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Despite disagreements, the countries of the European bloc reached an agreement to save natural gas amid threats from Russia to cut supplies during the winter season.
Energy ministers gave the green light to a bill that aims to cut gas consumption by 15 percent from August to March. The new law foresees voluntary steps by countries to reduce gas consumption, but in an urgent situation, the 27-member bloc can also take mandatory measures.
“We took a giant step forward towards ensuring gas supply for our citizens and economies. Winter is coming and we don’t know how cold it will be. But what we know is that Putin will continue his dirty games, misusing and blackmailing gas supplies,” said Czech energy minister Jozef Sikela.
On Monday, Russian energy company Gazprom announced a 20 percent cut to EU supplies through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, raising concerns that Russian President Putin will use the gas to challenge the bloc’s stance on the war in Ukraine.
But how will the EU manage to implement this plan? The countries of the bloc can choose how to ration gas, as long as they protect supplies for families. The first to feel the consequences of this tightening are the industrial users; factories can be given targets to reduce heating and cooling.
Consumers are protected, but they will also face some measures. European Union authorities are calling on governments to launch campaigns to encourage people to save electricity, such as by not leaving lights on and reducing the use of air conditioners.
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