Brussels asks EU countries for measures to reduce gas and light consumption

Na letter today sent to the European Ministers for Protection and to which the Lusa agency had access, European Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, warned that the EU is “in the face of a price crisis linked to a supply crisis”, in a context of high volatility in global gas markets, aggravated by current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

In this context, “demand reduction can be an effective tool to help contain prices,” he suggested.

Despite ensuring that “there are currently no immediate risks to security of supply,” Dan Jørgensen asked EU leaders to “preparing work” in the face of the approaching cold season, which can be translated into “adoption or maintenance of measures to support gas injections or reduce demand for gas and electricity for as long as necessary”.

This is because, according to the person responsible, “the situation in the global gas markets, in terms of supply and price volatility, has not improved” since spring, with further pressure on the global markets for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a summer “exceptionally dry and hot”.

In a context of increasing interdependence between EU electrical and gas systems, Dan Jørgensen recalled in his letter that energy prices “continued high and volatile” when gas injection into storage decreased due to increased consumption of gas for electricity production.

Against this background, the European Commissioner suggested measures to reduce demand in the 27 Member States, such as reducing electricity consumption during rush hours, limiting temperatures in public buildings, preventing the heating of outdoor spaces and shutting down unnecessary public lighting at night.

For Brussels, reducing electricity consumption in the periods of higher demand can have a direct impact on gas consumption, as gas plants are often the marginal source of electricity production in those periods.

The Commissioner also recommended greater use of smart counting systems and demand flexibility via the retail market, arguing that these measures can help to “reduce energy demand and relieve pressure on gas demand for electricity production”.

In view of the current pressure on the energy markets, the Energy Minister, Maria da Graça Carvalho, has advocated the need to contain consumption and strengthen energy efficiency.

Today, the European Commission has ensured that gas supply in the EU remains stable, although storage levels are below historical values, and has ensured that it will closely monitor risks to the energy market before winter.

The current situation is influenced by instability in the Middle East, notably the Iran war caused by the US and Israeli attacks, and the volatility of global energy markets.