Brussels, 03/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - The energy Council of Friday 3 December saw ministers adopt conclusions on a more consumer-oriented energy policy, initiated by the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers, with minister Paul Magnette the main driver, following on from discussions at the informal Brussels Council of 6-7 September.
The text, which forms part of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, highlights the importance in energy policy of guaranteeing sure, sustainable supply to all citizens, including the most vulnerable consumers. The Council stresses that member states must fully implement the provisions of the 3rd energy package which includes arrangements on transparency, information provision, switching suppliers, defining the concept of vulnerable customers, and the creation of an independent mechanism, such as an energy ombudsman. It states, too, that measures to promote energy efficiency could be an appropriate and effective part of member states' social policies. While it is important to introduce new technologies, in, for example, smart metering, energy efficiency, energy-saving and micro-generation of renewable energy, it must be ensured that they are properly introduced, with due consideration given to data protection and privacy standards, and explained to all consumers, so that consumers are properly trained and educated. The Council notes, too, that it is energy consumers' right to be informed of their rights and of the choices available to them that affect their energy consumption and expenditure. Ministers say that it is essential that customers can compare prices and switch energy suppliers easily. “The Commission, governments, regulatory authorities, industry and citizens each have a responsibility and role to play in the joint effort to make energy policy more consumer friendly,” says the Council, inviting the Commission to continue its examination and analysis of all points related to consumer rights and vulnerable customers, including the way member states define vulnerable customers, and energy policy measures aimed at consumers. Member states are called on to take account of the recommendations of the Citizens' Energy Forum (London Forum), where national regulatory authorities play a key role. The Commission is asked to put in place a European network consisting of national and fully independent energy ombudsmen and/or other fully independent dispute settlement bodies. (E.H./transl.rt)