In the second half of last year, the Czech Republic recorded the highest household electricity prices in the entire European Union, when adjusted for purchasing power.

This comes from new data released by Eurostat on Tuesday.

Using Purchasing Power Standards (PPS) – a metric that levels out price differences between countries – Eurostat calculated that Czech households paid 41 PPS per 100 kilowatt hours of electricity. That figure was the highest in the EU, followed by Cyprus (35.70 PPS) and Germany (35.23 PPS).

PPS is used to ensure a fair comparison between countries by accounting for local income levels and cost structures. This approach shows the real burden of electricity prices on households, not just nominal costs.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Malta reported the lowest electricity price for households at 14.33 PPS per 100 kWh, followed by Luxembourg (15.39 PPS) and Hungary (15.45 PPS).

Electricity Prices Rise 11.8% in Czechia Year-on-Year

Alongside having the highest adjusted prices, the Czech Republic also saw the second-steepest year-on-year increase in electricity costs, with prices rising 11.8% in the second half of 2023. Only Portugal experienced a greater jump, at 14.7%.

According to Eurostat, the rise is attributed to higher grid maintenance costs and the phase-out of tax breaks and subsidies previously granted to households.

In contrast, Austria saw the largest drop, with electricity prices falling by 18.8% year-on-year, offering some relief to consumers there.

Gas Prices: Portugal and Italy Top the List

Eurostat also reported on household gas prices, where the Czech Republic was mid-ranking in the EU. Czech households paid 12.78 PPS per 100 kWh, compared to the highest price in Portugal (16.60 PPS). Italy followed closely behind at 16.49 PPS, with Sweden next at 16.08 PPS.

The lowest household gas prices were found in Hungary (3.20 PPS), Croatia (4.60 PPS), and Romania (5.40 PPS) — reflecting a sharp divide in energy affordability across Europe.

When measured in actual euros, Germany topped the list, with households paying €39.43 per 100 kWh of electricity. This was followed by Denmark (€37.63) and Ireland (€36.99).

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