2021/0425(COD) | [ParlTrack]

Proposal for a directive
Recital 35

Amendment 101 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 36

(36) The provisions on citizen energy communities do not preclude the existence of other citizen initiatives such as Renewable Energy Communities in Directive (EU) 2018/2001 or those stemming from private law agreements. Membership of citizen energy communities should be open to all categories of entities. However, the decision-making powers within a citizen energy community should be limited to those members or shareholders that are not engaged in large-scale commercial activity and for which the energy sector does not constitute a primary area of economic activity. This means that citizen energy communities and individual members or shareholders need to be financially and economically independent from entities engaged in such activities, notwithstanding the possibility for citizen energy communities to delegate the management of the installations required for their activities, including installation, operation, data handling and maintenance.deleted

Amendment 102 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 37

(37) Bills and billing information are an important means to inform and empower final customers. Energy bills remain the most common consumer concern and source of consumer complaints, a factor that contributes to the persistently low levels of consumer satisfaction and engagement in the gas sector. Provisions for billing information in the gas sector also lag behind rights granted to consumers in the electricity sector, therefore holding back the full potential of consumer engagement in the gas sector, particularly when it comes to renewable and low carbon gases. It is therefore necessary to align them and to set minimum requirements for bills and billing information in the gas sector, so that consumers have access to transparent, easy to understand information. Bills should convey information to the final consumers on their consumption and costs, thus facilitating comparison between offers and switching supplier, as well as information on their consumer rights (such as on alternative dispute resolution). In addition, bills should be a tool to actively engage consumers in the market, so that consumers can manage their consumption patterns and make greener choices. Consumers should be able to access accurate billing information in both online and offline formats.

Amendment 103 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 37

(37) Bills and billing information are an important means to inform and empower final customers. Energy bills remain the most common consumer concern and source of consumer complaints, a factor that contributes to the persistently low levels of consumer satisfaction and engagement in the gas sector. Provisions for billing information in the gas sector also lag behind rights granted to consumers in the electricity sector. It is therefore necessary to align them and to set minimum requirements for bills and billing information in the gas sector, so that consumers have access to transparent, complete, easy to understand information. Bills should convey information to the final consumers on their consumption and costs, as greenhouse gas emission intensity, type of energy, its share and quantity, thus facilitating comparison between offers and switching supplier, as well as information on their consumer rights (such as on alternative dispute resolution). In addition, bills should be a tool to actively engage consumers in the market, so that consumers can manage their consumption patterns and make greener choices.

Amendment 104 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 37

(37) Bills and billing information are an important means to inform and empower final customers. Energy bills remain the most common consumer concern and source of consumer complaints, a factor that contributes to the persistently low levels of consumer satisfaction and engagement in the gas sector. Provisions for billing information in the gas sector also lag behind rights granted to consumers in the electricity sector. It is therefore necessary to align them and to set minimum requirements for bills and billing information in the gas sector, so that consumers have access to transparent, easy to understand information. Bills should convey information to the final consumers on their consumption and costs, thus facilitating comparison between offers and switching supplier, as well as information on their consumer rights (such as on alternative dispute resolution) and source of purchased energy. In addition, bills should be a tool to actively engage consumers in the market, so that consumers can manage their consumption patterns and make greener choices.

Amendment 105 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 39

(39) A key aspect in supplying customers is access to objective and transparent consumption data. Thus, consumers should have access to their consumption data and associated prices and services costs so that they can invite competitors to make an offer based on that information . Consumers should also have the right to be properly informed about their energy consumption and should be able to readily access that information. Prepayments should not place a disproportionate disadvantage on their users, while different payment systems should be non- discriminatory. Information on energy costs provided to consumers frequently enough should create incentives for energy savings because it will give customers direct feedback on the effects of investment in energy efficiency and change of behaviour.

Amendment 106 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 44

(44) Greater consumer protection is guaranteed by the availability of effective means of dispute settlement for all consumers. Member States should provide for speedy and effective complaint handling procedures. Information about where and how to complain must be made available in consumer contracts and billing information.

Amendment 107 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 45

(45) Member States should take appropriate measures, such as providing benefits by means of their social security systems, to ensure the necessary supply to vulnerable customers, or providing for support for energy efficiency improvements, to address energy poverty where identified pursuant to Article 3(3), point (d) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council9 , including in the broader context of poverty. Such measures could differ according to the particular circumstances in the Member States in question and could include social or energy policy measures relating to the payment of gas bills, to investment in the energy efficiency of residential buildings, or to consumer protection such as disconnection safeguards. It has to be underlined that for the transitional period, fast decoupling from Russian energy imports can lead to higher and more volatile energy prices and therefore targeted measures are needed to minimize volatility, keep prices in check and protect the individuals in or at risk of energy poverty in order to ensure a fair transition for all. _________________ 9 Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action, amending Regulations (EC) No 663/2009 and (EC) No 715/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Directives 94/22/EC, 98/70/EC, 2009/31/EC, 2009/73/EC, 2010/31/EU, 2012/27/EU and 2013/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, Council Directives 2009/119/EC and (EU) 2015/652 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 525/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1).

Amendment 108 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 46

(46) Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council10 , the Commission provided indicative guidance11 on appropriate indicators for measuring energy poverty and defining a ‘significant number of households in energy poverty’. The Commission, together with Eurostat and Member States, should improve the comparability of datasets so that these become comparable across Member States within two years after the entry into force of this Directive. _________________ 10 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125). 11 Commission Recommendation of 14.10.2020 on energy poverty, C(2020) 9600 final

Amendment 109 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph -1 (new)

-1. This Directive establishes a common framework for the phase out of natural gas supply by 2035 and decommissioning of related infrastructure assets in line with the energy efficiency first principle and the obligations set out in the EU climate law (XXX/xx).

Amendment 110 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 1 – paragraph 1

1. This Directive establishes common rules for the transmission, distribution, supply and storage of gases within the meaning of Article 2, point (2) using the natural gas system defined in point (3) of that Article together with consumer protection provisions, with a view to creating truly integrated, competitive, consumer-centred, flexible, fair, transparent and non-discriminatory markets for gases in the Union. It lays down the rules relating to the organisation and functioning of that sector, access to the market, the criteria and procedures applicable to the granting of authorisations for transmission, distribution, supply and storage of gases using the natural gas system and the operation of systems.

Amendment 111 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 41 a (new)

(41 a) ‘protected customer’ means protected customer as defined in point (5) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 of the European Parliament and of the Council;

Amendment 112 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 69

(69) ‘energy poverty’ means energy poverty as defined in point (492) of Article 2 of ~~Directive (EU) 2021/0203 COD of the European Parliament and of the Council~~the [Social and Climate Fund xxx/xxx].

