The government council meeting on Friday will primarily assess the current situation in terms of energy supply security. Following that, the government will discuss potential support measures. This was announced by Minister for Energy Claude Turmes during an interview with our colleagues from RTL Radio on Friday morning.
The country is facing a significant increase in gas prices in October, and the government recognises that solutions are required until then. Turmes says that the government intends to provide “targeted relief” and pledges that “no one will be left out in the cold”.
The fuel discount, which ended on Thursday, will not be renewed. The Minister argued that the measure is “antisocial” and the government has decided to spend the funds “in a more targeted way”.
Regarding the national energy conservation plan, Turmes stressed the need for solidarity. “Everyone needs to participate, the state, the municipalities, but also businesses,” the Minister stated. To this end, the government already met with the Federation of Luxembourg Industrialists (FEDIL).
Turmes stated that the energy-saving campaign will be unveiled next Thursday but declined to provide any further details at this time. In August, the Minister had already announced that public buildings will only be heated to a maximum of 20 degrees in winter.
Turmes indicated that Europe’s gas supply situation had improved. He did, however, acknowledge that there are still challenges regarding electricity. The numerous technical defects impacting France’s nuclear power reactors, in particular, have recently resulted in an increase in electricity prices.
Luxembourg produces only 15 to 20% of the electricity it requires. For this reason, the Grand Duchy has a particular interest in pushing for a European solution that would lower or at least stabilise electricity prices, according to the Minister.
Turmes stated that the government council will also explore options for stabilising electricity prices for consumers. The state is anticipated to cover the grid costs, as it did for gas.
