A new BEUC report published today 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.

In recent years, the EU has introduced a raft of new legislation that will help Europe transition to a cleaner and more affordable energy system.

However, Europe’s energy market remains complex and untransparent for many consumers: the process of researching different electricity tariffs, for example, can be overwhelming for many people.

This means that consumers are not yet able to fully engage in the energy transition, enjoy its benefits, or exercise their rights.

That is why continued efforts to lower people’s bills and enable people to become actors in the energy transition are crucial to ensure a just transition, as highlighted by the Affordable Energy Action Plan and the broader 2030 Consumer Agenda. This will also allow the EU to deliver on its climate goals, boost industrial competitiveness, and our collective geopolitical security.

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. The recommendations that emerge include:

• Improving the clarity of energy bills and better price comparison tools
• Better enforcement of consumer rights
• Easier access to renewable energy and flexible electricity offers
• Keeping grid costs for consumers under control
• Accelerating the shift to clean heating and making homes more energy efficient (and thus affordable)
• Ensuring financing is in place to support consumers