Amendment 113 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 70

(70) ‘citizen energy community’ means a legal entity that: (a) is based on voluntary and open participation and is effectively controlled by members or shareholders that are natural persons, local authorities, including municipalities, or small enterprises; (b) has for its primary purpose to provide environmental, economic or social community benefits to its members or shareholders or to the local areas where it operates rather than to generate financial profits; and (c) engages in production, distribution, supply, consumption, or storage of renewable gas in the natural gas system, or provides energy efficiency services or maintenance services to its members or shareholders;deleted

Amendment 114 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 71

(71) ‘active customer’ means a final natural gas customer, or a group of jointly acting final natural gas customers, who consumes or stores renewable gas, produced within its premises located within confined boundaries or, where permitted by a Member State, within other premises, or who sells self-produced renewable gas using the natural gas system, or participates in energy efficiency schemes, provided that those activities do not constitute its primary commercial or professional activity;deleted

Amendment 115 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point 71

(71) ‘active customer’ means a final natural gas customer, or a group of jointly acting final natural gas or hydrogen customers, who consumes or stores renewable gas, or hydrogen, produced within its premises located within confined boundaries or, where permitted by a Member State, within other premises, or who sells self-produced renewable gas or hydrogen using the natural gas or hydrogen system, or participates in energy efficiency schemes, provided that those activities do not constitute its primary commercial or professional activity;

Amendment 116 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 3 – paragraph 2

2. Member States shall ensure that their national law ~~does not unduly hamper~~facilitates cross-border trade in gases, the functioning and emergence of liquid trading for gases, consumer participation, investments into, in particular, renewable and low carbon gases, or energy storage between Member States, and shall ensure that prices for gases reflect actual demand and supply.

Amendment 117 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 2

2. Member States shall ensure the protection of energy poor and vulnerable ~~household~~ customers pursuant to Articles 25 by social policy or by other means than public interventions in the price setting for the supply of gases.

Amendment 118 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3

3. By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, Member States may apply public interventions in the price setting for the supply of natural gas to energy poor or, vulnerable household customers or protected customers as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1938. Such public interventions shall be subject to the conditions set out in paragraphs 4 and 5. In the event of an unprecedented price increase, interventions that comply with the criteria set out in paragraphs 4 and 5 could be expanded to other limited number of customer groups in order to avoid significant socio-economic impacts.

Amendment 119 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3

3. By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, Member States may apply public interventions in the price setting for the supply of natural gas to energy poor or vulnerable ~~househol~~, protected customers. Such public interventions shall be subject to the conditions set out in paragraphs 4 and 5.

Amendment 120 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3

3. By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, Member States may apply public interventions in the price setting for the supply of ~~natural~~ gases to energy poor or vulnerable household customers. Such public interventions shall be subject to the conditions set out in paragraphs 4 and 5.

Amendment 121 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. When faced with crisis or other unprecedented circumstances leading to sudden price increase and destabilisation of the energy market, the subjects of intervention could be expanded beyond the protected customers in order to avoid significant, adverse impact on society and economy.

Amendment 122 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – introductory part

4. Public interventions in the price setting for the supply of ~~natural~~ gases shall:

Amendment 123 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 4 – paragraph 4 – point b

(b) be clearly defined, transparent, non- discriminatory ~~and~~, verifiable and fair for all suppliers;

Amendment 124 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 4

4. The obligations laid down in paragraph 2 shall apply regardless of whether low carbon fuels are produced within the Union or are imported. Information about the geographic origin ~~and~~, feedstock type, life cycle GHG emissions, and other environmental criteria of low carbon fuels or low carbon hydrogen per fuel supplier shall be made available to consumers on the websites of operators, suppliers or the relevant competent authorities and shall be updated on a~~n annual~~ monthly basis.

Amendment 125 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 8 – paragraph 4

Amendment 126 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall ensure that all final customers are entitled to have gases provided by a supplier, subject to the supplier's agreement, regardless of the Member State in which the supplier is registered, provided that the supplier is awarded by national regulatory authority where the gas is supplied with required authorisation in line with Article 7(2) and follows the applicable trading and balancing rules. In that regard, Member States shall take all measures necessary to ensure that administrative procedures do not discriminate against suppliers already registered in another Member State.

Amendment 127 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Member States shall also take appropriate measures to ensure that network operators do not include any costs related to the repurposing of the current gas network to allow for blending with hydrogen or rolling out the hydrogen network in their gas or electricity network tariffs.

Amendment 128 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – point a

(a) the identity and address of the supplier, contact details (address, phone number and email of customer service);

Amendment 129 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – point h

(h) information relating to consumer rights, including clear and understandable information on complaint handling including how and where a complaint should be submitted and all the information referred to in this paragraph, clearly communicated on the bill or the hydrogen or natural gas undertaking's web site.

Amendment 130 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

Conditions shall be fair and well known in advance. In any case, the information shall be provided in consumer friendly and unambiguous language, prior to the conclusion or confirmation of the contract. Where contracts are concluded through intermediaries, the information referred to points (a) to (f) shall also be provided prior to the conclusion of the contract.

Amendment 131 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

Conditions shall be fair and well known in advance. In any case, the clear and understandable information shall be provided prior to the conclusion or confirmation of the contract. Where contracts are concluded through intermediaries, the information referred to points (a) to (f) shall also be provided prior to the conclusion of the contract.

Amendment 132 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2

Final customers shall be provided with a summary of the key contractual conditions in a prominent manner and in concise and simple language. Suppliers shall provide final customers consumers key information on offers in one place. Member States, through their National Regulatory Authorities, shall ensure the use of common terminology agreed at national level. The key information shall include: (a) product name and main features including, where relevant, information on environmental impact, clear description of promotions and discounts, (b) information on additional services (e.g. maintenance, insurance, energy efficiency measures), their price and the provider of these services, if different from the energy supplier, (c) total price of natural gas (including all cost components, i.e. supply, distribution, taxes and levies) as well as the single unit price (including all charges and taxes) in order to allow final customers to compare at a glance and easily spot the cheapest deal for them, (d) one-time payments where relevant, including activation fees and costs for the connection to the network, (e) conditions for price or tariff changes during the contract, (f) contract duration and conditions for termination, including notice period and fees and penalties where relevant, (g) payment frequency and method options, (h) supplier’s contact details such as customer service’s address, telephone number and email, including, where relevant, identification of any intermediary. (i) Important clauses such as those on the product, discounts and factors unrelated to the electricity supply should be written in bold or highlighted in bigger font.

