Reaping the benefits of renewables for consumers

Following Russia’s decision to cut Europe’s gas supply, consumers’ electricity prices skyrocketed because Europe is too dependent on fossil gas to produce its electricity. This put tens of millions of households on the brink of energy poverty. To avoid volatility in international gas prices having an impact on consumers’ energy bills, the European Commission should promote the build-up of new renewable power plants and grant consumers direct access to their stable prices. In addition, the European Commission should also promote flexible electricity consumption, to avoid the need to rely on gas in power generation when there are demand peaks.