Answer given by Ms Simson on behalf of the European Commission
10.3.2021
The Commission is aware of reports of outages in Cañada Real resulting from the impact of irregular connections caused by illegal activities on the distribution system and is in contact with the Spanish authorities to ensure close monitoring of the situation with a view to finding a swift resolution. A number of provisions of the Electricity Directive may be relevant[1] to this situation.
1. Member States must designate Distribution System Operators who are responsible for ensuring the long-term ability of the system to meet reasonable demands and that distribution is secure, reliable and efficient.
2. Member States must ensure that all household customers, and where appropriate, small enterprises, enjoy universal service. This is the right to be supplied with electricity of a specified quality within their territory at reasonable, easily and clearly comparable, transparent and non-discriminatory prices. To ensure the provision of universal service, Member States may appoint a supplier of last resort.
With regard to energy poverty, EU funding has been extended to support projects addressing its various forms under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework[2] and NextGenerationEU. The Commission is monitoring the effects of energy precarity on children; Member States’ progress to meet energy poverty reduction targets will be assessed against the Commission Recommendation[3] and Member States’ reporting obligations on National Energy and Climate Plans progress every two years until 2030[4]. The Energy Poverty Observatory shall provide technical assistance to local authorities and engage with municipalities to ensure measures are targeted to prioritise the wellbeing of vulnerable children.
- [1] In particular Articles 8, 9, 27 and Chapter IV of Directive 2019/944: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019L0944
- [2] See for instance the reinforced LIFE Programme and European Social Fund.
- [3] Commission Recommendation C(2020)9600 on Energy Poverty.
- [4] Regulation 2018/1999/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Governance of the European Energy Union and Climate Action, OJ L 328, 21.12.2018, p. 1‐77.