The European Commission has unveiled its Electrification Action Plan, aimed at breaking a decade-long stagnation in the uptake of electric power across the EU. The goal is to double the electrification rate from 23% to 46% by 2040, while cutting household and industrial electricity costs.
Presented on July 17 alongside a revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), the plan notes that although renewable energy capacity is growing, electricity’s share of final energy use has remained flat at around 23% for nearly ten years. The Commission wants to change that by making electricity more affordable and attractive for consumers and businesses alike.
The strategy outlines a massive shift: electrifying industry and transport could generate up to 260 billion euros in savings and cut CO2 emissions by over 2,000 megatonnes by 2040 — nearly 20% of current levels. Moreover, it would reduce the EU’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, a lesson reinforced by the extra 50 billion euros spent on fuel since the US-Iran conflict erupted.
Key targets and financial benefits
The Commission set an indicative goal of raising the electrification rate to 46% by 2040. It also proposed that by 2030, electricity prices for households should not exceed 2.5 times the price of gas, and for industry no more than twice the gas price. The reference to gas is intentional: countries where this ratio is narrower already see higher sales of heat pumps.
– Doubling electrification means lower bills and cleaner air, but it requires smart investments now – said a European Commission official during the presentation. The plan is expected to unlock major savings for heavy industry and households, especially if accompanied by targeted support.
To achieve this, member states will be allowed to intervene in energy markets. They can reduce network tariffs for selected customer groups, cut taxes for energy-intensive enterprises, and reform electricity taxation overall. Special electrification roadmaps are to be drawn up for industry, ensuring a tailored approach to the transition.
Measures to make electricity affordable
The Commission is also considering new financial instruments to support electric heating devices, such as heat pumps, and even electric vehicles. One idea is a “social leasing” scheme for low- and middle-income families, spreading the upfront cost over time. Such measures aim to make electrification accessible to all, not just the wealthy.
– We want to give people and businesses the tools to switch to electricity without breaking the bank – added the official. The plan remains a framework for now; detailed legislation and negotiations with member states will follow. However, the direction is clear: cheaper power and a cleaner future depend on breaking the fossil fuel habit.
Critics point out that the plan’s success hinges on rapid infrastructure upgrades and stable political will. Yet for Polish households and industries grappling with volatile energy prices, the promise of lower bills and predictable costs could be a game-changer.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Photoibo/Shutterstock
