The European Commission in July presented a packet of proposals to deliver a new deal for energy consumers, to launch a redesign of the European electricity market, to update energy efficiency labelling and to revise the EU Emissions Trading System, the Commission said in a statement.

This package will be an important step towards implementing the Energy Union strategy with a forward looking climate change policy, the statement said. Commenting on the package, EU Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič said that the Energy Union strategy committed the EU to empowering European consumers, creating a single well-functioning energy market, putting energy efficiency first and becoming the number one in renewables.

“Five months after the adoption of the Energy Union strategy, this Summer Package shows our determination to decarbonise our economy and to give consumers a central role in Europe's energy transition. It marks not only a new deal for consumers, but a new deal for Europe´s entire energy system," Šefčovič said.

As regards the redesign of the electricity market, the Commission has launched a public consultation on what the new electricity market design should look like, in order to meet consumers' expectations and to ensure that new technology delivers real benefits. The aim is also to facilitate investments, notably in renewables and low-carbon generation, and to ensure that there is recognition of the interdependence of European Member States when it comes to energy security.

The Commission's proposed revision of the energy labelling directive will see a return to the original A to G energy label scale, which is well understood by consumers. This will ensure coherence and continuity and allow consumers to make more informed choices that will help them save energy and money.

The Commission has also revised the Emissions Trading System to ensure that it remains the most efficient and cost-effective way to cut emission over the coming decade. By adopting a more targeted approach, the Commission aims to safeguard the international competitiveness of industry sectors that are at the greatest risk of seeing production relocated outside the EU to jurisdictions with fewer greenhouse gas constraints. The revisions also aim to push energy investment toward innovative and cleaner alternatives. Furthermore, the Commission proposes that revenues from the emission trading will be used by Member States to finance actions to help third countries adapt to the impacts of climate change.

EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias called the proposed actions a decisive step towards enshrining the EU's target cut in emissions of at least 40% by 2030 into law. “My message to our global partners ahead of the Paris climate conference: the EU stands by its international commitments. And my message to investors, businesses and industry: invest in clean energy; it's here to stay and continues to grow. With these proposals, Europe is once again showing the way and leading the global the transition to a low-carbon society," the Commissioner said.

For more information:
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-5358_en.htm