Amendment 133 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2

Final customers shall be provided with a summary of the key contractual conditions in a prominent manner and in concise and simple language. This summary shall be provided together with the key information on energy offers as referred to in paragraph 3(a) of this Article.

Amendment 134 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. In addition to the provision of information on contractual conditions as laid down in paragraph 3 of this Article, final customers shall be provided with key information on the energy offers in a concise and easy-to-understand language based on a common terminology agreed at national level. As a minimum, the key information on energy offers shall include: (a) product name and main features, including information on environmental impact, level of greenhouse gas emissions and, where relevant, related savings, guarantee of origin of energy from renewables sources; (b) clear description of the price and tariffs offered, either fixed or variable, as well as conditions for their changes during contract performance; (c) clear description of promotions and discounts, including the date when it elapses; (d) information on additional services (e.g. maintenance, insurance, energy efficiency measures) and their price; (e) total price of natural gas (including all cost components, i.e. supply, distribution, taxes and levies) as well as the single unit price (including all charges and taxes); (f) one-time payments, including activation fees and costs for the connection to the network; (g) contract duration and conditions for termination and switching, including notice period, fees and penalties, where relevant; (h) payment frequency and available payment method. Important clauses such as those on the product, discounts and factors unrelated to thee electricity supply should be presented in a prominent manner, together with key contractual conditions, so as to be immediately identifiable by customers. Member States shall establish a common terminology agreed at national level to ease comparison of offers for customers.

Amendment 135 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 5

5. Suppliers shall provide final customers with transparent information on applicable prices ~~and~~, tariffs ~~and on~~, standard terms and conditions and, if relevant, on additional products and/or services bundled with the service, in respect of access to and use of gases services. Member States, through their National Regulatory Authorities, shall ensure key conditions are identified and highlighted in the Information on the offers provided by suppliers to consumers and shall monitor and report on transparency of market offers.

Amendment 136 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 5

5. Suppliers shall provide final customers with transparent information on applicable prices ~~and~~, tariffs ~~and on~~, standard terms and conditions, in respect of access to and use of gases services and, if relevant, on additional products and/or services bundled with the service.

Amendment 137 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 10

10. Suppliers shall provide natural gas household customers with adequate information on alternative measures to disconnection sufficiently in advance of any planned disconnection. Such alternative measures ~~may~~shall inclusde information about sources of support to avoid disconnection, prepayment systems, energy audits, energy consultancy services, alternative payment plans, debt management advice or disconnection moratoria and shall not entail an extra cost to the customers facing disconnection. Disconnections to household customers using natural gas for heating shall be prohibited during winter times. Disconnections shall also be prohibited during ongoing legal or extra-legal disputes between the supplier and customers.

Amendment 138 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 10

10. Suppliers shall provide natural gas household customers with adequate information on alternative measures to disconnection sufficiently in advance of any planned disconnection. Such alternative measures may incluse information about sources of support to avoid disconnection, prepayment systems, energy audits, energy consultancy services, alternative payment plans, debt management advice or disconnection moratoria and shall not entail an extra cost to the customers facing disconnection. Disconnections to household customers using natural gas for heating shall be prohibited during winter times. Disconnections shall also be prohibited during legal or extra-legal disputes on this topic between the supplier and customers.

Amendment 139 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 10 – paragraph 11

11. Suppliers shall provide final customers with a final closure account after any switch of supplier no later than ~~six~~four weeks after such a switch has taken place

Amendment 140 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1

1. Customers shall have the right to switch gases suppliers or market participants. Switching supplier or market participant shall be carried out within the shortest possible time, and in any case not later than two weeks from the date of the request. Member States shall ensure that a customer wishing to switch suppliers or market participants, while respecting contractual conditions, is entitled to such a switch within a maximum of t~~hree~~wo weeks from the date of the request. By 2026 at the latest, the technical process of switching supplier or market participant shall take no longer than 24 hours and shall be possible on any working day.

Amendment 141 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1

1. Customers shall have the right to switch gases suppliers or market participants. Switching supplier or market participant shall be carried out within the shortest possible time. Member States shall ensure that a customer wishing to switch suppliers or market participants, while respecting contractual conditions, is entitled to such a switch within a maximum of three weeks from the date of the request. By 2026 at the latest, the technical process of switching supplier or market participant shall take no longer than 24 hours and shall be possible on any working day.

Amendment 142 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1

1. Customers shall have the right to switch gases suppliers or market participants. Switching supplier or market participant shall be carried out within the shortest possible time. Member States shall ensure that a customer wishing to switch suppliers or market participants, while respecting contractual conditions, is entitled to such a switch within a maximum of three weeks from the date of the request. By 2026 at the latest, the technical process of switching supplier or market participant shall take no longer than 248 hours and shall be possible on any working day.

Amendment 143 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 1

1. Customers shall have the right to switch gases suppliers or market participants. Member States shall ensure that a customer wishing to switch suppliers or market participants, while respecting contractual conditions, is entitled to such a switch within a maximum of three weeks from the date of the request. By 20268 at the latest, the technical process of switching supplier or market participant shall take no longer than 724 hours and shall be possible on any working day.

Amendment 144 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 2

2. Member States shall ensure that the right to switch supplier or market participant is granted to all customers in a non-discriminatory manner as regards cost, effort and time.

Amendment 145 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

Such fees shall be proportionate and shall not exceed the direct economic loss to the supplier or the market participant resulting from the customer's termination of the contract, including the costs of any bundled investments or services that have already been provided to the customer as part of the contract. The burden of proving the direct economic loss shall be on the supplier or market participant. The permissibility of contract termination fees shall be monitored by the regulatory authority, or by another competent national authority. In case of bundled investments in equipment, the direct economic loss to the supplier shall be determined based on one of the following criteria, whichever amount is smaller: (a) prorata temporis residual value of subsidised equipment bundled with the contact, (b) remaining part of service fee;

Amendment 146 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Where customers are obliged to switch gases as a result of other Union policies and as a consequence will be disproportionately affected, where applicable, the Member State shall conduct distributional impact assessment of the planned fuel switch, as well as to put in place plans and measures to mitigate and resolve inequities resulting from policies that decarbonise the energy system. The Commission shall assist Member States and provide resources facilitating implementation of these plans and measures.

Amendment 147 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 11 – paragraph 4 a (new)

4 a. Member States should ensure that user-friendly information is offered to citizens in relation to the rules and process for switching suppliers in their respective Member State along with any relevant switching information as appropriate.

