Anxious Europe scrambles to ease energy crisis

ISTANBUL

Facing a spiraling energy crisis, European governments are struggling to come up with measures to rein in runaway bills and give some relief to anxious citizens.

There were several new plans put forward across the continent on Wednesday, indicating the extent of the apprehension gripping Europe as it braces for what many are warning will be a tough winter.

European Union

The European Commission has proposed a mandatory 5% reduction in electricity consumption during peak hours.

“We’re still confronted with a profound mismatch between supply and demand on the energy markets,” Frans Timmermans, the commission’s executive vice-president, said at a news conference.

According to an EU statement, the bloc aims to reduce its overall electricity demand by 10% until March 31, 2023.

This way, “we avoid using the most expensive gas-fired power plants and bring down the price of energy,” said Timmermans.

He underlined that the bloc has already managed to lower gas imports from Russia from last year’s 40% to 9%, but a further reduction in gas consumption “is fundamental to the success to tackle this energy crisis” and to make the bloc “immune to Russia’s blackmail.”

France

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced that France aims to limit natural gas and electricity price hikes to 15% for 2023.

The government will provide 12 million lower-income households with one-time energy aid payments of up to €200 ($200), she told a news conference.

Borne also acknowledged that France may need its neighbors to help supply electricity to the country.

Denmark

Consumers in Denmark will be allowed to postpone payments of part of their gas, electricity, and district heating bills, according to a proposal unveiled by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

If the bill exceeds the price from autumn of 2021, people will be able to delay paying the excess amount, Frederiksen announced at a news conference.

The proposal, however, still needs to be backed by other parties for it to be approved by the Danish parliament.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, Energy Minister Simonetta Sommaruga aired a rather novel idea to conserve energy, calling on people to shower in pairs.

While she batted away criticism of the proposal, Sommaruga did, however, acknowledge that it was not suitable for people above a certain age.