EU Commission calls on countries to cut energy demands as costs surge

The European Commission has told capitals to reduce demand for gas and electricity in a bid to tame prices amid a global energy crunch. "In the context of constrained global supply and high price volatility, demand reduction can be an effective tool to contain prices," EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen wrote in a letter to EU ministers, dated Sept. 25 and seen by POLITICO. In the letter, Jørgensen invites ministers to take measures to reduce demand for gas and electricity "for as long as necessary." He argues that while the situation is "challenging", there are "currently no immediate risks to security of supply.