Commission measures on natural gas and the rise in electricity prices
24.8.2022
Question for written answer E-002848/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)
Energy prices are continuing to skyrocket throughout the EU, aggravating the cost of living crisis for Europeans. For instance, the price of electricity for next year’s delivery has risen by 340 % to EUR 650/MWh on the German exchange, while the gas price traded in the Netherlands has increased by 200 % to EUR 280/MWh. Furthermore, experts are highly concerned about market physicals and dynamics[1].
Coordinated action at a European level could radically offset price spikes. In June 2022, EU leaders reiterated their invitation to the Commission to explore the feasibility of introducing temporary price caps where appropriate[2]. Furthermore, last month the Commission submitted a proposal to reduce consumption across all Member States by 15 %.
In the light of the above:
- 1.Besides the current measures, what steps will the Commission take to deal with the drastic rise in energy prices and associated cost of living crisis?
- 2.Will the Commission consider using depletable energy resources to offset rising energy prices?
- 3.Does the Commission plan to take coordinated action, including temporary price caps to offset the drastic rise in energy prices?