Heatwaves and extreme record temperatures make the switch to electricity a must

The action plan presented today by the European Commission aims to make Europe the world’s first fully electrified continent and to significantly increase the EU’s electrification rate – which has stagnated at 23 per cent for over a decade. The Greens/EFA welcome the proposal to reduce energy costs for industries and citizens, make the EU less dependent on autocrats that use energy dependence as a lever of power, and move away from imported fossil fuels. The switch from oil, gas and coal to electricity from renewable sources reduces energy costs, decreases energy dependence, creates jobs and boosts competitiveness. Since the closure of the strait of Hormuz, households are suffering from an estimated monthly additional amount of close to € 160 on their energy bills.

Ville Niinistö, Greens/EFA coordinator on the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, comments:

“The continuation of the Hormuz crisis, coupled with the current heatwave and new record temperatures, clearly shows that we must move away from fossil fuels. Dependence on fossil fuels comes at a very high cost for businesses and citizens and switching to electricity is the way forward. Countries such as Spain are investing in expanding wind and solar energy, now benefit from lower prices on their electricity bills. Electricity from solar and wind is already the cheapest form of energy today. The more of solar- and wind-based energy available on our grids, the less our electricity bills will depend on the whims of autocrats and global markets.”

Sara Matthieu, Greens/EFA member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, comments:

"Electrification, energy efficiency and the expansion of renewable energy are the three pillars of energy independence. Electrification can slash energy bills for citizens, going electric, powered by sun and wind, means saving money. But electricity remains taxed more heavily than fossil gas in most EU Member States, this needs to be reversed. The transition away from fossil fuels requires clear, binding and tailored targets for industry, transport and buildings. Energy efficiency must be the top priority and is a prerequisite for affordable and feasible electrification."