EU is preparing reform to implement selective blackouts in the face of crisis

Published at: 27/09/2026 01:08 PM

The Commission of the European Union (EU) is preparing a reform of the energy security system to reinforce the joint response of the Twenty-Seven to supply crises, sabotage, cyberattacks and extreme weather events.

The proposal unifies in a single standard the 2017 gas supply security regulations and 2019 electrical risk preparedness regulations, considering that their separation has generated coordination problems between two linked systems, national media reported

The reform will allow Brussels to require mandatory adjustments to electricity and gas consumption and, under exceptional conditions, to activate selective blackouts in certain areas. The Commission may declare a regional or European alert when it perceives a substantial risk of crisis, and from there order reductions in consumption over critical hours or gross monthly consumption.

Controlled cuts would be reserved as a last resort, when market alternatives run out. To activate them, a declared regional emergency would be required, the request of at least two competent authorities and the prediction of a worsening if the plan is not implemented. In gas, the alert would enable consumption reductions through market instruments and extraordinary storage measures.

Mazo News Team