Amendment 148 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. Member States sh~~all~~ould ensure that ~~at least natural~~ gas household customers, and microenterprises, have access, free of charge, to at least one tool comparing the offers of suppliers, including bundled offers. Customers shall be informed of the availability of such tools in or together with their bills or by other means. The tools shall meet at least the following requirements:

Amendment 149 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1

Member States shall ensure that at least one tool covers the entire natural gas market. Where multiple tools cover the market, those tools shall include, as complete as practicable, a range of gas offers covering a significant part of the market and, where those tools do not completely cover the market, a clear statement to that effect, before displaying results. The information shall be displayed in a way that allows consumers to clearly identify and filter the parameters relevant to their search. As a minimum, the following elements shall be displayed in a prominent manner: (i) availability of “green tariffs”; (ii) exceptional or short-term conditions of offers. The list of elements to be displayed in a prominent manner may be updated and expanded by the competent authority as referred to in paragraph 4 of this Article.

Amendment 150 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1

Member States shall ensure that at least one tool covers the entire natural gas market. Where multiple tools cover the market, those tools shall include, as complete as practicable, a range of gas offers covering a significant part of the market and, where those tools do not completely cover the market, a clear statement to that effect, before displaying results. All suppliers and relevant intermediaries shall provide a competent authority managing a database of all available current and past offers the information necessary for certified tools to run the comparison for final customers. Such database should be freely accessible in an electronic format by providers of comparison tools.

Amendment 151 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 1 a (new)

1 a. Member States shall require the comparison tools referred to in paragraph 1 to include comparative determinants relating to the nature of the services offered by the suppliers, the quality of service, complaint-handling procedures, level of consumer satisfaction and information on complaints. Exceptional conditions of an offer, including discounts or planned increase of the price during the contract duration, shall be identifiable and clearly highlighted in the comparison tool. Comparison tools shall allow users to filter the result on the basis of the characteristics of the offers that are most relevant for them. These shall be defined by National Regulatory Authorities and shall include at least fixed or variable price, contract length, bundles, discounts and length of period during which the price is guaranteed.

Amendment 152 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 3

3. Member States ~~may~~shall require comparison tools referred to in paragraph 1 to include comparative criteria relating to the nature of the services ~~offered by the supplier~~, including on aspects such as termination of contract or switching, availability of sustainable offers, the quality of the service, the availability of effective complaint- handling mechanisms, and the level of consumer satisfaction, offered by the suppliers. In establishing these criteria, Member States shall consult relevant stakeholders, including organisations representing consumers interests.

Amendment 153 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 4

4. Member States shall appoint a competent authority to be responsible for issuing trust marks for comparison tools that meet the requirements set out in paragraph 1, and for ensuring that comparison tools bearing a trust mark continue to meet those requirements. That authority shall be independent of any market participants and comparison tool operators. Suppliers shall provide the national competent authorities appointed with information on past and current energy offers in view of establishing a database to be used by certified comparison tools.

Amendment 154 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 12 – paragraph 4

4. Member States shall appoint a competent authority to be responsible for issuing trust marks for comparison tools that meet the requirements set out in paragraph 1, and for ensuring that comparison tools bearing a trust mark continue to meetthose requirements. In particular, competent authorities shall carry out regular reviews of price comparison tools bearing a trust mark to ensure that the requirements of paragraph 1 are continually being met. That authority shall be independent of any market participants and comparison tool operators.

Amendment 155 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 13

1. Member States shall ensure that final customers are entitled to act as active customers without being subject to disproportionate or discriminatory technical requirements, administrative requirements, procedures and charges, and to network charges that are not cost- reflective. 2. Member States shall ensure that active customers are: (a) entitled to operate directly; (b) entitled to sell self-produced renewable natural gases using the natural gas system, (c) entitled to participate in energy efficiency schemes; (d) entitled to delegate to a third party the management of the installations required for their activities, including installation, operation, data handling and maintenance, without that third party being considered to be an active customer; (e) subject to cost-reflective, transparent and non-discriminatory network charges, ensuring that they contribute in an adequate and balanced way to the overall cost sharing of the system; (f) are financially responsible for the imbalances they cause in the natural gas system or shall delegate their balancing responsibility in accordance with Article 3 (e) of [recast Gas Regulation as proposed in COM(2021) xxx]. 3. Member States may have different provisions applicable to individual and jointly-acting active customers in their national law, provided that all rights and obligations under this Article apply to all active customers. Any difference in the treatment of jointly-acting active customers shall be proportionate and duly justified. 4. Member States shall ensure that active customers that own facilities that store renewable gas: (a) have the right to a grid connection within a reasonable time after they made a request to that effect, provided that all necessary conditions, such as balancing responsibility, are fulfilled; (b) are not subject to any double charges, including network charges, for stored renewable gas remaining within their premises; (c) are not subject to disproportionate licensing requirements or fees; (d) are allowed to provide several services simultaneously, if technically feasible.Article 13 deleted Active customers

Amendment 156 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

2. Member States shall ensure that active customers maintain their rights as final customers set in this Directive, including the right to switch electricity supplier and are:

Amendment 157 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point b

(b) entitled to sell self-produced renewable natural gases or hydrogen using the natural gas or hydrogen system,

Amendment 158 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point f

(f) are financially responsible for the imbalances they cause in the natural gas or hydrogen system or shall delegate their balancing responsibility in accordance with Article 3 (e) of [recast Gas Regulation as proposed in COM(2021) xxx].

Amendment 159 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – introductory part

4. Member States shall ensure that active customers that own facilities that store renewable gas or hydrogen:

Amendment 160 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point a

(a) where it does not lead to the destabilisation of a system, have the right to a grid connection within a reasonable time after they made a request to that effect, provided that all necessary conditions, such as balancing responsibility, are fulfilled;

Amendment 161 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 13 – paragraph 4 – point b

(b) are not subject to any double charges, including network charges, for stored renewable gas or hydrogen remaining within their premises;

Amendment 162 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point d

(d) subject to fair compensation as assessed by the regulatory authority, relevant distribution system operators cooperate with citizen energy communities to facilitate transfers of renewable natural gases such as biomethane within citizen energy communities;

Amendment 163 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 1 – point e

(e) citizen energy communities are subject to non-discriminatory, fair, proportionate and transparent procedures and charges, including with respect to grid connection, registration and licensing, and to transparent, non-discriminatory and cost-reflective network charges, ensuring that they contribute in an adequate and balanced way to the overall cost sharing of the natural gas or hydrogen system.

