The European Commission proposes new rules to protect consumers and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy
The Earth is showing signs of global warming that worries experts. Indeed, in 2020 the average temperature exceeded the temperature recorded in the period 1950-1980 by 1.02 degrees, making this year the hottest year ever. To try to counter this phenomenon, the leaders of the various countries have ratified the commitment to reach Carbon Neutrality by 2050.
In order to meet the ever-increasing demand for electricity in the world, limiting the increase in dependence on foreign countries and polluting emissions, it is necessary to invest more in the development of renewable energies and only the imposition of more ambitious political guidelines promoting the use of renewable resources could represent a real solution, making the energy produced by the wind, the sun and sea waves a decisive pillar in the production of electricity on a global scale.
Therefore, a greater support for renewable energy, whose production will increase more and more in the coming years, will make it possible to reduce air pollution and climate-altering emissions and will guarantee a sustainable and respectful use of the resources available. Only in this way it will be possible to create a sustainable and secure future for future generations.
The European Commission is proposing a reform of the European electricity market to protect consumers, reduce price volatility and accelerate the adoption of renewable energies due to climate change and the serious energy problem we are experiencing. The proposal, which includes the right for consumers to choose fixed-price contracts, has received a mixed reception from member states.
Objectives of the reform of the European electricity market
As we said, the European Commission recently announced the proposal for a reform of the electricity market with the aim of protecting consumers and guaranteeing a reliable energy supply.
This reform provides that consumers have the right to choose a long-term contract with a fixed price, which would allow them to have greater certainty on long-term energy costs. Furthermore, the proposal provides for the possibility for consumers to opt for flexible solutions with different contracts, giving them more options and possibilities for customising their energy needs.
However, the request of some Member States to decouple gas prices from electricity prices in order to avoid an increase in fossil fuel prices was rejected by the European Commission. The decision to reject this request was motivated by the fact that this measure could create a distortion of the electricity market and make it difficult to achieve the objective of transition towards renewable energies. The Commission also said that the decoupling of prices could increase the complexity of the electricity market, making it difficult to create effective competition.
The possibility of choosing a long-term contract with a fixed price and the possibility of flexible options with different types of contracts will allow consumers to cover their consumption at a fixed price without suffering increases in electricity rates. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of these agreements to ensure that they are truly beneficial in the long run.
The European Commission’s proposal also provides for greater support for renewable energies with the goal of reaching 38-40% of energy produced from renewable sources by 2030. The hope is that this support will be aimed not only at the solar energy market (thermal and photovoltaic) but also it is extended to all renewable energies, including micro wind systems.
This will lead to a significant increase in the use of green technologies in order to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and thus mitigate the effects of climate change.
