The European Commission has published a package of reforms aimed at decarbonising the economy and giving consumers a “central role” in Europe’s energy transition.

Called the ‘Summer Package’, it includes plans to make energy efficiency “clearer” by using a single labelling scale from A to G for appliances. The Commission has proposed all new energy efficient products placed on the EU market to be registered on an online database to increase transparency.

It expects the changes to save consumers around €15 (£10.5) every year, bring the total savings to €480 (£336) annually. The Commission also plans to tighten the cap for the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from 2020, with its revenues to be used by Member States to finance climate projects in developing countries.

They were accompanied by the launch of a public consultation on proposals for a new energy market design which aims to make it easier to trade electricity across borders and integrate more renewable energy on the grid.

Miguel Arias Cañete, EU Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy said: “Actions speak louder than words. Today we take a decisive step towards enshrining the EU’s target of at least 40% emissions cut by 2030 into law.

“My message to our global partners ahead of the Paris climate conference: the EU stands by its international commitments. And my message to investors, businesses and industry: invest in clean energy; it’s here to stay and continue to grow. With these proposals, Europe is once again showing the way and leading the global the transition to a low carbon society.”

Truong Duy