The EESC's July plenary session included the adoption of the opinion on Energy Digitalisation: Balancing Opportunities and Risks for European Consumers. 

This opinion, drafted by EESC member Kęstutis Kupšys, points out that energy should remain affordable, adjustable and easy to use for consumers. Energy digitalisation does not mean ‘digital only’. 

Consumers must remain the top priority and the traditional ways of doing business must be preserved. The EU needs to make progress in developing user-friendly digital tools that accommodate diverse needs and promote equal access to digital energy services. 

However, users should still be able to choose prices, contracts and customer services in a ‘pre-digital’ way. ‘Energy digitalisation offers opportunities and challenges. We must work together to ensure that the digital energy transition is inclusive, secure and truly beneficial for all European consumers, turning strengths into opportunities,’ said Mr Kupšys. 

The recent IT outage caused chaos for transport and businesses all over the world, and showed just how important it is not to be overly dependent on technology. 

The advantages of the transition to digital energy must not overshadow the other side of the coin: risks and challenges. For this reason, protecting consumers and supporting workers must remain high on the agenda. 

It is important to create dynamic consumer protection regulations adapted to the novel contexts and participants in the sector but also to offer training, re-training programmes and financial assistance to workers. (mp)