Websites: www.agathepower.eu | ec.europa.eu/energy/energy_policy/consumers/index_en.htm
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In July 2007, the European Commission launched a campaign on energy consumers' rights and the opening of the energy markets (electricity and natural gas) in the European Union. The campaign, which has the motto "You choose!", is based on a network of associates that promote the idea of an open market, freedom of choice and consumer rights.
The main communication tool is the campaign website (www.agathepower.eu) in 22 official EU languages, supported by posters, a regular newsletter and a video news reel (VNR) on the opening of the market. It also has an extranet for exchanging ideas and downloading campaign tools and graphics.
By the end of 2007, the campaign had more than 80 associates (mainly regulatory authorities, consumer associations and European Consumer Centres, but also some energy agencies, as well as industry).
In order to promote its activities more widely, the campaign encourages local and regional energy actors to link to the website, display posters or, if appropriate, to play a more active role in the campaign, which is also linked to efforts to have a Charter on the rights of the energy consumers.
Background
A European energy policy must pursue the objectives of a sustainable, competitive and secure supply of energy. A wellfunctioning and competitive internal energy market is fundamental for achieving the above objectives. An internal market for electricity and gas has been progressively implemented across the European Union since the late 1990s. Due to a number of challenges, however, including incomplete and incorrect transposition of EU rules, differing powers of regulators within the EU and lack of cross-border capacity, the internal market is not yet functioning well.
As a consequence, the European consumer is not fully enjoying the benefits of competitive energy markets: transparent choice and better services.
In January 2007, the European Commission adopted a new Energy policy for Europe. It proposes a list of measures supporting the good functioning of the internal gas and electricity market. To this end the Commission recommends among other things effective separation of supply and production activities, harmonisation of the powers of national regulators, better cross-border regulation, and effective transparency.
The Commission also foresees action on the consumer market, in particular an assessment of the national consumer protection rules and monitoring of the effects generated by liberalization for consumers. The Commission also announces an Energy Customers' Charter which will include measures to address fuel poverty, information for customers to choose a supplier and supply options, and actions to reduce red tape when changing energy suppliers and to protect citizens from unfair selling practices.
Finally, the national laws implementing the new Unfair Commercial Practices Directive 2005/29/EC will be applicable as from 12 December 2007. This EU legislation will protect consumers against misleading and aggressive business practices in all sectors, including energy.
As the majority of consumers are able to choose their energy suppliers from 1 July 2007, the European Commission, through its Directorates-General for Energy and Transport, and Health and Consumer Protection is launching an EU-wide information and awareness-raising campaign, which pursues three major objectives:
Energy end-users will be the main recipients of the campaign's message.
To find similar reports, click on a keyword below:
Citizens
: Electricity
: Gas
: Natural Gas
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