Amendment 164 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

2. Member States ~~may~~should provide in the enabling regulatory framework that citizen energy communities:

Amendment 165 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point a

(a) are able to access all natural gas or hydrogen markets in a non-discriminatory manner;

Amendment 166 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 14 – paragraph 3 – point c

(c) are financially responsible for the imbalances they cause in the natural gas or hydrogen system or shall delegate their balancing responsibility in line with Article 3 (e) of [recast Gas Regulation as proposed in COM(2021) xxx];

Amendment 167 #

(e) are entitled to arrange within the citizen energy community the sharing of renewable gas or hydrogen that are produced by the production units owned by the community, subject to other requirements laid down in this Article and subject to the community members retaining their rights and obligations as final customers.

Amendment 168 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 15 – paragraph 5 a (new)

5 a. All information provided to consumers, including contractual information, offers and billing information, shall be up-to-date, correct, complete and presented in a manner that facilitates comparison by final customers.

Amendment 169 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 17 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall ensure the deployment of smart metering systems that can accurately measure consumption, provide information on actual time of use, and are capable to transmit and receive data for information, monitoring and control purposes, using a form of electronic communication. Such deployment may be subject to a cost-benefit assessment.

Amendment 170 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 20 – paragraph 1

1. Where final natural gas customers do not have smart meters, Member States shall ensure that, in so far as it is technically possible, financially feasible, and proportionate to the potential energy savings, final customers are provided with individual conventional meters that accurately measure their actual consumption.

Amendment 171 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 1

Member States shall ensure that single points of contact are established to provide customers with all necessary information concerning their rights, the applicable law and dispute settlement mechanisms available to them in the event of a dispute. Such single points of contact may be part of general consumer information points and may be the same entities as the single contact points for electricity referred to in Article 26 of Directive 2019/944/EU [on common rules for the internal market in electricity] or one-stop-shops established under [RED, EED, EPBD XX/XX]. Single point of contact shall also provide clear and complete information about available support measures, including those targeted to vulnerable customers, such as temporary income support mechanism, support for energy efficiency measures, building renovations, alternative renewables based heating and cooling systems and access to renewable energy production, self-consumption, sale and storage. Member States shall ensure that final customers are informed about where to find single points of contact. Member States shall ensure that information on certified comparison tools are provided to consumers through Single Points of Contact, as well as ensure access to at least one accessible comparison tool to customers that request it, including those without internet access.

Amendment 172 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 23 – paragraph 1

Each Member States shall ensure that one single points of contact ~~are~~is established to provide customers with all necessary information concerning their rights, the applicable law and dispute settlement mechanisms available to them in the event of a dispute. Such single points of contact may be part of general consumer information points and may be the same entities as the single contact points for electricity referred to in Article 26 of Directive 2019/944/EU [on common rules for the internal market in electricity.

Amendment 173 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 24 – paragraph 3 a (new)

3 a. Member States shall regularly assess the functioning of the out-of-court dispute settlement mechanisms, especially with regard to the participation and compliance of energy service providers, intermediaries and distribution system operators.

Amendment 174 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 25 – paragraph 1

Member States shall take appropriate measures to protect final customers, and shall, in particular, ensure that there are adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable customers. In this context, each Member State shall define the concept of vulnerable customers which may refer to energy poverty. Measures to protect vulnerable consumers ~~may~~shall include, inter alia, to the prohibition of disconnection to such customers in critical times. , and in all cases during winter times. The concept of vulnerable customers shall at least include income levels, the share of energy expenditure in disposable income, the energy efficiency of homes, critical dependence on gas equipment for health reasons, and age. Member States shall ensure that rights and obligations linked to vulnerable customers are applied.

Amendment 175 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 25 – paragraph 1

Amendment 176 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 25 – paragraph 1

Member States shall take appropriate measures such as foreseen in Article 4 (3), (3a), to protect final customers, and shall, in particular, ensure that there are adequate safeguards to protect vulnerable customers. In this context, each Member State shall define the concept of vulnerable customers which may refer to energy poverty and include customers such as the protected consumers. Measures to protect vulnerable consumers may include, inter alia, to the prohibition of disconnection to such customers in critical times.

Amendment 177 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 25 – paragraph 2

In particular, Member States shall take appropriate measures to address energy poverty where identified pursuant to point (d) of Article 3(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, including in the broader context of poverty and to protect final customers in remote areas who are connected to the natural gas or hydrogen systems. Among others, Member States may appoint a supplier of last resort for household customers, and, where Member States deem it to be appropriate, small enterprises considered to be vulnerable customers connected to the gas system.. They shall ensure high levels of consumer protection, particularly with respect to transparency regarding contractual terms and conditions, general information and dispute settlement mechanisms.

Amendment 178 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 25 – paragraph 2

In particular, Member States shall take appropriate measures to protect final customers in remote areas who are already connected to the natural gas ~~or hydrogen~~ systems. .Member States ~~may~~shall appoint a supplier of last resort for household customers~~, and, where Member States deem it to be appropriate, small enterprises~~ considered to be vulnerable customers connected to the gas system.~~. They shall ensure high levels of~~ According to relevant provisions of this Directive, consumer protection, particularly with respect to transparency regarding contractual terms and conditions, general information and dispute settlement mechanisms shall be always ensured. Social tariffs and supplier of last resort tariffs for vulnerable or energy poor customers shall not be higher than the lowest market price.

Amendment 179 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 25 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Member States shall take appropriate measures, such as providing support to ensure the necessary energy supply to vulnerable customers, deploy renewable energy and improve energy efficiency, including through building renovations, to sustainably overcome energy poverty and vulnerability. Such measures shall not impede the effective opening of the market set out in Article 4 or market functioning and shall be notified to the Commission, where relevant, in accordance with Article 5(5). Such notifications may also include measures taken within the general social security system. In case the support pursuant to the first subparagraph takes the form of a direct income support mechanism to customers, it shall be limited in time and shall be accompanied by a set of public interventions of at least the same financial magnitude supporting beneficiaries in efficiency programmes, including building renovation, and in switching to renewable energies.

Amendment 180 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 25 – paragraph 2 a (new)

When assessing the number of households in energy poverty pursuant to point (d) of Article 3(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, Member States shall establish and publish a set of criteria, which shall include low income, high expenditure of disposable income on energy and poor energy efficiency.

