Save Gas for a Safe Winter Package: saving energy now to guarantee the running of essential SGIs and utilities in the winter

On Wednesday 20 July 2022, the European Commission presented the “Save Gas for a Safe Winter” package. With a proposal for a Council Regulation on Coordinated Demand Reduction Measures for Gas and a communication “Save gas for a Safe Winter”, the package answers the risk of further gas supply cuts. The measures put forward by the European Commission aim at reducing the risks and the costs for Europe and anticipate a potential complete disruption of gas imports.

Commenting on the Package, Valeria Ronzitti, SGI Europe General Secretary, said:

“As Russia continues to weaponise gas, it is high time for the EU to plan and anticipate the upcoming winter while ensuring energy solidarity amongst Member States. SGI Europe endorses the European Commission’s proposals, especially the ambition of significantly saving gas by reducing heating and cooling across the EU. However, all buildings – including private and commercial ones – should be subject to the same requirements as public buildings to allow a significant reduction in energy consumption at the EU level.”

“It is essential to lower energy demand now: what we don’t consume during the summer is what will be available for use later. SGI Europe fully supports the ambitions of the European Commission's proposal to limit gas consumption, boost energy savings and foster energy independence to get through the winter.”

“Better anticipating future developments should remain a priority. To that aim, SGI Europe welcomes the proposed list of criteria put forward to identify and protect critical entities.
We call on Member States to endorse this approach and adopt measures to provide security and stability while guaranteeing the affordability of supply of essential services of general interest while preserving the integrity of the single market.”

“Local utilities are particularly concerned. SGI Europe welcomes the amendments to the Temporary Crisis Framework for state aid and calls on Member States to take immediate measures to support local providers of services of general interest. They are directly at risk due to the ongoing economic uncertainties, and their survival should not solely rely on the budget of individual municipalities.”

(Photo: EC - Audiovisual Service)