Many of these actions and measures have been taken on the national level, such as gas storage and solidarity rules, coordinated gas reduction measures, or measures to accelerate the roll-out of renewables to reduce our fossil fuel dependency. 

On an individual level, we all can continue to take small actions to save energy, reduce our energy bills, contribute to lower fossil fuel imports, and reduce CO2 and methane emissions. By doing so, we are pushing industry to invest in better, greener solutions.

For the second year in a row, the EU reached the binding 90% gas storage target well ahead of the 1 November deadline. The gas storage level even reached 95% this year, corresponding to approximately 100 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas, or in other terms, around one-third of the EU's annual gas consumption. 

Storing gas is, of course, not the only path to ensure that the EU is well-prepared for winter. Figures show that between August 2022 and July 2024 the EU managed to reduce its gas demand by 18%, compared to the average of the previous 5 years. The 18% corresponds to approximately 146 bcm of natural gas saved!

Moreover, to achieve energy independence, the EU has consistently focused on increasing its production of clean, renewable energy. The REPowerEU communication, presented in May 2022, reinforced previous ambitions, urging quick action to reduce our dependence on imported gas. 

REPowerEU led to the revision of several EU rules, resulting in increased targets for energy efficiency and the total share of renewables. The current target for renewable energy is at least 42.5% by 2030, and the goal is to reduce the EU’s overall energy consumption by 11.7% compared to the projected energy use for 2030. 

These developments contribute to Europe being well equipped for the upcoming winter. Our reserves allow us to quickly meet potential surges in gas demand without having to import more from abroad. At the same time, we are reducing our dependence on imports of foreign fossil fuels in the long-run by promoting clean, renewable energy produced in the EU. 

Empowering consumers to make informed choices about how we use energy in our homes and buildings is essential. Not only does this allow us to better control what appears on the energy bill at the end of the month, but it also allows us to make conscious decisions related to our carbon footprint, and make our living or working spaces more comfortable and efficient.

By adopting energy efficient and energy saving behaviours, consumers can take more control of their carbon footprint and lower their energy bills. 

Some energy-efficiency measures require a certain amount of financing and time, such as purchasing more energy efficient appliances to better insulating buildings or changing to a better performing heating system. But, there are also a range of tips and measures that are free, or at a reasonably low cost, while also being very efficient to reduce the energy consumption in our homes and workplaces. 

At this time of year, ensuring the proper heating of our homes is a high priority. The average heating temperature of a home in the EU is over 22°C, but most homes could slightly reduce their heating without a noticeable difference for the inhabitants. Lowering the temperature of your thermostat by 1°C could save 7% of the energy used for heating. For each degree you lower your thermostat, you could potentially save as much as €70 on your annual energy bill.

Keeping heated air indoors is essential during the cold months to reduce your energy expenditure, just like you might need to keep heat out during summer. Closing windows, doors, curtains, and blocking/closing chimneys can draught proof your home and ensure that the energy you pay for to heat it remains within its walls. Where applicable, bleeding the radiators before the cold season starts is also recommended, in order to ensure the proper circulation of heat.

Before purchasing a new electrical device, you can compare its energy efficiency against the estimated use and price. The Commission provides a database called EPREL – the European Product Database for Energy Labelling - that can help you do exactly that. You can search a product on EPREL by scanning its QR code. EU ecodesign and energy labelling is helping consumers to carry out smarter purchases, while also pushing producers to innovate and improve the energy efficiency of their products.   

An example of an energy efficient switch that can be made without a steep investment for the consumer is LED light bulbs. LED bulbs last significantly longer and use 90% less energy than incandescent light bulbs. To use them smartly, add a timer to your Christmas lights, a dimmer for the living room lamps, and make use of smart phone apps allowing you to switch all lamps off in one click. More efficient lighting products will allow Europe to save up to 34 TWh of electricity per year by 2030, which is more than the total combined electricity consumption of Lithuania, Croatia, and Luxembourg in 2023! This would also prevent around 7 million tonnes of CO2 from being emitted annually.

To obtain guidance or information on how to reduce your energy consumption, consult our national contacts list. It provides information in all official EU languages. 

Saving energy is the cheapest, safest, and cleanest way to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel imports, reduce our energy bills, and decrease our carbon footprint. The ‘playing my part’ collection of tips was published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Commission in 2022, and they remain useful as guidance for what we can do as individuals to reduce our energy consumption.