This week, electricity prices in Israel rose by 8.3, bringing the annual increase to over 22%. The official reason behind the increase, as explained by officials in charge, was the rise in the price of coal worldwide.
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But you see, in the past two years, Israel has invested greatly in switching from coal to natural gas. The project was supposed to have been completed by 2025, but naturally kept being delayed, and has barely progressed.
In case you didn't know yet, Israel is a gas powerhouse. In recent years, the major gas reservoirs that it had discovered were used to export natural gas, which, in the past year, in particular – with the outbreak of the Ukraine war – has become as expensive as coal.
We have been told time and again that the gas reservoir would lead to significant decreases in electricity prices because Israel – as part of contracts with companies that developed the reservoirs – was supposed to become the main customer and procure gas at relatively cheap prices.
And even with the global inflation, Israel should have become a gas oasis, with gas and solar energy use not only leading to decreased costs but also increased green energy and decreased coal use. But that is not the case.
One of Israel's most celebrated politicians is outgoing Energy Minister Karine Elharrar, who – despite the price spikes – has not been asked a single time what she has busied herself with in the past two years in office.
The 22% increase in electricity prices – nothing short of a fiasco – is Elharrar's direct responsibility, and yet there is complete silence on the matter. Perhaps because Elharrar is the darling of the Israeli media, which means she is free to do as she pleases.
Turns out, Elharrar – and the government of change at large – have failed when it comes to the economic aspect, and we will continue to pay the price for their neglect and mistakes in the months to come. Increases in costs, such as public transportation, food, housing and property tax will impact us all.
Will Elharrar be held responsible? Unlikely, as politicians are rarely held accountable in Israel. Meanwhile, well-to-do Israelis will do just fine in the winter, while lower-income households will struggle to pay for the most basic utility there is. May we all stay warm this winter.
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