100. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to pay particular attention to energy affordabil
ity and fuel/energy poverty; believes that a coherent policy framework, including adequate social policy measures, is needed to tackle these issues, and invites the Commission to promote the exchange of best practice in this area and work with the Member States to develop indicators and benchmarks for identifying and comparing current and potential energy poverty; recognises that energy poverty is structurally tackled by energy efficiency measures; notes that energy is an essential service covered by Protocol No 26 on Services of General
...[+++] Interest, appended to the Treaty of Lisbon; stresses that the costs of energy policy should be recovered in the fairest manner possible, with a special emphasis on low-income, vulnerable households, which are most affected by high energy prices; considers that consumer engagement should be promoted; stresses that the upgrading of markets and infrastructure should meet citizens’ needs, and that there should be transparency and accountability for the investments made;