The European Commission recommends that member states reduce gas and electricity consumption

The European Commission recommends that member states reduce gas and electricity consumption as much as necessary ahead of winter, in order to ease pressure on prices and strengthen security of supply. The appeal was made by European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen in a letter addressed to energy ministers.

The European official says there are currently no immediate risks to the European Union’s energy supply. However, gas stocks are lower than during the same period last year, while demand is expected to increase with the arrival of the cold season. European storage facilities are approximately 68% full.

The recommended measures include switching off unnecessary public lighting and limiting temperatures in public buildings. Member states must reach an 80% filling level for their gas storage facilities.

Romania is above the European Union average. The country’s storage facilities are currently 76% full, and authorities estimate they will reach 80% by October 1.