Citizens Energy Package

The Commission also published a study on the relevance of consumer rights and protections in the context of innovative energy-related services. It identifies a set of services and examines the applicable consumer protections across the ‘energy consumer journey’. It highlights common issues and potential gaps in the current regulatory framework and outlines policy recommendations, aimed at ensuring high standards of consumer protection in the context of these emerging services.

In addition to contributing to the affordable energy priority, the Citizens Energy Package supports the Clean Industrial Deal and the AccelerateEU plan and is aligned with EU electrification and digitalisation strategies, ensuring that these are delivered in a consumer-friendly manner.

Protecting EU energy consumers

To help ensure a socially just transition and prevent energy disconnections of vulnerable customers, a Commission Recommendation calls for the early identification and timely support of households at risk of disconnection including through tailored payment plans, debt advice and targeted support, alongside structural solutions including energy efficiency and access to renewable energy.

The recommendation also highlights the roles and responsibility of different actors (such as local and national authorities, energy suppliers, national regulators and consumers organisations) in the implementation of prevention and protection measures. When it comes to protecting vulnerable consumers during the phase-out of natural gas, transparent communication, clear timelines and one-stop shops to help households switch to clean alternatives will be key.

Stay protected from energy disconnections

To better protect consumers from the risk of supplier bankruptcies, the package also includes a Recommendation on enforcing the supplier risk management rules, set by the Electricity Market Design Directive. This will help national authorities, including regulators, ensure that energy suppliers manage their risks effectively, so that consumers can have confidence in their energy supply. The aim is to minimise the risk of supplier bankruptcies and the negative effects this can have on consumers’ energy bills and services.

Supporting consumers to benefit from competitive markets and make informed choices

To choose the best deal, energy consumers need clear, transparent, and comparable information. The Recommendation on the summary of the key contractual terms and conditions of energy supply contracts will help consumers to easily navigate increasingly complex energy markets, make informed decisions and save money on their energy bills. Energy suppliers should provide consumers with clear, concise and timely information, in a standardised format, making it easier to compare offers and understand the terms and conditions of their contract before signing up.

Before signing a new energy contract - know the facts

Also part of the package, an Implementing Regulation making it easier and faster to switch electricity suppliers, was adopted in April 2026. It requires that the process of switching consumers can be completed within 24 hours in all EU countries by the end of 2026. 

In addition, the package includes a Report on market-based electricity supply prices and promoting remuneration of flexibility in retail contracts. A deliverable of the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan, the report supports the gradual transition towards competitive retail prices, while protecting affordability. It helps EU countries ensure that consumers who shift their electricity use to cheaper periods or times of abundant renewable generation are fairly rewarded and adequately protected.

Energy communities and self-consumption

Another package recommendation aims at supporting the development of energy communities and maximising the potential of self-consumption, including through energy sharing to ensure that energy consumers are empowered to actively contribute to the EU’s clean energy transition.

To facilitate the implementation of this recommendation, the Energy Communities Action Plan covers a series of measures the Commission will take across 5 areas

• effective enabling frameworks
• access to financing
• awareness-raising and capacity building
• social inclusion and public participation
• digital innovation and system integration

Energy communities allow consumers to produce energy for their own use, or to share with neighbours. While over 8 000 energy communities were estimated to be active in Europe, according to the Citizens Energy Package, the untapped potential is huge, particularly in rural areas, to produce renewable energy.

Individual households producing and consuming their own solar energy can achieve savings of €260-550 per year. For communities of households with a mix of wind and solar energy, it could be €440-930 per year. 

More about Energy communities