The cost of energy continues to climb and puts many households and self-employed people at risk. At present, the price of the “day-ahead” MWh of electricity is 330.18 euros, according to data from the ENTSOE (European association for the cooperation of transmission system operators for electricity). It was 85.67 euros/MWh on January 1, 2022.
On social networks, merchants are gradually starting to speak up to share their situation. Jonathan Masure, the owner of the pizzeria Del Piazza in Rumes and Kain explains it.
“How are we going to survive? I just received a letter from my electricity supplier regarding the new down payment to be made in anticipation of energy increases. Can we still call this an increase?“, asks the trader. “Old installment: €510.51/month. New deposit: €2,566.03. That is an annual increase of 24,000 euros. Add to that the cost of raw materials which continues to explode, the cost of fuel, the overtaxed payroll, and so on. I’m not one to complain openly, but this is really getting too much.”
Jonathan Masure says he is frustrated today. “We give ourselves every day for our business and here is the result. A large part of our profits goes to invoices. This is not sustainable in the long term. We have of course thought regarding reducing our workforce. However, we we do not want to penalize our employees and dispense with essential elements for the operation of Del Piazza”.
This Tournaisian has always paid extreme attention to his energy consumption but for certain devices, he has no choice. “We have put LEDs throughout the restaurant. However, that doesn’t seem to change much. We have cold rooms and fridges that we cannot turn off systematically“.
The various governments of the country met last Wednesday for a consultation committee devoted to soaring energy prices. For Jonathan Masure, it was necessary that stronger measures be taken. “Otherwise no one will last”.
Even if he lives day by day, and does not intend to close down anytime soon, Jonathan seems very pessimistic for 2023. “This situation does not only concern the self-employed but also all households. No one will be able to pay such prices any more.” concludes the young man.
