THE INTERNAL ENERGY MARKET - THE NEW COALITION AGAINST ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

With the implementation of an internal energy market considerable gross benefits are expected, including lower energy prices. On the other hand, low energy prices are very likely to have negative effects: higher energy consumption, lower energy efficiency, higher environmental pollution and greater external effects (ie, increased road and air transportation, increased climate-relevant emissions). In the light of the growing environmental threats, the implementation of the internal market has to be accompanied by a changed energy policy towards energy conservation (higher energy efficiency and emphasis on renewable energies) and by stringent harmonization of environmental policies. © 1990.