How does the EU plan to cut gas usage by 15% this winter?
The EU has agreed to cut its gas consumption by 15% in an attempt to stave off a winter crisis triggered by a sharp reduction or total shutdown of Russian gas supplies to the bloc.
From next month until the end of March 2023, all EU member states will strive for a voluntary 15% reduction in gas consumption. In the event of a major supply shock – a complete shutdown of Russian gas – the EU may declare an emergency and make the target mandatory with immediate effect.
Three island nationsthat are not connected to the EU gas network – Ireland, Malta and Cyprus – would be exempt from the compulsory energy savings. But almost any member state, especially those with little connection to the gas network, or those facing an electricity supply shock, would be entitled to apply for an opt-out.
EU governments can choose how to ration gas, as long as they protect supplies to households.
Industrial users will feel the pinch first; factories could be given targets to reduce heating and cooling. Some could be spared, such as manufacturers of critical goods, or plants that are difficult to restart after switching off energy.
While consumers are protected, they are expected to do their bit. EU authorities are urging governments to launch campaigns to encourage people to switch off lights and turn down thermostats and air conditioning.
EU governments are being urged to speed up the switch to renewable energy, but are also asked to consider delaying their exit from nuclear power or coal – an effort to find any alternative to Russian gas.
Member states are required to report to EU authorities in Brussels on their energy savings plan every two months, a form of peer pressure intended to chivvy them into action.
As the EU was in the final throes of
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