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The European Commission issued new energy recommendations Thursday, aiming to shield vulnerable households and boost consumer-driven supply and participation in clean energy, it said.
The measures focus on four priorities: protecting consumers in energy poverty, strengthening competition in retail energy markets, improving transparency for consumers, and expanding energy communities and self-consumption.
Among the recommendations, the Commission called for early identification of at-risk households to prevent energy disconnections, alongside support measures such as payment plans, energy vouchers and efficiency upgrades. It also urged coordinated planning for the phase-out of natural gas, with clear timelines and communication.
Additional guidance seeks to standardize energy contract terms, enabling consumers to compare offers more easily and switch suppliers, while improving market transparency and competition.
The package also outlines measures to reduce the impact of supplier bankruptcies through stronger risk management oversight and promotes the growth of energy communities by easing regulatory barriers and encouraging shared renewable energy production.
These steps form part of the Citizens' Energy Package and the AccelerateEU plan, which aim to address the ongoing fossil fuel crisis and strengthen energy resilience, the Commission added.
EU Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said geopolitical tensions, including conflict in the Middle East, underscore the urgency of reinforcing Europe's energy resilience.
"This must be the moment when we accelerate the transition to a more sustainable, secure, and consumer-focused energy system," Jorgensen said, adding that the proposals aim to translate policy goals into tangible benefits for households, communities, and small businesses.
The Commission will work with Member States and stakeholders to implement the measures, offering technical support and tracking progress to ensure effective adoption, it said.