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The European Commission today published its Accelerate EU plan, a much-needed set of measures to help consumers through the current fossil fuel crisis and beyond.
Under the plans, the Commission will legislate to reduce electricity taxes and network charges for all consumers. This would have a tangible impact on consumers’ energy bills: lowering taxes alone could lead to bill reductions of around 14%. Assistance will also be given to EU governments on how to provide targeted support to consumers who need it and promote social leasing schemes for electric cars.
Under the plans, the Commission will legislate to reduce electricity taxes and network charges for all consumers. This would have a tangible impact on consumers’ energy bills: lowering taxes alone could lead to bill reductions of around 14%. Assistance will also be given to EU governments on how to provide targeted support to consumers who need it and promote social leasing schemes for electric cars.
Position papers
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Continuing Europe’s shift to renewable energy is indispensable to better protect households against bill shocks caused by fossil fuels. This also protects the planet and improves people’s quality of life.
Position papers
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Improving energy efficiency is essential for consumers to lower their energy bills. Progress has been made, but it remains slow, with too few homes renovated and cleaner heating solutions still out of reach for many consumers. What is needed is clear, tailor-made guidance, adequate financial help, and stronger protection and support, in particular for the most vulnerable households.
Position papers
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The war in the Middle East has triggered another energy shock, with consumers having to pay the price (yet) again.
Since the 2022 energy crisis, the EU has sought to strengthen the resilience of its energy markets, notably by reinforcing consumer protections and diversifying its fossil fuel supply sources.
Despite these efforts, the EU remains highly exposed to external geopolitical shocks and is not yet fully prepared to absorb a crisis of this magnitude.
As prices for consumer goods continue to rise (and are expected to increase further still), BEUC has identified measures that policymakers, regulators and traders should implement in both the short and long term.
In this paper, BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation, has identified measures that policy makers, regulators and traders need to implement, both in the short and long term, to alleviate the financial burden of consumers during this crisis but also to better protect them against future fossil fuel price shocks.
Since the 2022 energy crisis, the EU has sought to strengthen the resilience of its energy markets, notably by reinforcing consumer protections and diversifying its fossil fuel supply sources.
Despite these efforts, the EU remains highly exposed to external geopolitical shocks and is not yet fully prepared to absorb a crisis of this magnitude.
As prices for consumer goods continue to rise (and are expected to increase further still), BEUC has identified measures that policymakers, regulators and traders should implement in both the short and long term.
In this paper, BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation, has identified measures that policy makers, regulators and traders need to implement, both in the short and long term, to alleviate the financial burden of consumers during this crisis but also to better protect them against future fossil fuel price shocks.
Position papers
Available in
English
EU energy and climate legislation sets the pace for decarbonising our economy. Some of these laws contain EU targets. The governance law helps Member States deliver these targets and defines reporting obligations. This should result in consumers benefitting from lower bills, a better quality of life, and a future for our planet. Practically this means more renewable energy, less imports of volatile fossil fuels, continuous efforts to use energy more efficiently, the availability of sustainable products that can be recognised via clear labels, a variety of green mobility choices, and a future where healthy and sustainable foods are accessible and affordable.
Press releases
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The European Commission published today some much-needed measures to help keep energy bills affordable in its Citizens Energy Package, which aims to help EU countries implement existing energy legislation. The move comes just as Europe is potentially looking at another energy price crisis caused by fossil fuel dependence, as in 2022.
Reports
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The CLEAR-HP project helped to accompany consumers across Europe throughout the whole purchasing journey of switching from a fossil fuel boiler to a heat pump. The project aimed to raise consumer awareness, build confidence in heat pump technology, and ultimately enhance both the energy efficiency and comfort of people’s homes.
At its core, national consumer organisations in seven European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Portugal) organised collective purchase campaigns for independently-tested heat pumps. Participants benefited from advantageous purchase and installation packages that included consumer support and workshops throughout the process.
At its core, national consumer organisations in seven European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Portugal) organised collective purchase campaigns for independently-tested heat pumps. Participants benefited from advantageous purchase and installation packages that included consumer support and workshops throughout the process.
Reports
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English
This BEUC report takes stock of Europe’s energy markets and sets out key areas for improvement from a consumer perspective, from heat pumps to energy bills and everything in between. This paper details BEUC’s energy policy priorities for consumers into the 2030s, mapping out what is currently working well and what still needs to be improved. BEUC's recommendations relate to important EU initiatives such as the Affordable Energy Action Plan, Affordable Housing Plan and the broader 2030 Consumer Agenda.
Position papers
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Energy systems are increasingly connected with digital tools and automation becoming more common in consumers’ homes. This digitalisation can be beneficial to consumers. It can help make their energy system more efficient and as consequence lower their energy bills. For example, in order to be able to fully benefit from the advantages of a flexible system , consumers need to have access to digital tools and services that provide real time data. Also, the proliferation of online comparison tools and switching services can help consumers finding an offer that better suits their needs and to switch provider quickly.
Digitalisation can also contribute to the green transition by making it easier for consumers to use and share renewable energy. Consumers with solar panels will benefit from digitalisation as it will help them to optimise the use of electricity generated and, for instance, share the surplus with neighbours.
However, the spreading of digitalisation and AI in the energy sector also comes with important shortcomings that consumers need to be protected from. The misuse of digital tools can undermine consumers’ fundamental rights to privacy and data protection. Poorly cybersecure smart meters could have an impact on peoples’ finances and even health. The use of AI by energy providers could also result in discriminatory practices. Therefore, while BEUC is supportive of the digitalisation of the energy sector, this can only happen if certain conditions are fulfilled and with a high level of consumer protection.
In the paper, we provide a list of recommendations that EU and national policymakers as well as regulators need to bear in mind when considering the further digitalisation of the energy sector.
Digitalisation can also contribute to the green transition by making it easier for consumers to use and share renewable energy. Consumers with solar panels will benefit from digitalisation as it will help them to optimise the use of electricity generated and, for instance, share the surplus with neighbours.
However, the spreading of digitalisation and AI in the energy sector also comes with important shortcomings that consumers need to be protected from. The misuse of digital tools can undermine consumers’ fundamental rights to privacy and data protection. Poorly cybersecure smart meters could have an impact on peoples’ finances and even health. The use of AI by energy providers could also result in discriminatory practices. Therefore, while BEUC is supportive of the digitalisation of the energy sector, this can only happen if certain conditions are fulfilled and with a high level of consumer protection.
In the paper, we provide a list of recommendations that EU and national policymakers as well as regulators need to bear in mind when considering the further digitalisation of the energy sector.