Brussels, 09/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - In energy savings, Europeans prefer measures which have no financial impact (priority was given to reducing their lighting, and their heating and air conditioning), and over 80% want the 20% energy savings target to be made compulsory, a survey by the European Parliament reveals.
It is first and foremost in their homes that Europeans have changed their behaviour towards energy. More than 24 percentage points separate measures in the home from all other types. Fifty-five per cent of Europeans (compared with 48% in 2006) decreased their lighting and the use of electric appliances in the home, and 43% (the same as in 2006) reduced their heating or air conditioning.
Unfavourable context for costly measures. It might have been thought that the various tax incentive measures taken by many member states would have deeply influenced people's behaviour with regard to energy. On the contrary, the results of the survey indicate that the financial, economic, social and monetary crisis have strongly reduced the effects of the incentives. Of the individual measures to save energy, only 19% had insulated their homes (compared with 20% in 2006) and only 6% bought more ecological cars (8% in 2006). The citizens of the Baltic states, along with those of Slovenia and Slovakia, are among those who have most insulated their homes, compared with citizens in some Southern countries only few of whom have insulated their houses.
In terms of changing cars, it is now the citizens of continental Europe who are now clearly above the EU average.
A significant number of Europeans have done nothing to change their behaviour. Seventeen per cent of respondents state that they did nothing last year to save energy. In 2006, however, the figure for those doing nothing was 22%.
Priority given to smart meters to reduce energy bills. The more widespread use of smart meters is seen as a priority by 47% of respondents. In 14 countries it was seen as the best way to reduce energy bills. Italy and Sweden, where smart meters are already in use, head the list, with 59% each.
Tax incentives and competition among suppliers. In order to reduce energy bills, 40% of Europeans believe that tax incentives (tax reductions) would improve their energy efficiency in the home and energy savings. Thirty-six per cent of Europeans see increased competition among energy suppliers and the ability to easily change operators as the way to make savings.
Transparency of bills. Twenty-three per cent of respondents would like to see their bill simplified to make them easier to understand and clearer.
Making the 20% energy savings objective compulsory. In 2007, the European Union set itself a triple target by 2020: a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 20% improvement in energy efficiency, and an additional 20% in energy savings. These objectives, however, are not compulsory though member states must do all their power to achieve them. Eighty-once per cent of Europeans are of the view that these targets should be made binding.
Tackling energy poverty. According to Eurostat, 116 million Europeans were at risk of energy poverty or social exclusion in 2008. Could specific energy tariff measures help prevent these people falling into that situation? Sixty-two per cent of Europeans thought so. Sixty-seven per cent of citizens from states not in the euro area backed such tariff measures, compared with 58% of those inside the eurozone.
European integrated energy network. Currently, the EU has 27 national networks. In their responses, European citizens said they thought that a European integrated energy network would lead to: - a decrease in energy costs (59% of respondents); - better use of various types of energy, in particular renewable (47%); - safer delivery of energy (35%); - a greater capacity for the EU to negotiate major contracts with its external partners (28%); - increased solidarity among EU member states (25%).
Massive support for the establishment of a European Energy Community. What do Europeans think of the desire, expressed by the European Parliament on 25 November 2010, for a European Energy Community? Three quarters of respondents are clearly in favour of the creation of just such a community. (L.C./transl.rt)