Affordable, reliable electricity and gas supplies are central to modern economic and social life. Most of the people take it for granted, but in the regions recovering from recent conflicts in Europe disruptions of electricity and gas supply for technical or political reasons are still vivid. Fortunately the situation has been improving as the rebuilding picks up speed. At the same time the lack of investment to modernise damaged and outdated energy infrastructure is itself harming peoples’ lives, their health and their economic prospects.
The establishment of a single Energy Community market, the ultimate aim of the process, will enhance working conditions and standards of living in general. As a result of the liberalisation and deregulation process, legal and institutional framework as well as tariff and pricing policies undergo substantial changes. Should no accompanying measures be taken, the reform process might bring about adverse effects on people’s every day life. Such social implications vary from direct and indirect employment, effect on skills and qualifications, to energy affordability for households.
Consensus about social implications is imperative for the success of the Energy Community process. Here the Memorandum of Understanding on Social issues constitutes the point of departure.
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The next page throws light on the Memorandum of Understanding on social issues.
