Activities of Olle SCHMIDT related to 2013/2153(INI)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on consumer protection – protection of consumers in utilities services PDF (167 KB) DOC (80 KB)
Amendments (14)
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. having regard to the particular importance of utility services, the need to guarantee consumers free access to such services and the need to lay down binding rulesfor a common framework on access to such services for vulnerable consumers;
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the existing legal framework is inadequate, and whereas binding rules ara common framework may be needed to guarantee a higher level of consumer protection and access to utility services;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Emphasises that utility services are also services of general economic interest (SGEIs); calls on the Commission to propose as soon as possible a European legal framework for SGEIs;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Emphasises thatSupports the existence of strong, independent consumer organisations is a sine qua non forn facilitating comprehensive consumer protection;
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Emphasises that all consumers, irrespective of their financial circumstances, should be guaranteed access to utility services and that special arrangements, such as exemption from charges, should may be introduced for 'vulnerable consumers'; points out that any consumer may find him/herself in a situation in which he/she needs special protectionthe ambition for EU consumer policy should be a high level of empowerment and protection for every consumer;
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6 a (new)
Paragraph 6 a (new)
6a. Asks the Commission and encourages the Member States, to identify situations where certain groups or individuals are especially vulnerable, for instance by analysing consumer claims;
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Points out that the liberalisation of energy markets has not systematically led to greater competition and lower prices for consumers and, from consumers' point of view, has made the range of services and tariffs available more confusing; Believes that an open, transparent, integrated and competitive internal energy market is needed in order to achieve competitive energy prices, security of supply and sustainability and efficient large-scale deployment of renewable energy, and that the completion of such a market still remains an important challenge for all Member States; welcomes the liberalisation of the internal energy market as it is a necessary step to cut the cost of electricity and gas for consumers while ensuring that the energy markets become more transparent and better monitored;
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7 a (new)
Paragraph 7 a (new)
7a. Stresses the crucial importance of timely, correct and full implementation of existing legislation, including the regulatory work called for by the third internal energy market package, in order to achieve an integrated and competitive European internal energy market by 2014;
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Points out that energy poverty is on the increase in many Member States, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to address this problem, in particular because service providers are benefiting from cheap wholesaleconsiders in this regard that it should be made clear what can be done through energy policy and social policy respectively; believes that the issue of poverty is best dealt with by the social policy and not through regulation of energy prices.;
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that many electricity providers refuse to make their data available for comparison purposes and that restrictive contract termination conditions and the lack of a straightforward procedure for concluding contracts make switching provider difficult; calls for, in some instances, restrictive contract termination conditions and complex procedures exist which prevent consumers from switching contracts; calls for action in this regard to speed up and simplify switching processes for consumers; which may include, where appropriate, legislative measures to make it easier for consumers to switch provider;
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Eagerly awaits the Commission's work on e-billing;
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Takes the view that where smart metering is employed priority must be given to the benefits for customers and data protection and that the relevant costs must not be passed on to consumersEmphasises the role of smart grids to allow two-way communication between electricity producers and customers and points out that smart grids, respecting customers and data protection, can allow consumers to observe and adapt their electricity use;
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Notes that data portability and interoperability are essential if consumers are to become less dependent on providers and enjoy greater freedom to choose their provider and if innovation is to be fostered; takes the view that all consumers should be able to switch provider at any time, free of charge, without loss of data and with a minimum of formalities;
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Notes that the liberalisation of postal services has not brought the promised benefits forpromoting more competition in the postal sector is important in reaching the Europe 2020 goals for sustainable growth and that consumers, but has instead destroyed structures which it will be very difficult to re-establish; enefit from a more quality- focused service and from savings passed on to them through cost reductions; further notes that the universal service obligations guarantee that all Member States will ensure the continued full coverage and affordability of postal services;