The 2017 European framework for gas security outlines a three-tier response to energy disruptions, creating a standardized EU-wide approach. The initial phase, early warning, activates when credible signals point to a potential drop in supply. The second phase, alarm, takes effect if a decline is confirmed at the European level or when member states describe the evolving situation. The final stage, regional or European emergency, is invoked during severe interruptions. At each level, states retain the authority to restrict, allocate, or even curtail gas supply if all other avenues have been exhausted. The latest draft from the Community Executive indicates the EU will issue a pre-warning this week, prompting questions about its implications and the Commission’s proposed measures to curb consumption and address rising concerns.
Reduce heating and cooling
RepowerEU, unveiled by Brussels in mid-May, positions energy savings as the quickest and most economical response to the current energy crisis, relying on voluntary actions and behavior changes. The Community Manager keeps reinforcing the idea that every citizen can help save gas, supported by public awareness campaigns that encourage lower consumption.
p>During the warning phase, member states may set mandatory national targets to reduce both heating and cooling. While higher energy prices can naturally decrease usage, leakage in savings may require additional reductions. Brussels estimates these measures could yield savings of up to 11,000 million cubic meters, underscoring the impact that behavioral shifts and policy steps can have on the energy balance.
p>Savings could begin as early as this summer through reductions in electricity use and the indirect effects on gas-powered air conditioning. In winter, further savings can be reached by using alternative heat sources for district heating, deploying heat pumps in homes, and running campaigns to lower thermostats by one degree, as well as by reducing heating in public buildings, offices, and commercial facilities. The plan also emphasizes pragmatic steps over political rhetoric and notes adjustments to targets previously cited.
Coal and nuclear
The European Commission recommends reducing reliance on fossil fuels where feasible and increasing the share of renewables and other low-emission sources for industry and electricity. The plan contemplates temporary and reversible use of coal-fired plants and relaxing certain legal constraints to support immediate supply. This approach aligns with the Just Transition objective of the European Green Deal, stressing temporary measures that won’t lock in higher carbon emissions in the long term.
p>Additionally, the plan allows for the use of alternative fuels under specific conditions during shortages. It notes that suspending or delaying the closure of nuclear plants may be considered in certain member states, such as Belgium and France, to meet peak demand in winter. The aim is to balance reliability with environmental and climate commitments while preserving flexibility in energy security planning.
Financial compensation
The plan also recommends that member states create auctions or bidding mechanisms to compensate industries willing to reduce their gas consumption. Those most capable of lowering demand could volunteer for compensation, aligning economic incentives with security goals.
p>Another option for industrial users is to pre-approve contractual changes in production to regions less prone to disruption. In emergencies, companies could relocate production to less exposed locations to minimize supply risk while still complying with competition rules.
p>Finally, Brussels proposes what it calls continuous contracts, or prearranged compensation tied to predefined reductions in gas use over a set period. While these arrangements do not involve drastic supply cuts, they aim to deliver predictable gas savings and relieve stress on the energy system.
References: these frameworks are designed to help build more resilient energy systems while preserving market fairness and consumer protections across EU member states. They reflect ongoing efforts to harmonize responses to potential disruptions and support regions facing higher exposure to gas supply risks, all while keeping long-term climate and energy goals in view.” — attribution to the European Commission