This report is the result of a collaboration between the European Commission and the International Energy Agency to raise European citizens’ awareness of the benefits of energy savings and the importance of putting energy efficiency at the heart of planning and investments.

People across the European Union want to take action to help Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. Many are also experiencing higher energy bills because of the energy crisis exacerbated by the war. Using less energy is a concrete way for Europeans to reduce their bills, cut reliance on Russian fossil fuels, demonstrate solidarity with the Ukrainian people, and support climate action.

Citizens and governments can make major positive impacts if they act together and decisively. The International Energy Agency (IEA), in coordination with the European Commission, has therefore developed a series of simple steps citizens can take to save energy now, drawing on the IEA’s recent 10-Point Plan to Reduce the European Union’s Reliance on Russian Natural Gas and 10-Point Plan to Cut Oil Use. The new analysis also identifies actions that companies and national and local governments can take to support consumer action and unlock even more energy savings.

The IEA and the European Commission are also working together with key stakeholders – consumers, workers and leaders in national and local governments – to raise public awareness about the benefits of energy conservation measures. 

Many European citizens have already responded to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by making donations or by directly assisting refugees. But cutting energy use also supports Ukraine by reducing the need for Russian oil and gas, helping to reduce the revenue streams funding the invasion.

These messages will provide the foundation for further communications by the IEA and the European Commission to raise public awareness of the options for taking action.

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