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ARCHIVED - Brussels unveils energy-saving plan that includes mandatory measures for Spain
Spain will be required to cut electricity consumption during the peak hours of the day
After several weeks of deliberation, the European Commission unveiled on Wednesday September 14 its plan to reduce energy expenditure “in an intelligent way” in a frantic bid to mitigate against possible shortages this winter. Brussels has proposed a two-step approach, one voluntary and the other mandatory, which will effect all consumers in the EU.
The Spanish government has been adamant that electricity and gas restrictions won’t be forced on ordinary householders, and the first voluntary stage of the plan reflects this, suggesting that nations launch “information and communication campaigns” advising people how to reduce their energy use.
“National measures could also include tax incentives or compensation for affected market participants if a tangible reduction in demand beyond normal expected consumption is achieved,” the Commission proposed.
The Spanish government is currently working on a new contingency and energy saving plan that should be ready by the end of the month, which will include suggestions such as taking the stairs rather than the elevator and incentives for using renewable sources.
In the meantime, the Commission has set a mandatory electricity savings target of at least 5% for the entire EU, the majority of which will have to be conserved during peak hours when demand and cost is highest. Brussels figures this will mean choosing around three or four hours each day, which will result in electricity savings of 1,200 million cubic metres in just four months.
The Member States have already been called to reduce their gas consumption by 15% between August and March next year, although Spain was granted an exception and will only cut usage by 7%. It has achieved this goal by shutting off public building lighting at 10pm and setting limits on air-conditioning and heating temperatures.
In addition, the EU is considering implementing a tax on 33% of energy companies’ profits, a move which Spain is already one step ahead of with its plans for a new emergency tax on the turnover of large energy companies.
Image: Pixabay
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