energy statistics working group - europa statistics... · (oral report) the meeting of the energy...

EUROPEAN COMMISSION EUROSTAT Directorate E: Sectoral and regional statistics Unit E-5: Energy

Luxembourg, 31 July 2014 ESTAT/E5/HV

ENERGY STATISTICS

WORKING GROUP

26-27 JUNE 2014

MEETING ROOM QUETELET, BECH BUILDING

KIRCHBERG, LUXEMBOURG

CHAIRED BY: ANTIGONE GIKAS

DRAFT MINUTES

OF THE MEETING HELD ON

26-27 JUNE 2014*

Doc. ESWG/2014/15

* Document uploaded on CIRCABC on 31 July 2014: https://circabc.europa.eu

https://circabc.europa.eu/

Energy Statistics Working Group, 26-27 June 2014 2

PARTICIPANTS:

EU Member States (all except of Greece and Portugal), EFTA countries Iceland, Norway

and Switzerland, candidate countries Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,

Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey, and potential candidate countries Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo

(under UNSCR 1244/1999).

European Commission Directorates General (DGs): Eurostat, Energy, Climate Action and

the Joint Research Centre.

Observers: the International Energy Agency (IEA)

Other participants: Eurelectric, Energy Community Secretariat and Öko Institut Berlin.

ITEM 1: OPENING OF THE MEETING

(ORAL REPORT)

The meeting of the Energy Statistics Working Group (ESWG) was opened by Mr Pedro Díaz

Muñoz, Director of Eurostat Directorate E – Sectoral and regional statistics, who highlighted the

increased importance of energy statistics; special focus was given to the reporting of imports by

country of origin, in the context of the energy security of supply and the recent political

developments.

Mr Pedro Díaz Muñoz informed the participants that the amendment of the Energy Statistics

Regulation (ESR) regarding the final energy consumption in households was adopted in April 2014

(while the MESH Manual was published in 2013). All countries are expected to provide first

detailed data for the reference year 2015 - volunteers are encouraged to provide data sooner. He

stressed that additional work in that field might be needed for the purposes of energy accounts.

The importance of the data quality was stressed, especially on annual statistics and he expressed

thanks to all reporting countries on nearly 100% use of eDAMIS for annual data transmission.

Furthermore, the improvement of the timeliness was very much appreciated. Conversely, the

number of revisions should be minimized as far as possible to ensure higher compliance with

existing regulations; however the constant increase of data quality was appreciated.

Mr Díaz Muñoz mentioned that early CO2 emission estimates were published this year for the 2nd

time based on the results obtained from monthly data – among other reasons, timely transmission of

high quality data is essential also for this project. He pointed out that this work and the information

obtained is very much appreciated from policy makers.

Mr Díaz Muñoz emphasized that Eurostat increased the dissemination of energy statistics:

additional energy data in Eurobase, including nuclear data for the first time and several new

Statistics Explained Articles. An update on the recent legal developments was given, regarding a

new legal act for energy prices which is under preparation and will be discussed with Member

States during the working group meeting in November 2014.

It was stated that Eurostat will support DG Energy as regards their planned CHP (Combined Heat

and Power) data collection; however, the European Statistical System does not intend to invest

additional resources in this field, since it was identified as a negative priority.

Mr Díaz Muñoz thanked Mr Jean-Yves Garnier, Head of the Energy Data Centre in the

International Energy Agency (IEA) who will retire soon for his excellent work in the past years

towards the development of the energy statistics at international level and warmly wished him all

the best for the future. Mr Díaz Muñoz announced his retirement and the change of director for

directorate E as well.


ITEM 2: ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

(DOC. ESWG/2014/01)

The Chair briefly informed on organisational matters. The Chair presented the draft agenda in detail

and proposed two changes; namely, an additional intervention of DG Energy and a presentation of

the IEA were incorporated under item 5. There were no comments from the participants to the draft

agenda, which was hence adopted.

