EU asks Ireland to cut gas consumption by 15%

In an eight-month plan that would impact all households, power plants, and industry, the European Union suggested that the Bloc reduce its natural gas usage by 15%.

In response to growing worries that Russia will reduce its gas exports to the region after being hit with sanctions as a result of its invasion of Ukraine, the objective is incorporated into regulations that go along with demand-reduction instructions for states. If the situation worsens and voluntary limitations are insufficient, the European Commission's proposed proposal contains a mandatory trigger.

With nearly half of our member states already experiencing reduced deliveries, the European Union faces the danger of future gas supply cuts from Russia as a result of the Kremlin's weaponization of gas exports, the European Commission stated in a statement on Wednesday. "Taking steps now can lower Europe's risk and costs in the event of a full-scale or continued interruption."

The biggest difficulty facing the EU this winter is ensuring adequate gas supplies to power generators and furnaces. Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, has indicated that Europe would resume receiving gas through the crucial Nord Stream pipeline, but he has also issued a warning that supplies will be severely restricted until a dispute over components that have been sanctioned is resolved.

Under its “Save gas for a safe winter” plan, the commission recommended steps that include reducing heating and cooling, switching to other fuels and market-based measures. Curtailments of Russian shipments have already affected 12 member states, and prompted Germany to raise its gas-risk alert to the second-highest level last month.

According to budget commissioner Johannes Hahn, the commission is operating under the presumption that Russia won't restore full supply via Nord Stream, which has been shut down since earlier this month for maintenance. Later that day, Mr. Putin warned that if a sanctioned pipeline component is not brought back to Russia, the link might operate at 20% of capacity as early as next week since another component that is currently there needs to be serviced.

According to Simone Tagliapietra, a researcher at the Bruegel think tank in Brussels, the commission's proposal is headed in the correct way.

The suggested gas demand-reduction targets must now be adopted by EU member states, according to him, who must also make all-out efforts to lower demand wherever it is feasible. “ Governments must urge individuals to consume less and should have the guts to inform them that Europe is currently experiencing what may be the worst energy crisis in its history.

According to the proposed regulation, the commission would have the authority to issue a union-wide alert whenever there is a significant chance of a severe supply shortfall or a rise in demand.

The measure will need approval from member states, which the EU’s executive arm may seek as soon as next week during an emergency meeting of energy ministers. A large group of countries opposes mandatory cuts, arguing that national governments already have emergency plans and will reduce demand regardless of whether they are obliged to by the EU, according to three diplomats familiar with the matter.