Affordable Energy Action Plan centers energy-efficient products to lower energy bills

Photo Source: EC - Audiovisual Service

Today the European Commission published its Action Plan for Affordable Energy. The document outlines measures to reduce energy bills for both households and businesses. Notably, the EU highlights energy-efficient products, including appliances, as a key solution to boost industrial competitiveness and lower household energy costs, with a focus on improving access to these solutions.

APPLiA, representing top European home appliance manufacturers, issued the following statement in reaction. 

Paolo Falcioni, APPLiA Director General said: “It is very encouraging to see the role of energy-efficient solutions, including home appliances, clearly recognised in the Plan. By focusing on these products, the Plan acknowledges their potential to provide immediate financial relief to households.

Particularly, energy efficient home appliances have proven to be an effective solution, reducing energy consumption while maintaining performance. This leads to long-term savings and a significant reduction in overall energy use. In this context, the European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition can play a key role by improving access to capital and providing financial incentives for energy-efficient solutions, particularly for private households.

APPLiA also welcomes the Plan’s intent to update the EU energy labelling and ecodesign rules, and provide support operators in complying with them through clearer information and guidance. APPLiA has supported the Commission since the launch of the energy label and is eager to continue this valuable collaboration on the forthcoming updates.

The Commission should now focus on turning this Plan into action, accelerating and rewarding all technologies that contribute to decarbonisation, rather than limiting support to a select few, as seen in the Net Zero Industry Act. A broad, technology-neutral approach will be essential to achieving Europe’s climate and industrial goals.”

Giulia Zilla, APPLiA Energy & Environment Policy Director and Chairwoman of the Steering Committee of the Coalition for Energy Savings said “One of the foreseen measures in the Plan is to “give consumers access to more efficient appliances”. While this is a very welcome achievement, what is needed now is the introduction of enabling measures that will truly drive the widespread adoption of energy-efficient solutions. These could include lower VAT rates on energy-efficient products or financing schemes that encourage investment in energy efficiency solutions, rather than direct financial compensation to end users for high energy prices. Identifying concrete solutions and clear action points would not only support the transition to greater energy efficiency but also guide Member States in their implementation efforts at the local level. This approach would ensure a more cohesive and effective roll-out of energy-efficient policies across the EU, maximising their impact and helping both businesses and consumers make the transition to more sustainable practices.”