Motion for a resolution - B8-0783/2015Motion for a resolution
B8-0783/2015

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the consequences of energy sector deregulation

17.7.2015

pursuant to Rule 133 of the Rules of Procedure

Sophie Montel, Dominique Bilde, Florian Philippot, Steeve Briois

B8-0783/2015

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the consequences of energy sector deregulation

The European Parliament,

–       having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.     whereas gas and electricity prices have risen in almost all EU Member States in the wake of opening up to competition, especially in France (electricity up by 49% and gas by 36% since 2007);

B.     whereas this price increase is due not only to the price of energy from fossil fuels or increasing generation from renewables;

C.     whereas deregulation has led to the formation of oligopolistic structures with great market power, which means that the knock-on effect on retail prices of falling wholesale prices, as opposed to higher spot prices, has been negligible;

D.     whereas this situation is a potential hotbed of price fixing and concerted pricing strategies on the part of suppliers;

E.     whereas energy demand is not price-elastic since energy cannot be stored;

F.     whereas deregulation has thus led to the pursuit of profit maximisation and the risk of greater energy poverty;

1.      Calls on the Commission to rethink the energy sector deregulation process.