To call on the EC to require member states to adopt a definition of ‘vulnerable customers’.
To propose the adoption of a EU-wide definition of energy poverty, as well as the harmonization of existing statistics in order to rigorously assess ‘the energy poverty situation in Europe’.
To emphasize that the number of households affected by this condition is increasing.
To examine the appropriateness, from LRA point of view, of a European Energy Poverty Monitoring Centre to be set up.
To emphasize that consumer interests should be taken into account in energy policy making.
To call on the EC to require member states to adopt a definition of ‘vulnerable customers’.
To propose the adoption of a EU-wide definition of energy poverty, as well as the harmonization of existing statistics in order to rigorously assess ‘the energy poverty situation in Europe’.
To emphasize that the number of households affected by this condition is increasing.
To examine the appropriateness, from LRA point of view, of a European Energy Poverty Monitoring Centre to be set up.
To emphasize that consumer interests should be taken into account in energy policy making.
THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS
- points out that between 50 and 125 million people are affected by energy poverty in Europe. In Bulgaria, Portugal, Lithuania, Romania, Cyprus, Latvia and Malta over 30% of people are unable to keep their homes warm and face disproportionately high energy bills. Meanwhile over 20% of people living in Greece, Poland, Italy, Hungary and Spain face the same challenges. Rapidly rising energy prices (compared to income growth) could result in energy poverty spreading to further sections of the population, in all EU countries;
- suggests, as the basis for discussion, the introduction of a quantitative definition of energy poverty based on an EU-wide threshold for the percentage of household income paid for energy;
- notes that renewable forms of energy must be developed and sold as cost-effectively as possible. Energy providers subject to mandatory renewable energy quotas should be allowed to decide for themselves how they invest in wind, solar, biomass or other resources. Municipal utility companies must have full discretion to seek the most cost-effective solution for their clean energy. The establishment of cooperatives and similar organisations to generate renewable energy or improve energy efficiency would be another good way of focusing on the needs of consumers;
- believes that energy consumers should not be called on to compensate energy-intensive industries for lost profits, among other things due to shutting down production in order to protect the grid;
- would like to see social support for households in energy poverty (spending over 10% of income on electricity and heating bills). This should be combined with subsidies for increased energy efficiency. Moreover, the CoR recommends implementing additional support measures such as "lifeline tariffs;
- is in favour of effort to cap energy price increases in order to combat energy poverty and feels that the Member States should make provisions to exempt low-income earners from energy taxes or tax them only lightly.