Electricity and gas distribution sectors: rational planning techniques

The Commission's amended proposal incorporates, in whole or in part, nine of the fourteen amendments tabled by Parliament at first reading. In the light of these amendments, the main changes to the original proposal are as follows: - the relevant national authorities are to publish strategic development plans evaluating all the substitute energy sources. These authorities will also verify whether the necessary economic measures have been taken and review the existing legislation so as to ensure that companies can cover the costs of the energy-saving programmes proposed to the consumers; - there will be a guarantee that Member States will introduce rules to ensure that the services provided by gas and electricity distribution companies are priced as cheaply as possible. Clients should have a clear idea of the breakdown of the costs of energy supply and distribution. The Commission has, however, not accepted Parliament's view that the legal basis should be changed (Parliament had proposed Article 100a of the EC Treaty as the legal basis, whereas the Commission proposes Article 130s). �