Amendment 181 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 25 a (new)

Article 25 a Energy poverty When assessing the number of customers in energy poverty pursuant to point (d) of Article 3(3) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1999, Member States shall establish and publish a set of criteria, which may include low income, high expenditure of disposable income on energy and poor energy efficiency.

Amendment 182 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 27 – paragraph 1

1. Member States shall ensure the implementation of a system of third party access to the transmission and distribution system, and LNG facilities based on published tariffs, applicable to all customers, including supply undertakings, and applied objectively and without discrimination between system users. Member States shall ensure that those tariffs, or the methodologies underlying their calculation, are approved prior to their entry into force in accordance with Article 72 by a regulatory authority referred to in Article 70 and that those tariffs — and the methodologies, where only methodologies are approved — are published prior to their entry into force. Tariff discounts can be granted only if so provided by Union l~~egislation~~aw or exceptionally where duly justified by the Member State and necessary to combat energy poverty among protected consumers.

Amendment 183 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 27 – paragraph 2

2. The provisions of this Directive shall not prevent the conclusion of long- term contracts for renewable and low carbon gases in so far as they comply with Union competition rules and contribute to decarbonisation. ~~No long-term contracts for supply of unabated fossil gas shall be concluded with a duration beyond the end of year 2049 .~~

Amendment 184 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 27 – paragraph 2

2. The provisions of this Directive shall not prevent the conclusion of long- term contracts for renewable and low carbon gases in so far as they comply with Union competition rules and contribute to decarbonisation. No long-term contracts for supply of ~~unabated~~ fossil gas shall be concluded with a duration beyond the end of year 204935 .

Amendment 185 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 34 – paragraph 1

1. Natural gas and hydrogen undertakings may refuse access or connection to the natural gas or hydrogen system on the basis of lack of capacity or if it could interrupt fulfilment of the public interest objectives such as security, quality and affordable cost of the supply proposed to final consumers. Duly substantiated reasons shall be given for any such a refusal.

Amendment 186 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 48 – paragraph 2 a (new)

2 a. Member States may allow regulatory authorities to grant a derogation from Article 31 for hydrogen networks which transport hydrogen from one entry point to a limited number of exit points within a geographically confined, industrial or commercial areas. 2 b. The derogations under paragraph 2a shall apply at least until 31December 2030 and the rules for negotiated third party access from Article 31paragraphs 4 and 5 shall be applied accordingly.

Amendment 187 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 71 – paragraph 1 – point g

(g) ensuring that customers benefit through the efficient functioning of their national market, promoting effective competition and ~~helping to ensure~~ensure high-level of consumer protection in c~~lose cooper~~onsultation with relevant consumer protection authorities ;

Amendment 188 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 71 – paragraph 1 – point g a (new)

(g a) ensuring that customers benefit from the efficient functioning of market overlapping with other electricity markets, and where cross-sectorial issues arise, clarifying competencies among regulators and competent authorities to ensure cost- efficient solutions;

Amendment 189 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 71 – paragraph 1 a (new)

To ensure consistency with the overall policy objectives of this Directive, namely the protection of consumer interests, national regulatory authorities shall consult relevant consumer organisations to take into consideration their interests and preferences in developing energy policies but also to identify shortcomings in the implementation of their rights as laid down under this Directive.

Amendment 190 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 72 – paragraph 1 – point s

(s) respecting contractual freedom with regard to long-term contracts provided that they are compatible with Union law and consistent with Union policies and provided they contribute to decarbonisation objectives. No long-term contracts for supply of ~~unabated~~ fossil gas shall be concluded with a duration beyond the end of year 2049 35;

Amendment 191 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 72 – paragraph 1 – point v

(v) ~~helping to e~~Ensure, together with other relevant authorities, that the consumer protection measures, including those set out in Annex I, are effective and enforced; through proper monitoring and reporting. In light of consumer interests, the monitoring shall particularly assess: (a) the availability and access to information with regard to energy offers, and possibility to compare them by using certified comparison tools; (b) the existence of misleading practices and offers; (c) the existence of barriers for customers to exercise their rights such as switching, termination of contract, and access to out- of-court dispute settlement mechanism, (d) the existence of measures to promote energy savings for household customers affected by energy poverty, and in particular by assessing the effectiveness of measures notified within the framework of Article 25 of this Directive

Amendment 192 #

Proposal for a directive
Article 72 – paragraph 1 – point y

(y) monitoring the strict implementation of rules relating to the roles and responsibilities of transmission system operators, distribution system operators, hydrogen network operators, suppliers and customers and other market parties pursuant to [recast Gas Regulation as proposed in COM(2021) xxx] including rules requiring network operators to maintain separate regulated asset bases for gas, electricity and hydrogen assets and ensuring that financial transfers between different regulated asset bases do not take place;

Amendment 68 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 4

(4) As part of the Package “Clean Energy for all Europeans” proposed by the Commission on 30 November 2016, Regulation (EU) 2019/9436 and Directive (EU) 2019/9447 brought about a further step in the development of the internal market for electricity with citizens at its core and contributing to the Union’s objectives of transition to a clean energy system and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The internal market in natural gas should be built on those same principles and, in particular, ensure an equal level of consumer protection. _________________ 6 Regulation (EU) 2019/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the internal market for electricity (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 54). 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125)ensure that consumers are not subsidising investments that they will not be using in the future as well as minimising the risk of stranded assets and their related future costs.

Amendment 69 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 4

(4) As part of the Package “Clean Energy for all Europeans” proposed by the Commission on 30 November 2016, Regulation (EU) 2019/9436 and Directive (EU) 2019/9447 brought about a further step in the development of the internal market for electricity with citizens at its core and contributing to the Union’s objectives of transition to a clean energy system and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The internal market in natural gas and renewable gases should be built on those same principles and, in particular, ensure an equal level of consumer protection. _________________ 6 Regulation (EU) 2019/943 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the internal market for electricity (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 54). 7 Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125).

Amendment 70 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 4 a (new)

(4 a) To achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal, of the 8th Environmental Action Plan and in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, the Union should phase-out fossil fuels, including fossil gas, by 2035 and achieve a highly energy-efficient and fully renewable based economy by that date. Therefore, this directive should set a common framework for the phase out of natural gas supply by 2035 and for decommissioning related infrastructure assets.

Amendment 71 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 5

(5) The Union has aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, and become the first climate neutral continent by 2050, set out in the European Green deal and the Paris Agreement. It has therefore adopted a set of initiatives to reach that goal, including the energy system integration strategy and the hydrogen strategy published by the Commission in July 2020, which set out how to update the energy markets, including the decarbonisation of gas markets as well as Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 and Regulation (EU) 2021/1119. This Directive should contribute to achieving these goals, ensuring security of supply and a well- functioning internal market for renewable gases, including for hydrogen.

