Commission support for ensuring security of energy supply and consumer protection

20.1.2014

Question for written answer E-000481-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Ildikó Gáll-Pelcz (PPE) , András Gyürk (PPE)

Despite the significant progress made towards integrating European energy markets, the internal energy market is not yet operating effectively. Average wholesale prices vary widely from one Member State to another, several national markets are highly concentrated, and many Member States’ interconnections are insufficient.

During the 25th meeting of the Electricity Regulatory Forum (Florence Forum), the Commission strongly criticised state intervention in this area and urged Member States to take the necessary steps to rectify their distortive measures.

In light of the fact that the internal energy market is still not fully functioning and Member States’ ministries and national regulatory authorities (NRAs) are responsible and accountable for maintaining security of energy supply and protecting domestic consumers’ interests, state intervention to correct existing market failures is inevitable and is fully in line with EU legislation.

In what ways does the Commission take into account the opinion of Member States’ ministries and NRAs in these forums?

How does the Commission support the efforts of Member States’ ministries and NRAs to ensure security of supply and effective consumer protection?

OJ C 288, 28/08/2014