On Wednesday 6 September, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) published their Market Monitoring Report (MMR) 2023 on energy retailing and consumer protection.
The report reflects the significant consequences of the 2022 energy crisis. Electricity and gas prices have risen sharply in most EU Member States, and although there have been recent reductions in wholesale electricity prices in 2023, final consumer tariffs are moving more slowly.
The crisis has also led to a reduction in energy demand, mainly from industrial customers, while the domestic sector has remained relatively stable. Consumer behaviour has changed, with an increase in the use of fixed-price contracts in some Member States.
In response to these findings, the document makes a number of recommendations. In particular, it recommends more targeted support measures in the event of energy crises to avoid putting excessive pressure on national budgets, while guaranteeing effective aid for consumers.
The report also stresses the need to improve consumer control over their energy consumption and simplified access to information on tariffs, consumption and energy alternatives. This measure is designed to help consumers make more informed decisions, even in constantly changing markets.
The publication also highlights the importance of having high-quality comparison tools covering the entire market, complying with the standards of European legislation, to encourage competition and enable consumers to understand their bills.
Lastly, it recommends encouraging reduced energy consumption through education and awareness campaigns, as well as uniform deployment of smart meters for all consumers.
Read the report: https://aeur.eu/f/8gm (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)