European Union Cuts Natural Gas Usage

The European Union (EU) announced that they have clarified the details of the measure plan that aims to cut natural gas consumption by 15 percent in member countries.

The European Union (EU) has made a proposal for member states to cut natural gas consumption by 15 percent over the next 8 months. If realized, the implementation is expected to affect many areas such as households, electricity generation plants and industry. According to the "saving gas for winter" plan, the Commission will include market-based measures in addition to steps to reduce heating and cooling. In terms of energy this winter, the EU will face difficulties in supplying enough natural gas to industrial furnaces and power generators. Johannes Hahn of the Budget Commission said on Tuesday that the commission's work is being done under the assumption that Russia will not resume full capacity gas flows through the Nord Stream pipeline, which was shut down for maintenance work earlier this month. Before the maintenance work began, the pipeline was operating at only 40 percent capacity. The Russian cuts affected 12 member states and prompted Germany to raise its gas alert to level two last month. According to Commission documents, the flow from Russia in June was less than 30 percent of the average for 2016-2021. The proposed regulation would give the commission the power to declare a union-wide emergency in the event of a serious shortage in supply or a sudden surge in demand. "The European Union already faces a risk that at least half of its members are affected by the disruptions caused by Russia's weaponization of gas supplies. Taking action now can reduce the risks and costs for Europe if the cuts are increased or if supplies stop altogether. Russia is blackmailing us and using energy supplies as a weapon. That is why Europe needs to be ready in case Russia cuts gas supplies partially or completely."