Wednesday 9 April 2025. The 9th ID-E Webinar Series focused on the Affordable Energy Action Plan, a critical initiative by the European Commission aimed at reducing energy costs and enhancing energy security across the EU.
The webinar began with opening remarks from Angel Catalina Rubianes Angel of DG ENER, who emphasized the importance of the Affordable Energy Action Plan in the context of the Commission's broader goals for competitiveness. He highlighted the dual objectives of reducing energy prices and ensuring a fair and inclusive society, particularly for low-income households.
Robert Portelli from DG ENER provided an in-depth presentation on the Plan including its 4 pillars:
- Pillar 1: Lowering energy costs with measures to reduce network charges, taxes, and supply costs, and to promote energy efficiency.
- Pillar 2: Completing the Energy Union with initiatives such as the Electrification Action Plan, the Heating & Cooling strategy, and the Clean Investment Energy Strategy
- Pillar 3: Attracting investment & ensuring delivery with tripartite contract, a new framework to stabilize energy markets by bringing together Member States, the Energy consuming industry and clean energy producers.
- Pillar 4: Being ready for potential crisis with a new regulatory framework for security of supply and price stability, and price crisis preparedness.
The webinar featured a dynamic Q&A session moderated by the ID-E team. Participants raised important issues such as the complexity of permitting processes, the need for tailored PPA models, and the importance of stable regulatory environments. The discussion also touched on the role of state aid rules and the need for a balanced approach to grid investments.
The webinar concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to engage directly with the Commission's initiatives and provide feedback on the Affordable Energy Action Plan.
