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The Industry, Research and Energy Committee of the European Parliament has approved its amendments to the electricity market reform proposed by the European Commission , in which they call for further strengthening consumer protection with measures such as the prohibition of electricity supply cuts to vulnerable clients.
The reform of the electricity market, proposed by the Cambodia Telegram Number Data socialist MEP Nicolás González , has obtained the support of 55 MEPs, while another 15 voted against and two abstained. They have also agreed to open negotiations with the Council by 47 votes in favor, 20 against and 5 abstentions, a decision that must be approved by the plenary session of the European Parliament in an upcoming plenary session.
González has stressed that this review "lays the foundations for emergency action in the face of price crises such as the one experienced recently, prohibits cutting off electricity to the most vulnerable people , and advances new rights, such as the right to share energy and sell electricity." surpluses to individuals or companies".
In their amendments to the bill, MEPs propose to further strengthen consumer protection against price volatility and call for consumers to have the right to fixed or dynamic price contracts and more key information about the options available to them. sign, while asking that suppliers be prohibited from unilaterally changing the terms of a contract.
The goal is to ensure that all consumers, as well as small businesses, benefit from stable, affordable and long-term prices and mitigate the impact of sudden price increases.
MEPs also advocate that EU countries prohibit suppliers from cutting off the electricity supply of vulnerable customers, including during disputes between companies and users, and prevent suppliers from requiring these customers to use prepaid systems.
Likewise, the parliamentary committee has supported a broader use of contracts for difference - when a public authority compensates the producer if prices fall but charges them if they increase - to encourage investments in energy and suggests leaving the door open for support schemes. equivalents.
MEPs have also highlighted the importance of power purchase agreements (PPAs) in providing consumers with stable prices and renewable energy suppliers with reliable income. The European Commission is tasked with establishing a market for PPAs by the end of 2024.
In their amendments, MEPs have also adjusted thecriteria for declaring an electricity price crisis , to ensure that there are concrete measures to better protect citizens and businesses. |
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