The EU Council has announced member states have reached an agreement on a voluntary 15% reduction of natural gas compared to their average consumption over the past five years ahead of this winter. The reduction will be taking place between 1 August and 31 March, 2023. The states will be allowed to use measures of their own choice, but it is expected to be largely achieved by accelerating the transition to renewables and clean energy. Other possible measures include improving national energy efficiency and launching public campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of reducing gas usage. Jozef Síkela, Czech Minister of Industry and Trade, said: “Adopting the gas reduction proposal in record time has undoubtedly strengthened our common energy security. Saving gas now will improve preparedness. The winter will be much cheaper and easier for EU’s citizens and industry.”
#TTE Energy |⚡️
Ministers have reached a political agreement on gas demand reductions ahead of the upcoming winter.
Read our press release 👇https://t.co/7fmkmRoXa4@EU2022_CZ— EU Council Press (@EUCouncilPress) July 26, 2022
