ECA welcomes closer electrical market ties with the EU

ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association), together with its partner organisation EuropeOn representing the electrical contracting sector in Europe, welcome today’s announcement signalling closer relations between the EU and UK on internal electrical markets. 

The UK and EU have deeply intertwined electricity systems but post-Brexit, barriers emerged leading to higher electricity costs. ECA has a close collaboration with sister organisations in Europe to ensure safety, regulations, and standards remain consistent between countries. Integration of electricity markets should lead to a more flexible system, allowing for more renewables and a cleaner electricity supply. Significantly for UK consumers and businesses, this also has the potential to offer benefits such as energy security and lowers bills.

ECA continues to advocate reducing the price of electricity, which is the cleanest form of fuel. While electricity bills in UK are the highest in Europe, removing barriers will harmonise costs and provide greater opportunities for investment. 

Jane Dawson, Head of External Affairs at ECA, said: 

“Without a significant reduction in the price of electricity, the UK’s transition to clean energy will remain a distant dream. Integrating the UK into the internal electrical markets will be a positive step in the right direction. Today’s announcement represents a new chapter in the roll-out of the UK’s electrification.” 

Julie Beaufils, Secretary General of EuropeOn said: 

“The UK and the EU are deepening their cooperation on security, not only in terms of defence, but also energy. Energy security is paramount and our sector is contributing to strengthening it on both sides of the Channel. We make it our role to share insights with ECA and all our members. In this spirit, we have called on national and EU policymakers to foster homegrown electrification, ensure resilience with shockproof electrical installations and ensure that the implementation of Green Deal and Net-Zero legislation is done fully and on time, without any cut-backs on the agreed targets.”