European statistics on natural gas and electricity prices

Briefing 23-01-2017

Member States would have to collect statistics on the prices charged to industrial consumers and households for natural gas and electricity. Price data would be reported every six months for different consumption volumes, and cover energy prices, network charges, taxes and levies, and their sub-components. The proposed regulation would replace Directive 2008/92/EC that requires Member States to collect such statistics for industrial consumers. Data on gas and electricity prices for households are currently collected on a voluntary basis. Statistical data on gas and electricity prices are needed for monitoring the internal market for energy, and the impacts of various policies in the field of energy, such as support for renewable energy sources. The Commission has committed to preparing reports about energy costs and prices every two years, starting in 2016. The regulation came into force in December 2016 after completion of the legislative procedure in the European Parliament and the Council. This briefing updates an earlier edition, of June 2016: PE 583.850.