MNI: EC Proposes 15% Gas Consumption Cut By Spring 2023

The European Commission has proposed a gas demand reduction plan as well as a new legislative tool which aim to reduce EU gas consumption by 15% between August 1 and March 31 next year.

The new EU regulation gives the Commission the option to declare a “Union Alert” which would impose mandatory gas demand reduction on states in the event of a “substantial risk of a sever gas shortage or exceptionally high gas demand,” the Commission said.

In a statement Wednesday, the Commission said that states should update their national emergency plans by the end of September to show how they intend to meet the reduction target and should report to the Commission on progress every two months. Member States requesting “solidarity gas supplies” from the EU will be required to demonstrate the measures they have taken to reduce domestic demand.

RUSSIA THREAT

The move comes as the threat of further Russian gas shutdowns grows ever more serious.

The Commission also proposed a European Gas Demand Reduction Plan which sets out measures, principles and criteria for coordinated demand reduction. It aims to safeguard supply to households and essential users like hospitals, but also industries essential to the economy and EU supply chains.

EU energy ministers will meet next week to discuss the Commission’s latest proposals amid reports that there are differences over mandatory gas demand reduction measures.