Amendment 72 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 6

(6) This Directive aims to facilitate the penetration of renewable and low-carbon gases into the energy system enabling a shift from fossil gas and to allow these new gases to play an important role towards achieving the EU’s 2030 climate objectives and climate neutrality in 2050. The Directive aims also to set up a regulatory framework which enables and incentivises all market participants to take the transitional role of fossil gas into account while planning their activities to avoid lock-in effects and ensure gradual and timely phase-out of fossil gas notably in all relevant industrial sectors and for individual heating purposes while mitigating deepening energy poverty.

Amendment 73 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 6

(6) This Directive aims to facilitate the penetration of renewable and low-carbon gases into the energy system enabling a ~~shif~~phasing-out from fossil gas and to allow these new gases to play an important role towards achieving the EU’s 2030 climate objectives and climate neutrality in 2050. The Directive aims also to set up a regulatory framework which enables and incentivises all market participants to ~~take the transitional role of fossil gas into account while~~shift away from fossil gas, and planning their activities to avoid lock-in effects ~~and~~in any kind of fossil fuel, as well as ensure gradual and timely phase-out of fossil gas notably in all relevant industrial sectors and for heating purposes.

Amendment 74 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 8

(8) In line with the ~~EU Hydrogen Strategy,~~Repower EU Strategy, 10 mt of domestic renewable hydrogen and 10 mt of imported renewable hydrogen isare expected to be deployed on a large-scale ~~from~~by 2030 ~~onwards~~ for the purpose of decarbonising certain sectors and applications that do not have any other more sustainable and energy efficient renewable solutions, ranging from aviation and shipping to hard-to- decarbonise industrial sectors. All final customers connected to hydrogen systems will benefit from basic consumer rights applicable to final customers connected to the natural gas system such as the right to switch supplier and accurate billing information. In those instances where customers are connected to the hydrogen network, e.g. industrial customers, they will benefit from the same consumer protection rights applicable to natural gas customers. However, consumer provisions designed to encourage household participation on the market such as price comparison tools~~, active customers and citizen energy communities~~ do not apply to the hydrogen system.

Amendment 75 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 8

(8) In line with the EU Hydrogen Strategy, renewable hydrogen is expected to be deployed on a large-scale from 2030 onwards for the purpose of decarbonising certain sectors, ranging from aviation and shipping to hard-to-decarbonise industrial sectors. All final customers connected to hydrogen systems will benefit from consumer protection rules and basic consumer rights applicable to final customers connected to the natural gas system such as the right to switch supplier and accurate billing information. In those instances where customers are connected to the hydrogen network, e.g. industrial customers, they will benefit from the same consumer protection rights applicable to natural gas customers. However, consumer provisions designed to encourage household participation on the market such as price comparison tools, active customers and citizen energy communities do not apply to the hydrogen system.

Amendment 76 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 10

(10) The freedoms which the Treaty guarantees the citizens of the Union — inter alia, the free movement of goods, the freedom of establishment and the freedom to provide services — are achievable only in a fully open market, which enables all consumers freely to choose their suppliers and all suppliers freely to deliver to their customers.. A fully integrated EU energy market must prioritise fair and open competition alongside a better connection of energy infrastructure between Member States.

Amendment 77 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 11

(11) Consumer interests should be at the heart of this Directive and quality of service should be a central responsibility of natural gas undertakings. Existing rights of consumers and rights for access to essential services, including energy, as well as the right to a secure and affordable energy supply, and safeguarding against energy poverty, as stated in the European Pillar of Social Rights communication need to be strengthened and guaranteed, and should include greater transparency. To this respect, any cross-subsidisation of hydrogen network through gas or electricity network tariffs should not be allowed, as it puts the burden of the energy transition of the industry sector on gas or electricity users, including households, by increasing their gas or electricity bills, while they are not expected to use hydrogen in the future. Consumer protection should ensure that all consumers in the wider remit of the Union benefit from a competitive gas market. Consumer rights should be enforced by Member States or, where a Member State has so provided, the regulatory authorities.

Amendment 78 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 11

(11) Consumer interests should be at the heart of this Directive and quality of service should be a central responsibility of natural gas undertakings. Existing rights of consumers and rights for access to essential services, including energy, and safeguarding against energy poverty, as stated in the European Pillar of Social Rights communication and the REPowerEU Plan need to be strengthened and guaranteed, and should include greater transparency. Consumer protection should ensure that all consumers in the wider remit of the Union benefit from a competitive gas and hydrogen market. Consumer rights should be enforced by Member States or, where a Member State has so provided, the regulatory authorities.

Amendment 79 #

(12 a) The REPower EU Plan underlines that during the EU’s clean energy transition, the decoupling from Russian energy imports can lead to higher and more volatile energy prices and therefore emphasises the need, at Member State level, for targeted measures to minimise volatility, keep prices in check and protect the individuals in or at risk of energy poverty in order to ensure a fair transition for all.

Amendment 80 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 14

(14) Member States should have a wide discretion to impose public service obligations on gas undertakings in pursuing objectives of general economic interest. However, public service obligations in the form of price setting for the supply of natural gas constitute a fundamentally distortive measure that often leads to the accumulation of tariff deficits, the limitation of consumer choice, poorer incentives for energy saving and energy efficiency investments, lower standards of service, lower levels of consumer engagement and satisfaction, and the restriction of competition, as well as to there being fewer innovative products and services on the market. Consequently, Member States should apply other policy tools, in particular targeted social policy measures and other targeted measures to minimise volatility, keep prices in check, protect the individuals in or at risk of energy poverty and, to safeguard the affordability of natural gas supply to their citizens and to ensure a fair transition for all and that no one is left behind. Public interventions in price setting for the supply of natural gas should be carried out only as public service obligations and should be subject to specific conditions. A fully liberalised, well-functioning retail natural gas market would stimulate price and non- price competition among existing suppliers and provide incentives to new market entrants, thereby improving consumer choice and satisfaction.

Amendment 81 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 17

(17) Clear and comprehensible information should be made available to consumers concerning their rights in relation to the energy sector. The Commission has established , after consulting relevant stakeholders including Member States, regulatory authorities, consumer organisations and natural gas undertakings, an accessible, user-friendly energy consumer checklist providing consumers with practical information about their rights. That energy consumer checklist should be ~~maintained to date,~~regularly maintained, updated and should reflect current market developments, where possible. It should be provided to all consumers and should be made publicly available.

