Eluned urges EU to get tough on energy efficiency

15th May 2008

TOUGH EU energy efficiency standards could save Welsh households between £200 and £1,000 a year and make a significant contribution to fighting climate change, Euro-MP ELUNED MORGAN today said.

Visiting Blackwood Compliance Laboratories, which specialises in testing electrical appliances to ensure they meet European standards, the Labour MEP urged the EU to get tough in introducing robust new energy efficiency standards.

Eluned Morgan, Labour's European spokesperson on energy, is urging a number of measures, including:

• minimum EU energy performance standards for air conditioning and televisions
• an EU-wide introduction of a low-energy 1-watt stand-by facility for electrical appliances or system of no stand-by at all
• timetables to withdraw the most inefficient electrical goods from the European market

The EU has unveiled proposals for a 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions, a 20% increase in energy efficiency and 20% of energy from renewable sources - all by 2020.

ELUNED MORGAN said:

"Climate change, increased oil prices and the prospect of having 70% of all Europe's energy coming from abroad mean we need to really focus on improving energy efficiency.

"The EU's target to increase energy efficiency by 20% by 2020 is achievable, the technology is there, we just need to see a real change in consumer and business behaviour.

"We know that many consumers are already doing their bit by switching to energy-efficiency light bulbs, insulating their homes, and not leaving appliances on standby.

"But at the same time, the EU needs to stimulate people and business to make even more effort to save energy.

"Not only will tough EU energy efficiency measures make a significant impact in the fight against climate change, but they will also save the EU an estimated €60 billion a year - between £200 and £1000 for householders in Wales."