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The EU’s plan to reduce energy consumption

The EU faces an unprecedented energy crisis due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  Establishing common energy saving targets helps EU households and businesses face these uncertain times. 

Lowering energy demand pushes prices down and reduces dependence on imports.  The EU becomes less vulnerable to global changes and becomes more climate friendly.

The infographic presents the targets set by EU countries to reduce gas and electricity consumption with the goal of lowering demand and pushing prices down.

Infographic - The EU’s plan to reduce energy consumption

Faced with uncertainty in the EU energy sector and to ensure sufficient energy at affordable prices for households and businesses, EU member states have agreed to temporary energy saving targets.  

Lowering energy demand pushes prices down and reduces dependence on imports.

Natural gas

Member states can choose voluntary* measures to reduce natural gas demand by 15%.

-15% = 5 654 000 cubic meters per month (member state average consumption of the past five years for the annual period between 1 August and 31 March)

This gas reduction equals the amount Belgium and the Netherlands consume in an entire month.

* The Council can trigger a 'Union alert' on security of supply, making gas demand reduction mandatory

Electricity

To decrease electricity consumption, member states:

  • should introduce measures aiming at reducing demand by 10%
  • must reduce peak hour consumption by 5%

-10% = 22 680 Gigawatt-hour per month (member state average consumption of the past five years for the annual period between 1 November to 31 March)

A 10% reduction equals Ireland, Sweden and Finland electricity consumption for an entire month.

A little goes a long way

Small adjustments at home can play a big part in reducing gas and electricity consumption, and result in lower energy costs.

Household energy use in the EU

  • heating 63.6%
  • hot water 14.8%
  • electricity 14.1%
  • cooking devices 6.1%
  • cooling 0.4%
  • other 1.0%

At home:

  • installing smart controls and digital thermostats can save up to 15% of home energy consumption
  • a well set up boiler could save a household around €100 each year
  • a 1°C decrease on the thermostat could save around 7% of household energy use for heating
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