Energy efficiency first: accelerating towards a 2030 objective of 32.5%

The European Commission adopted three recommendations to help Member States put the clean energy transition into practice.

Putting energy efficiency first is a key objective of the EU, as energy savings are the easiest way of saving money for consumers and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The EU has set binding targets of reducing energy consumption through improvements in energy efficiency by 2030 by at least 32.5%, relative to a ‘business as usual’ scenario.

The recommendations contain detailed guidance for Member States on how to enact and best implement various aspects of the amending energy efficiency directive, which has been in place since December 2018. Specifically, the recommendations address:

• the practical implementation of the energy savings obligation for the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2030;
• the revised metering and billing provisions for thermal energy, and;
• efficiency in heating and cooling.

Member States are required to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the amended directive by 25 June 2020, and for the new provisions on individual metering and billing by 25 October 2020.

Original source: European Commission
Published on 25 September 2019