EEuropean countries are planning to manage gas supplies and even ration power supplies in case Russian gas flows stop completely or a planned outage of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline is extended.
Russia’s gas supply to Europe via Nord Stream 1 was cut to 40 percent capacity last month, and Moscow said more delays in repairs could lead to all flows being halted.
The planned annual maintenance shutdown starts today and lasts until July 21, but there are concerns that it could be extended.
The EU has rules to prevent and respond to a gas supply disruption. It describes three crisis levels: early warning, alert and emergency. Member States should have plans in place to manage the consequences of a supply disruption.
In emergencies, governments can intervene only if market-based measures are insufficient to ensure delivery to households and customers providing essential services.
The EU executive said it would present a plan on readiness for more gas cuts by Russia to leaders in July.