EU to tackle oil habit with energy-savings plan

The Commission will tell EU countries that they can cut their energy bill by €40 billion annually from 2012 if they follow the recommendations of an energy-efficiency action plan to be unveiled on 20 September. It would also reduce CO2 emissions by 180 million tonnes annually and help the EU meet its Kyoto target on global warming.

A draft of the plan dated 19 June, of which EurActiv has obtained a copy, says “ambitious implementation of existing legislation and new actions” are needed to slash energy consumption in the EU.

However, action needs to reach all sectors of the economy – public sector, households and businesses – if the effects are going to be felt, it says.
EurActiv