Position Paper l The contribution of flexible consumers in the REPowerEU demand reduction plan

The European Commission’s REPowerEU plan published on 18 May 2022 defines how to reinforce preparedness in case of a severe gas supply disruption. Demand-side flexibility can play a crucial role to mitigate the impact of an extreme critical event on the whole energy system. Therefore, smartEn recommends to include five measures in the EU coordinated demand reduction plan:

1. Open all markets and mechanisms across Europe to flexible demand-side resources
2. Support massive roll-out of smart devices to ensure sufficient, flexible demand capacity
3. Set up a communication campaign to engage consumers in demand-side flexibility programmes
4. Remunerate dynamic energy savings
5. Temporarily relax restrictions for the use of back-up generators