The European Parliament's Industry and Energy Committee (ITRE) today adopted the energy efficiency deal reached between EU Member States and MEPs in June, after months of tough negotiations. The proposed legislation will step up action on energy efficiency at all stages of the energy chain; from supply to final consumption.

ALDE MEP Fiona Hall (UK, Liberal Democrat), who led the negotiations on behalf of the ALDE Group, said:

"If we want to reduce our dependency on energy imports and ever increasing fuel and electricity costs, we must wholeheartedly embrace and boost energy efficiency measures.

"Legally binding targets for 2020 have stimulated innovation and growth in the field of renewable energy and accelerated greenhouse gas emission reductions. However, the lack of such legally-binding targets has slowed down the speed of energy efficiency improvements. Without immediate further action, we would have been on course for only 9% of energy saving improvements instead of the required 20% by 2020.

"Although the deal reached will only put us on track for energy efficiency savings of around 17% by 2020, it is an important step in the right direction on which we will build and improve. In particular, the early review of the process starting in 2014 will provide another opportunity to push for further measures if necessary.

"Utility companies will have to cut the energy they supply to their customers by at least 1.5% each year. This means they must ensure that their customers use less energy - and thereby save money on their energy bills." 

ENDS

Note to editors:

The agreed Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) requires Member States to present an energy efficiency action plan every three years starting in 2014. The Commission will review the situation starting with 2014 and can if necessary propose other measures, including legally binding targets.

The EED also determines specific measures to achieve the desired energy savings:
- Renovation of public buildings
- Energy Efficiency schemes for utilities to achieve a "cumulative end-use energy saving target by 2020"
- Energy audits for companies
- Promoting efficiency in heating and cooling
- Financing facilities for energy efficiency measures