Consumers need to be at the core of any European energy policy and this should be reflected in all member states, MEP Miriam Dalli told the European Parliament. 

Dr Dalli said the Energy Union, which the European Union is currently working on, should prioritise the social dimension with a particular emphasis on ending energy poverty.

“We require greater investments in innovative projects, quality buildings that are energy efficient, including housing for the most vulnerable families so that their energy bill will be reduced further and their living conditions are improved. Furthermore, efficient technologies need to be actively supported,” Dr Dalli added.

Recent statistics show that Malta has the fourth least energy bills, with energy prices in Malta being far less than the European average and with consumers in certain member states paying more than twice the energy price that Maltese households pay for.

“Consumers who need help are the most vulnerable consumers and they are the ones that can really benefit from energy policies that offer flexibility and cheaper tariffs,” she added.

The Socialists and Democrats group in the Energy Committee are working towards systems that can empower consumers to choose measures that can truly help them save money.

The report approved by the European Parliament calls on member states to provide consumers with information about the cheapest tariffs and their consumption patterns so that they will be in a position to control better their energy consumption.

 

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