EU Parliament backs mandatory energy saving plan

Strasbourg (Platts)--7Jun2005

The European Parliament Tuesday backed an EU plan for mandatory national
energy saving targets for member states, while at the same time proposing more
ambitious targets than originally suggested. European Energy Commissioner
Andris Piebalgs said he would go along with the tougher targets suggested by
the Parliament. Piebalgs had proposed that states should curb energy
consumption by 1% a year over six years, to reduce energy dependence and help
meet the EU's Kyoto Protocol commitments. Amendments adopted by the Parliament
in a first reading vote envision a more ambitious, three-stage program
beginning with a 3% saving over the period 2006-2009. Then, for 2009-2012, the
target would be raised to 4% (an average of 1.3%/year) and for 2012-2015 to
4.5% (1.5%/year) But Piebalgs refused to accept an amendment in which
lawmakers set far tougher targets for the public sector.

Copyright © 2005 - Platts

Please visit:  www.platts.com

Their coverage of energy matters is extensive!!.