Connect with us

Electricity interconnectivity

New electricity rules: Compare prices, switch suppliers, produce at home

SHARE:

Published

on

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. You can unsubscribe at any time.

New EU rules regarding electricity are set to give consumers more powers ©AP Images/European Union - EP 

Consumers will enjoy additional rights for electricity thanks to new EU rules on access to price comparison sites, use of home-produced energy and energy monitors.

The new rules will need to be approved by Parliament before they can enter into force. They are part of the broader electricity market reform and clean energy package, and are designed to boost competition; strengthen cooperation between EU countries in the event of an energy crisis; and facilitate the transition to clean energy sources such as wind and solar, which are often less predictable.

On Wednesday 21 February Parliament's energy committee will vote on the proposals. Read more about what additional rights you could soon enjoy:

Producing energy at home and selling it

Consumers and local communities will have the possibility to actively participate in the electricity market: produce their own electricity, consume it or sell it to others.

Making it easier to switch supplier

Consumers will also be able to switch more quickly between electricity suppliers, without fees, except if they want terminate a fixed-term contract early. In this case fees will have to be limited in amount and the contracts containing them will have to provide consumers with tangible advantages in return.

Advertisement

Ensuring reliable price comparison websites

Before changing supplier, it is important to know the facts. In some EU countries, consumers can use online price comparison tools. MEPs want to ensure that consumers in every EU country have free-of-charge access to at least one such tool that should also meet minimum quality standards.

Under existing rules people already have the right to withdraw from a new contract within 14 days, if concluded via internet or phone.

Clearer energy bills

Many customers still do not understand the details of their electricity bill, as demonstrated by a market study by the European Commission. New rules should improve this by requiring suppliers to present information about energy consumption and costs on every bill in an easy to understand way.

Monitoring your electricity consumption 

Customers will be able to request a smart meter that shows energy consumption and the cost in real time and that can be read remotely. They should be installed under fair conditions within three months of having been requested. EU countries  have to ensure the roll out of smart meters, but they are not obliged to finance their installation if costs  outweigh the benefits.

Consumers should be able to adapt their energy usage also according to real time price signals from the market if they opt for a dynamic electricity price contract, an option foreseen in the new rules.

Protecting vulnerable customers

EU countries will be obliged to prepare action plans to reduce the number of vulnerable and energy-poor households.

Share this article:

EU Reporter publishes articles from a variety of outside sources which express a wide range of viewpoints. The positions taken in these articles are not necessarily those of EU Reporter.

Trending