At the current rate EU 2020 goals will only lead to half of the targets
According to the European Commission (EC) EU countries must do much more to reduce their energy consumption. At the current rate the EU 2020 goals to consume at least 20 percent less energy by then will not be met. The existing measures will only lead to half of the EU 2020 target. On Wednesday 22nd of June 2011 the EC proposed legislation with which to oblige Member States to do more.
Oblige energy suppliers to lower energy production
If it's up to the Commission energy suppliers should be obliged to lower their energy production every year by 1,5 percent. They must help their customers in installing energy efficient heating, double glazing and insulated roofs. This alone will reduce energy consumption by more than 6 percent. Governments should provide more subsidies to the consumers to encourage such measures.
Governments spend money but earn it back through energy savings
Governments must commit themselves as much as possible to work in energy efficient buildings and to buy sustainable products and services. Also, they should renovate at least 3 percent of the size of their existing buildings to reduce energy consumption. The EC is of the opinion that costs for such modifications will quickly be earned back through energy savings.
Smart energy meters in homes
In 2020, 80 percent of all homes should have 'smart' energy meters installed which shows detailed consumer consumption. The energy bills should also become clearer. In addition, customers using these meters should have the opportunity to turn off - via the internet or mobile phones - devices in their homes, which will also help save energy.
Lower bills and job creation
The energy companies can acquire a part of the costs for these
changes via the users, but European Commissioner Günther Oettinger
(Energy) believes that it will lead to lower energy bills for
consumers. Moreover, according to him this will lead many new jobs
in the energy sector. Oettinger wants national regulators on the
energy market to not only see to it that energy prices are
reasonable but also to consider the extent to which energy
companies are working to create a more efficient production.