Another victory for energy consumers, says MEP

20th May 2008

MEPs have struck another victory for energy consumers after voting for measures to ensure better competition in EU gas markets and to place energy poverty firmly on the EU agenda.

The European Parliament's Industry, Research and Energy Committee has agreed that tight control should be imposed on the owners of gas transmission systems and their ability to manage the pipelines.

The Committee's proposals go much further than those currently being discussed by the European Council and the Commission. MEPs' plans include the introduction of a trustee who would guarantee the independence of the transmission systems and ensure no discrimination against competitors.

Euro-MP ELUNED MORGAN, Labour´s energy spokesperson in the European Parliament, said:

"The Parliament's energy committee has recognised that the current gas model has the potential to discriminate against competitors. Many of us were disappointed with the result and would have liked to see the full ownership unbundled model or the total separation of the supply and transmission systems as the only option allowed in the European markets. It was clear however that this would have been a step too far for many member states so a tough compromise was the only alternative.

"Once again consumers have been put back into the driving seat in energy policy and our responsibility, particularly at a time of high energy prices, should be to construct systems which will benefit them. In addition to this, energy poverty has been put firmly on the EU agenda for the first time and we expect member states to develop strategies to tackle this increasingly prevalent issue."

Notes
• Eluned Morgan is MEP for Wales and is the European Parliament's rapporteur on the European Commission's electricity directive.