The European Commission presented on Thursday a set of recommendations aimed at protecting vulnerable households from the impact of high energy prices, in a context marked by market volatility and the effects of external conflicts on costs.
The measures mainly focus on preventing disconnections and supporting consumers to make informed decisions regarding energy contracts. The initiative comes against the backdrop of increasing pressure on bills across the European Union.
According to the Commission, the recommendations aim to provide consumers with concrete tools to better manage their relationship with energy providers. The emphasis is on avoiding disconnections, even in difficult situations such as the bankruptcy of some suppliers, and on facilitating informed choices regarding market offers.
At the same time, member states are encouraged to develop support mechanisms for vulnerable households so that they are not exposed to the risk of being left without energy due to costs.
Another important pillar of the recommendations is the stimulation of self-consumption and energy communities. Brussels wants more and more consumers to be able to produce and share energy, which would contribute to both reducing bills and accelerating the transition to clean sources.
The Commission believes that these alternative forms can play an essential role in stabilizing prices and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, highlighted the direct link between the geopolitical context and the evolution of energy prices.
„The conflict in the Middle East and its impact on energy prices underline the volatility of global energy markets and the urgency with which Europe must strengthen its energy resilience. This must be the moment when we accelerate the transition to a more sustainable, safer, and consumer-oriented energy system,” said the European official.
He added that at a time when the rising costs of energy are „a real concern” for citizens, the proposed package „transforms political ambition into concrete benefits” for households, communities, and SMEs.
The recommendations are part of a broader package of energy measures for citizens and continue recent initiatives of the Commission to address the crisis generated by dependence on fossil fuels.
The European executive announces that it will work closely with member states to implement these measures, providing technical assistance and monitoring progress.