Electricity and gas distribution sectors: rational planning techniques

In adopting the report by Mrs Eryl McNALLY (PSE, UK), Parliament amended the proposal for a Council Directive to introduce rational planning techniques in the electricity and gas distribution sectors. It challenges the legal basis chosen by the Commission (Article 130s of the EC Treaty, environment), preferring Article 100a of the EC Treaty (internal market) which permits implementation of the codecision procedure. The EP proposed that with the cooperation of the energy producers and the relevant consumer groups, the competent national authorities should publish integrated plans which evaluate the whole range of energy resource alternatives. Such authorities should also examine whether the actual economic measures are being undertaken and review existing legislation to ensure that the companies can cover the costs of the energy-saving services to customers. Such measures should not adversely affect the competitive position of electricity and gas in relation to other energy sources. Another amendment aims at ensuring that the Member States set up regulatory mechanisms such that the services provided by the gas and electricity distribution companies are as inexpensive as possible. Customers should have clearly identifiable costings of energy and energy services provision. �