Amendment 82 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 19

(19) Market rules should protect and empower customers to make ~~low carbon~~energy efficient and renewable choices, in order for new renewable ~~and low carbon~~ gases to be fully embedded in the energy transition.

Amendment 83 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20

(20) ~~Natural gas still plays a key role in energy supply, as~~Currently, household energy consumption from natural gas is still higher than from electricity. ~~Although electrification is a key element of the green transition, in the future there will still be household natural gas consumption including increasing volumes of renewable ga~~High levels of renewable based electrification wherever is technically feasible is a key element of the green transition, whereas only a minor role for sustainable renewable based gases may be still relevant at household level in certain circumstances, as for instance in rural communities.

Amendment 84 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 20

(20) Natural gas still plays a key role in energy supply, as household energy consumption from natural gas is still higher than from electricity. Although electrification is a key element of the green transition, in the future there will still be household natural gas consumption including increasing volumes of low- carbon and renewable gas.

Amendment 85 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 23

Amendment 86 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 24

(24) The switch from fossil gas to renewable alternatives, including biomethane, will concretise if energy from renewable sources becomes an available, attractive, non-discriminatory choice for consumers based on truly transparent information where the transition costs are fairly distributed among different groups of consumers and market players.

Amendment 87 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 27

(27) To be coherent and effective, this mirroring approach should be encompass all consumer protection and empowerment provisions, whenever feasible and adaptable to the gas market. This should go from basic contractual rights and comprehensive pre-contractual information to rules for billing information, switching energy provider, having at disposal reliable comparison tools, protecting vulnerable and energy poor consumers, ensuring adequate data protection for smart meters and data management, and efficient alternative dispute resolution rules.

Amendment 88 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 27

(27) To be coherent and effective, this mirroring approach should be encompass all consumer protection ~~and empowerment provisions, whenever feasible and adaptable to the gas market~~provisions. This should go from basic contractual rights to rules for billing information, switching energy provider, having at disposal reliable comparison tools, protecting vulnerable and energy poor consumers, ensuring adequate data protection for smart meters and data management, and efficient alternative dispute resolution rules.

Amendment 89 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 29

(29) The ~~modernis~~integration of ~~the gas sector is expected to lead to~~renewable gases, particularly substa~~ntial economic benefits in terms of both improved retail competition and its social and distributional benefits and customer empowerment, including~~inable biomethane, into the natural gas system is expected to lead to improved retail competition, strengthened contractual rights and better available information on consumption and energy sources leading to greener choices~~. Energy communities-of-i~~, which also include uptaking energy efficiency measures and switching from gas to other more sustainable and energy efficiente restnewable energy shou~~ld contribute to~~rces. Renewable energy communities could play a role in the uptake of sustainable renewable gas.

Amendment 90 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 29

(29) The modernisation of the gas sector is expected to lead to substantial economic benefits ~~in terms of bot~~through improved retail competition while also delivering incentives and supports for new market entrants, and its social and distributional benefits and customer empowerment, including strengthened contractual rights and better available information on consumption and energy sources leading to greener and more price-competitive choices. Energy communities-of-interest should contribute to the uptake of renewable gas.

Amendment 91 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 30

(30) Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energies is an important indicator of consumer engagement ~~as well as in important tool to boost competition on the natural gas market~~towards achieving the ecological transition. While the possibility of switching suppliers is an important tool to boost competition on the gas market and should therefore be guaranteed as basic right to consumers. Switching rates remain inconsistent among Member States and consumers are discouraged from switching both energy source and supplier by exit and termination fees. Although removing such fees might limit consumer choice by eliminating products based on rewarding consumer loyalty, restricting their use further should improve consumer welfare, consumer engagement and competition in the market.

Amendment 92 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 30

(30) Switching is an important indicator of consumer engagement as well as in important tool to boost competition on the natural gas market. Switching rates remain inconsistent among Member States and consumers are discouraged from switching by exit and termination fees. Although removing such fees might limit consumer choice by eliminating products based on rewarding consumer loyalty, restricting their use further should improve consumer welfare, consumer engagement and competition in the market, including promoting the use of hydrogen, biomethane and other low carbon gases.

Amendment 93 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 31

(31) Shorter switching times are likely to encourage customers to search for better energy deals and switch supplier. With the increased deployment of information technology, by the year 2026, the technical switching process of registering a new supplier in a metering point at the market operator should typically be possible to complete within 248 hours on any working day. Ensuring that it is possible by that date for the technical process of switching to take place within 248 hours would minimise switching times, helping to increase consumer engagement and retail competition.

Amendment 94 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 32

(32) Several factors impede consumers from accessing, understanding and acting upon the various sources of market information available to them. It follows that the comparability of offers should be improved ~~and barriers to switching should be minimised to the greatest practicable extent~~by providing greater access to information, including on the sustainability of the energy offers, and to comparison tools for all customers. Barriers to switching should be eliminated without unduly limiting consumer choice.

Amendment 95 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 32

Amendment 96 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 33

(33) Independent comparison tools, including websites, are an effective means for smaller customers to assess the merits of the different energy offers that are available on the market. They should aim to include the broadest possible range of available offers, and to cover the market as completely as is feasible so as to give the customer a representative overview in a clear and easy to understand manner. It is crucial that smaller customers have access to at least one comparison tool and that the information given on such tools be trustworthy, impartial ~~and~~ transparent and easy to understand. To that end, Member States could provide for a comparison tool that is operated by a national authority or a private company. It is also vital to provide customers with a clear and understandable pre-contractual information, so that they are fully aware about the details and consequences of the contract.

Amendment 97 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 33

(33) Independent comparison tools, including websites, are an effective means for smaller customers to assess the merits and environmental impact of the different energy offers that are available on the market. They should aim to include the broadest possible range of available offers, and to cover the market as completely as is feasible so als to give the customer a representative overview. This comparison tool should also include information on energy origins, share and quantity, as well as other relevant environmental impact indicators, including level of greenhouse gas emissions. It is crucial that smaller customers have access to at least one comparison tool and that the information given on such tools be trustworthy, impartial and transparent. To that end, Member States could provide for a comparison tool that is operated by a national authority or a private company.

Amendment 98 #

Proposal for a directive
Recital 34

(34) Final customers should also be able to consume, to store and to sell self- generated renewable gas and participate in all natural gas markets by providing ancillary services to the system, for instance through energy storage. Member States should be able to have different provisions in their national law with respect to taxes and levies for individual and jointly-acting active customers.deleted

Amendment 99 #