The package is an important step towards implementing the Energy Union
strategy with a forward looking climate change policy, launched as one
of the political priorities of the Juncker Commission in February 2015.
Today’s proposals give prominence to the “energy efficiency first”
principle and put households and business consumers at the heart of the
European energy market.
EU Commission Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič said:
“In the Energy Union strategy, we committed to empowering European
consumers, creating a single well-functioning energy market, putting
energy efficiency first and becoming the number one in renewables.
Today, 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.”
EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete
said: “Actions speak louder than words. Today we take a decisive step
towards enshrining the EU’s target of at least 40% emissions cut 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 continue to grow. With these proposals, Europe is
once again showing the way and leading the global transition to a
low-carbon society.”
Energy efficiency label revision for more clarity
Energy efficiency first is a central principle of the Energy Union
strategy because it is such an effective way to cut emissions, bring
savings to consumers, and reduce the EU’s fossil fuel import dependency.
Since its introduction twenty years ago, the success of energy labelling
has encouraged the development of ever more energy efficient products.
This has resulted in the current label becoming too complex. The
Commission proposes returning to the original A to G energy label scale,
simpler and well understood by consumers.
The Commission’s proposed revision of the energy labelling directive
ensures coherence and continuity and makes sure consumers are able to
make more informed choices that will help them save energy and money.
Empowering energy consumers
Recognising that citizens must be at the core of the Energy Union,
the Commission presents a Communication on delivering a new deal for energy consumers,
based on a three-pillar strategy: 1. helping consumers save money and
energy through better information; 2. giving consumers a wider choice of
action when choosing their participation in energy markets and 3.
maintaining the highest level of consumer protection.
Consumers need to become just as well-informed and empowered as
buyers and sellers on wholesale markets through clearer billing and
advertising rules, trustworthy price comparison tools and by leveraging
their great bargaining power through collective schemes (such as
collective switching and energy cooperatives).
Finally, consumers need to be free to generate and consume their own
energy under fair conditions in order to save money, help the
environment, and ensure security of supply.
New energy market design
The Energy Union strategy is designed to help deliver our 2030 climate and energy targets and make sure that the European Union becomes the world leader in renewable energy.
Achieving these goals will require a fundamental transformation of
Europe’s electricity system including the redesign of the European electricity market.
Today’s Communication launches a Public Consultation on
what the new electricity market design should look like in order to
meet consumers’ expectations, deliver real benefits from new technology,
facilitate investments, notably in renewables and low carbon
generation; and recognise the interdependence of European Member States
when it comes to energy security.
This should reap maximum benefits from cross-border competition and
allow decentralised electricity generation, including for
self-consumption and support the emergence of innovative energy service
companies.
Press release
Factsheet on energy markets
Factsheet on energy labelling
Commission Communication: A new deal for energy consumers 
Producing your own renewable electricity – best practices
Commission Communication: Public consultation on energy market design
Submit your views on the new energy market design
Submit your views on the security of electricity supply
Investment perspectives in electricity markets
Commission proposal for a new Regulation on energy labelling
Impact assessment on energy efficiency labelling
Executive summary of the impact assessment on energy efficiency labelling – Annexe
Commission Review of the energy labelling Directive
Commission Evaluation of the energy labelling and ecodesign Directives
Power to consumers – infographic
Flexible and connected markets – infographic
New energy label – infographic
Energy Union website