EU countries have to reduce gas consumption by 15 percent. They can switch to coal, oil or nuclear power

 "From August 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023, the members of the European Union are to reduce their gas consumption by 15 percent" - this is the main idea of the European Commission to prevent an energy crisis during the coming winter. The EC presented the plan today in Brussels. According to it, it is possible to switch from natural gas to coal, oil, or nuclear energy.

The Commission is proposing a new regulation on the coordinated reduction of gas demand (...). Member States will reduce gas demand by 15%. for the period 1 August 2022 to 31 March 2023. The regulation would also give the Commission the possibility, after consulting the Member States, to declare a supply "alert" and impose a mandatory reduction in gas demand in all Member States. This mechanism can be triggered when there is a significant risk of a severe gas shortage or an exceptionally high gas demand. (...) Member States requesting "solidarity gas" supplies will have to demonstrate the measures they have taken to reduce domestic demand - reported the EC.

As written in the statement, "The European Union faces the risk of further cuts in gas supplies from Russia due to the Kremlin's use of gas exports as a weapon."

Almost half of the Member States have already been affected by supply constraints. Taking action now can reduce both the risks and costs for Europe in the event of further disruptions or a complete cut in gas supplies, enhancing Europe's energy resilience, - explains the Commission.