The energy ministers of the European Union reached a political agreement to extend by one year the voluntary reduction of natural gas consumption by 15 percent. The measure, which initially took effect on August 1, was scheduled to end at the close of March and will now run through March 31, 2024. The aim is to keep the EU prepared for the upcoming winter as supplies remain a central concern. Data from the European Commission show that gas use within the bloc has fallen by 19.3 percent from August through January, helping cushion the impact of potential supply disruptions.
The Twenty-Sevens adopted the scheme as part of a contingency plan responding to the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in Ukraine. The core intent is a voluntary, coordinated cut in consumption, while the regulation also allows member states to trigger a European alert in the event of supply problems, which would mandate further demand reductions. So far, triggering an alert has not been necessary.
“Thanks to voluntary efforts, gas demand across the EU declined by more than 19 percent from August to January 2023, surpassing the 15 percent target and saving roughly 42 billion cubic meters of gas”, said the energy commissioner during the proposal’s presentation. The strongest reductions occurred in Lithuania at 40.5 percent and Sweden at 40.2 percent, followed by Germany at 19.4 percent, Italy at 18.6 percent, France at 17.1 percent, and Spain at 13.7 percent. Ireland, Slovakia, and Malta showed smaller or different trends, with Ireland at 0.3 percent, Slovakia at 4.6 percent, and Malta at 12.1 percent.
monthly data
On March 20, the European Commission proposed extending the measure for another year, with Twenty-Seven backing the plan to run through March 31, 2024. The agreement specifies that member states must report savings data monthly rather than every two months, and that reports will be prepared sector by sector to sharpen monitoring and tailor national actions more effectively.
“Joint efforts to reduce gas demand have helped us navigate a difficult winter safely. Progress includes diversification of supplies and a reduced dependence on Russia, but global gas markets are expected to stay tight in the months ahead. Further reductions in gas demand will help ensure readiness for the coming winter and support achieving the 90 percent gas storage target by November 1”, the commissioner noted when outlining the rationale for extending the measure two weeks earlier.
In Canada and the United States, analysts monitor similar trends in gas use and storage as part of broader energy security planning. Regional policymakers are watching for shifts in supply availability and price volatility that could influence energy strategies and household energy costs during peak seasons. Independent researchers stress the importance of continued efficiency measures and diversified sources to stabilize markets and protect consumers across North America. This ongoing coordination between European and North American partners underscores a shared focus on reliable energy that supports both households and industry.