EU to propose mandatory cut in electricity use

By Kate Abnett

The European Commission will propose a price cap on Russian gas, alongside measures including a mandatory EU cut in electricity use and a ceiling on the revenue of non-gas power generators, the bloc’s chief said on Wednesday.

Power and fuel prices have soared as Russia has cut the amount of gas it sends to Europe. Moscow has blamed the supply cuts on technical issues and Western sanctions imposed over its invasion of Ukraine.

“We will propose a price cap on Russian gas … We must cut Russia’s revenues which Putin uses to finance this atrocious war in Ukraine,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told reporters.

President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia will stop supplying gas and oil if price caps are imposed.

Some EU countries – which would need to approve the EU proposals – are wary of a cap on Russian gas prices if it puts at risk the dwindling supply they still receive from Moscow.

The Commission said the price cap for Russian pipeline gas – which it said cannot be easily rerouted – would still allow for purchases if the price does not exceed an agreed threshold.

“Significant disruptions are already taking place without a price cap,” the Commission said in a note explaining von der Leyen’s plans, while acknowledging that Russia could seize on a European cap to reduce supplies further.

The Commission’s note suggested setting the acceptable price ceiling above production cost – though below current market prices – to encourage Russia to keep on selling to Europe.

Von der Leyen outlined the EU’s emergency plans to lower soaring gas and power prices, which have increased bills for households and hammered Europe’s energy-intensive industries.

The EU also wants to cap the revenue of non-gas fuelled generators and channel their “unexpected profits” into measures that support households and companies, von der Leyen said.

European power prices are typically set by gas plants, and this revenue cap would aim to reduce the cost of electricity generated by wind farms, nuclear plants and coal generators that have lower running costs as they are not exposed to surging gas prices.

Oil and gas companies that have reported big profit increases would also be required to make a “solidarity contribution”, von der Leyen said, without giving further details.

Other measures Brussels will put forward include a requirement for countries to cut electricity use during peak hours, and liquidity help for firms facing major collateral requirements.

EU countries’ energy ministers will discuss the proposals at an emergency meeting on Friday.