low-income people who cannot afford to pay for electricity. According to U.S. electricity provider PSEG, the number of overdue payments among citizens has increased by more than 30 percent since March of this year. In July, the average cost of electricity rose 15% over the same month last year, the biggest annual increase in 16 years.

Meanwhile, in Europe, gas futures jumped 9.2% yesterday and were momentarily above $3100 per m³, later dropping to around $3000.