The first details have leaked of the emergency plan that the European Commission is working on, which should mitigate the impact of a possible complete interruption of Russian gas imports. “By acting now, we can reduce the impact of a sudden interruption by a third,” reads a document released by the British news agency Bloomberg.
With the emergency plan, the Commission wants to propose a series of measures to prepare the European economy for the possible decision by Russia to completely turn off the gas tap to Europe. According to the Commission, that this happens is a real risk. She wants to present her plan next Wednesday, July 20.
Check out Putin’s response to the ban below: “Europe is too dependent on Russian oil”
Biggest challenge
In a preliminary version of the plan, which has now been leaked, the Commission writes that “early action at EU level at this critical moment of replenishment will limit the need for potentially even more painful demand-side cuts later in the winter” . The biggest challenge Europe currently faces is to ensure sufficient gas supplies to survive the winter, when demand for gas for heating and electricity traditionally peaks.
The European member states have already agreed that they must have increased their gas stocks to 80 percent by November. But if no more gas is imported from Russia by this July, the Commission fears that stocks will only be filled to 65 to 71 percent. If the tap is closed later, for example in October, the risk of shortages is reduced, but there is less time left to tackle the problem.
Families and hospitals
That is why the Commission wants short-term measures to be taken to reduce the demand for gas and limit the cost for households and companies. At EU level, households and critical infrastructure such as hospitals are protected, but individual Member States can set priorities when there is insufficient gas available for all customers. They must take into account supply chains, the competitiveness of companies and the guarantee of essential products and services to keep the economy running, according to the Commission.
Member States should also enable fuel switching, both in industry and in electricity production, to save on gas consumption before a potential interruption. Large consumers must then be encouraged to limit their consumption. This mainly concerns the industry. An information campaign should make clear to families how they can save on heating and cooling, while imposing mandatory restrictions in crisis situations.
“Everyone can save on gas,” the Commission says in the document.
OUR OPINION. Energy experts are shouting from the rooftops: limit your consumption. Politicians are silent. Why still? †
Experts, suppliers and industry want immediate measures to save energy: “Show shorter showers, turn off the lights and… turn off the air conditioning” (+)
Energy expert: “Consume less energy now to avoid problems in winter”
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