Europe: Utilities such as electricity, heating, and water remain essential to the quality of life across Europe. Most EU citizens enjoy near-universal access to these services, supported by strong regulatory frameworks and infrastructure. Under EU law, households have the right to be connected to electricity networks, and vulnerable consumers cannot be disconnected even if they cannot pay their bills. However, rising energy prices during the recent energy crisis exposed affordability challenges, with monthly utility costs ranging from €115 in Helsinki to €370 in Munich, making Germany and the UK among the most expensive regions for basic utilities.

To strengthen resilience and sustainability, the EU is investing heavily in modernizing utility infrastructure. Programs under the European Green Deal and REPowerEU allocate billions toward electrification, renewable integration, and smart metering. By 2024, over 80% of EU households had smart electricity meters, enabling dynamic tariffs and energy savings of up to 10% per household. These initiatives aim to reduce energy poverty, improve efficiency, and support the transition to carbon neutrality by 2050.

In Asia, access to utilities varies widely. Advanced economies like Singapore and South Korea rank among the world’s leaders in infrastructure quality, while emerging economies such as India and Vietnam face significant gaps in water, sanitation, and energy services. India has made major strides through the Jal Jeevan Mission, which increased rural tap water coverage from 32 million households in 2019 to nearly 140 million by late 2023, aiming for universal access by 2024. Similarly, the Swachh Bharat Mission has improved sanitation dramatically, reducing open defecation rates from 60% to under 20% since 2014.

Despite progress, challenges remain: 35 million Indians still lack access to safe water, and 678 million lack safe toilets, underscoring the need for sustained investment and institutional capacity building. Vietnam and other ASEAN nations are also scaling up infrastructure spending, with ASEAN’s energy demand projected to rise 70% by 2040, driving investments in power grids, water systems, and renewable energy projects.

China’s rapid urbanization and expanding middle class—now over 400 million people—have significantly improved access to utilities. Urban households enjoy near-universal electricity and piped water coverage, while rural areas have seen major upgrades under government programs targeting poverty alleviation and infrastructure modernization. However, regional disparities persist, and Beijing’s latest five-year plan emphasizes investment in water security, clean energy, and digital utility networks to support sustainable growth and meet rising consumption demands.

Globally, utility infrastructure is a major investment priority. In 2024, $2.4 trillion was invested in energy transition, with $807 billion directed toward renewable power, including solar, wind, and grid modernization. While advanced economies and China dominate these flows, emerging markets face financing gaps due to high capital costs and limited fiscal capacity. International agencies and multilateral banks are calling for risk-mitigation tools and blended finance to accelerate inclusive access to clean and affordable utilities worldwide.