The publication of the Commission's proposal to future-proof electricity bills in the EU raises concerns. Rather than focusing on creating an enabling framework to safeguard reliable and affordable energy, reducing electricity costs, and preserving industrial competitiveness, the Commission adopts a narrow approach towards energy transition that risks shifting costs from electricity onto other energy carriers.

While electrification is one of the pathways of the energy transition, renewable and low-carbon fuels, carbon management technologies, storage and system flexibility will remain indispensable to achieving climate neutrality while safeguarding EU energy security, affordability and industrial resilience.

The Commission's initiative falls short to recognise the complementary nature of these solutions. This approach outlines inconsistencies with other Commission's initiatives such as the AccelerateEU Communication, which recognises the strategic role of renewable and low-carbon fuels.

Liana Gouta, Director General, FuelsEurope stated: "Europe needs an integrated energy transition, which includes both molecules and electrons." She added, "A successful energy transition will combine electrification with renewable and low-carbon fuels, delivering affordability, resilience and competitiveness for European citizens and industry."

FuelsEurope supports measures to reduce the overall cost of electricity. However, it is important to ensure that reducing the fiscal burden on electricity does not lead to higher excise duties or additional charges on renewable and low-carbon gas and fuels. Such an approach would penalise energy users that have limited electrification alternatives, especially in the short-term, create new competitiveness distortions rather than reducing overall energy costs, and undermine the business case for investments in renewable and low-carbon fuels.

FuelsEurope therefore calls for a balanced and technology-neutral approach that accelerates the energy transition while supporting all viable decarbonisation pathways and ensuring that no consumers, industrial sectors or regions are left behind.