Energy Diary

Caught in communal cold

Inefficient communal heating based on oil in Athens, Greece.

One might say that Ms. Katerina Hatzivasileiou, a professional woman in the Kolonos district of Athens, is cold at home because of her neighbours. Their building was constructed in 1970 with central heating (oil) and was comfortable until the economic crisis hit. Because 8 out 14 tenants cannot no longer up with their bills, the central heating has been disconnected for the last four years. When the outdoor temperature drops, Ms. Harzivasileiou uses an electric heater (which has quite high efficiency) to warm up the living room and kitchen (approx. 35 m2). But it is not unusual for her bedroom to be as cool as 14°C to 16°C when she gets up in the morning.