June 27, 2022
14:45
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Making the population aware to consume less energy can also be useful for us, say the energy suppliers. In France, the three largest energy companies are calling for immediate consumption of less energy.
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‘A campaign about energy efficiency makes sense’, says Marc Van den Bosch, the director of the umbrella organization of energy companies FEBEG. ‘We then look not only at security of supply, but also at the customer’s invoice.’
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‘With the current prices – and today the gas price on the stock exchange has risen again – you arrive at heating bills of 4,000 euros on an annual basis. Those are very large sums,’ says Van den Bosch.
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Energy efficiency measures or a campaign can be useful.
Marc Van den Bosch
General manager FEBEG
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‘It is important for families to look ahead to this winter. Consumption can perhaps be reduced with a few small measures.’
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FEBEG will discuss this internally with the energy suppliers. In addition, Van den Bosch wants to hold talks with the competent authorities.
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France
In France, the CEOs of the three largest electricity and gas suppliers – EDF, Engie and TotalEnergies – have an opinion piece in Fransen’s Sunday Journal summoned adapt their behavior and immediately consume less electricity, natural gas and petroleum products.
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They called for a major program on energy efficiency and the fight against energy waste. “The effort must be immediate, collective and massive,” it said in the appeal. They focus on individual consumers and households as well as on companies.
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The effort must be immediate, collective and massive.
CEOs of French energy giants
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The primary concern in times of supply uncertainty and the conflict with Russia is to stock up for the winter. But saving energy is also good for purchasing power and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, they say.
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In France, there are concerns about supplies because a significant part of France’s nuclear power plants are shut down for maintenance and repair work. Gas plants can only be used if there is sufficient gas supply and stock this winter. The French Ministry of Energy has therefore announced that an old coal-fired power station may be kept open.
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Brussel
When it rains in Paris, it rains in Brussels. According to some, the energy challenges in France this winter are greater than those in Belgium, but the high energy prices, the reduced gas supply from Russia and the announced oil embargo are also having an effect in our country. Due to the coupling of the energy markets in Western Europe, the effects in one country can also quickly be felt in neighboring countries.
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Engie, EDF and TotalEnergies are also crucial players on the Belgian energy market: through their subsidiaries Electrabel, Luminus and the former Lampiris, they together account for the lion’s share of the market in electricity and natural gas.
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Country
In our country, the federal government launched the ikhebimpact.be campaign in the spring. This website provides accessible tips, such as turning down the heating and cycling more. It also refers to regional premiums for insulation, heat pumps or solar panels.
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Flemish Energy Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) does not intend to raise awareness immediately. ‘The high bill that is now pouring in is an incentive to save energy. Raising awareness may not have much effect or may even cause irritation’, says spokesman Andy Pieters.
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Demir does want to continue to focus on energy policy agreements with industry. ‘These are concrete commitments with companies that consume a lot. We achieve the objectives there and that has a major impact’, says Pieters.
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