Vulnerable and energy-poor customers will now be better protected from electricity cut offs. Member states will have the obligation to ensure that vulnerable and energy-poor customers are fully protected from electricity disconnections by taking appropriate measures, including the prohibition of disconnections or equivalent actions. The S&D negotiator included these provisions in a deal reached last night between the European Parliament, the member states and the European Commission under Spanish Presidency of the Council. With this major victory, the Socialists and Democrats deliver on their pledge made in the Winter Solidarity Package one year ago.The S&D Group declared that no European should have to choose between eating and heating. This principle has guided the work of the S&D Group on the EU Electricity Market Design ever since the European Commission presented it nine months ago.
Nicolás González Casares, S&D MEP and European Parliament's negotiator on the EU Electricity Market Design in the committee on industry, research and energy, said:
“I am proud of what we have achieved for people. Customers will be better protected against volatile prices and will have the right to fixed-price contracts. Last night, we put an end to the unacceptable practice of electricity suppliers beingfree to unilaterally change the terms of a contract. All consumers, including micro, small and medium-size enterprises will have access to long-term, affordable and stable prices.
“I am particularly happy we protected the most vulnerable of our citizens – nobody should be forced to choose between buying food or paying their electricity bill for heating their homes. In the new EU Electricity Market Design, we shield consumers from price spikes and we oblige member states to take strong measures to fully protect vulnerable and energy-poor customers from electricity cut offs.”
