Spain advances an Energy Contingency Plan aligned with Brussels’ request
The government is moving forward with an Energy Contingency Plan that Brussels has asked all member states to submit. The plan’s outline and design have been developing under the leadership of Teresa Ribera, the third vice-president, as ministers prepared for a possible endorsement during the upcoming Council of Ministers sessions in September. The aim is to present a strategy that helps curb energy use in a context shaped by the crisis in Ukraine and the approaching winter, thereby reducing demand and easing price pressures for households and businesses across the country and in neighboring regions. This effort reflects a broader European push to coordinate energy policy in response to supply and price volatility.
The central idea behind the executive proposal is to deliver the Brussels-requested plan within the current month. If the government intends to secure cabinet approval before final submission to Brussels, the most likely window is the remaining Tuesday when the cabinet usually meets. The possibility of an extraordinary meeting later in the week cannot be ruled out, should ministers decide that urgent action is needed. This schedule underscores the priority given to energy security and cost containment as winter approaches.
At this stage, officials from Moncloa and the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge have not publicly confirmed whether the cabinet will review and approve the contingency plan tomorrow. Yet preparations continue as teams align the document with the expectations of Brussels, ensuring it contains concrete measures that can be implemented rapidly across different sectors and territories.
Beyond a broad strategic framework, the draft plan does not impose binding restrictions on the use of Christmas lights by local governments. Instead, it offers recommendations and includes a technical review of outdoor lighting regulations to promote efficiency without dampening festive traditions. This approach balances energy savings with cultural and economic considerations at the municipal level. [Source: national energy policy briefings; EU briefing notes]
Additionally, the proposal explores new informational elements for the electricity bill. A feature under consideration would display the average consumption registered in the same postal code, with the intent of encouraging households to compare their use with nearby consumers. The goal is to foster awareness and motivate savings through behavior change, supported by transparent data. [EU energy market communications]
To shape the contingency strategy, Ribera conducted multiple rounds of meetings with representatives from the parent sector, along with social, political, and civil society actors. The discussions encompassed energy infrastructure operators, consumer groups, industry associations, and labor organizations to ensure a comprehensive, cross-cutting approach. These exchanges helped identify practical challenges and consensus points for implementation.
Notably, Ribera held talks with leading energy companies such as Enagás, Redeia, Naturgy, Iberdrola, and Endesa, alongside associations representing the energy sector, electricity-intensive industries, commerce, and tourism. She also engaged with various parliamentary groups to gather diverse perspectives and secure broad political alignment. [Policy summaries]
In recent days, the environment and energy policy dialogue included a meeting with Juan Bravo, the Deputy Minister of Economy from the opposing party, following ongoing concerns about the government’s energy-saving measures. The opposition has previously voiced reservations about the proposed steps, signaling a critical political dimension to the policy adoption process. The discussions with the opposition aimed at clarifying the economic impacts and the expected efficiency gains of the plan. [Parliamentary records]
Prior to the contingency plan, the government had already approved a package of energy-saving and efficiency measures for the General State Administration and other public sector entities in May. In August, emphasis shifted toward energy-saving as the backbone of the contingency effort, including adjustments to thermostat controls in public buildings and more stringent requirements for window closures and building envelope efficiency. These steps laid the groundwork for broader measures designed to curb consumption across the public and private sectors. [Government statements]
Within the broader European framework, Brussels is preparing additional actions to counter high energy prices. An Extraordinary Council of Energy Ministers, scheduled for the coming Friday, is expected to discuss further measures. Among possible options are policies to reduce energy use during peak hours, rethink charges on renewable and nuclear energy, and consider a temporary levy on energy companies. There is also talk of a long-term reform of the energy market to separate gas-based generation from renewable sources to promote cleaner, more predictable pricing. These discussions reflect the EU’s dual objective of short-term relief and long-term market resilience. [EU Commission briefings]
The overall strategy emphasizes balancing immediate savings with structural reforms. It seeks to synchronize national efforts with Brussels’ vision while respecting local realities in Spain. Through data-driven insights, regulatory updates, and cross-sector collaboration, the plan aspires to deliver tangible reductions in energy use while protecting competitiveness and consumer welfare during a challenging period of high prices and uncertain supply. [EU energy policy notes]