Ms Gikas informed participants that all documents for the meeting had been uploaded on

CIRCABC before the meeting. In addition, all PowerPoint presentations given during the meeting

would be made available on CIRCABC after the meeting.

ITEM 3: MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 27-28 JUNE 2012

(DOC. ESWG/2014/02)

The chair noted that the draft minutes of the previous meeting had been sent to all participants early

September 2013, and all comments received had been incorporated. The final draft minutes had

been sent to the members of the ESWG and put on CIRCABC end of October 2013. The minutes of

the meeting were adopted.

ITEM 4: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ENERGY STATISTICS

(ORAL REPORT)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_4_RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ENERGY STATISTICS)

Eurostat presented an overview of recent developments in energy statistics as well the

organisational changes at Eurostat level. The Chair informed the Working Group on the current

organisation of Unit E.5 and the staff changes. Important policy issues and energy projects and

processes were highlighted. Urgent policy requests on energy data were mentioned and the chair

thanked the participants for their help and contribution. The chair introduced the new legal act

which shall regulate the voluntary [hence endangered] survey of the household natural gas and

electricity prices. Delegates were informed that the manual for statistics on energy consumption in

households was finalized and published. The progress reports of the Task Force "Future of Energy

Statistics" as well as the ESR Quality Reporting were introduced. The chair explained the Annual

Work Programme 2015 which was presented to the ESSC and informed also about the upcoming

steps and follow-up actions. Furthermore, the international activities in which Unit E.5 is involved

were mentioned.

The chair briefly informed on organisational matters. She announced that there would be no

interpretation from and into other languages. Following a decision of the ESSC meeting of 10

February 2011, meetings are held in EN only, except in duly justified cases.

The Chair also invited all participants to meet for an informal dinner in the evening of

26 June 2013.


ITEM 5: PRESENTATIONS OF DG ENERGY AND IEA INTERVENTION

ITEM 5.1: COUNCIL REPORT ON COMPETITIVENESS AND PRICES

(ORAL REPORT)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_5A_PRESENTATION_ENERGY_PRICES_COSTS_26062014_ESTAT)

Introduction

The Chair introduced the representative from DG Energy underlining that DG Energy is one of the

most intensive users of energy statistics produced by the Member States and Eurostat.

DG Energy presented the 'Energy prices and costs in the EU' report, which was published within the

context of the 2030 Energy and climate package in January 2014. The initial Council conclusions

(22 May 2013) were mentioned, as these gave the mandate to the Commission to carry out the

study. The main findings of the study on wholesale and retail electricity and gas price evolutions

were presented, recalling the fact that wholesale and retail price evolutions decoupled between 2008

and 2012 and clearly stating the underlying reasons (the importance of non-market elements,

network costs, taxes and levies, the impact of regulated prices, low switching rates, etc.). Also, the

impacts of rising energy costs on households' budget and on energy intensive industries were

analysed. Further, the study dealt with the comparison of energy prices and costs in the EU with its

main international trade partners, expressing the importance of energy efficiency as a factor

contributing to the competitiveness of the EU economy on the global scale. Finally some energy

policy conclusions were mentioned, including the June 2014 Energy Council conclusions, calling

for a timely, comparable, harmonised and sufficiently detailed retail electricity and gas price data

collection.

Discussion and Conclusions

One Member State asked for the electronic version of the presentation (Eurostat uploaded it to

CIRCABC) and DG Energy mentioned that the whole study is available on their website (link:

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/doc/2030/20140122_swd_prices.pdf). DG Climate Action asked whether

renewable surcharges are responsible for the increase in energy prices. DG Energy responded that

renewable surcharges were only partially responsible for increase in end-user prices in the EU.

Another Member State mentioned that it is difficult to collect very detailed retail price data, as there

are several entities in the country contributing to energy statistics.

ITEM 5.2: PRESENTATION ON DATA COLLECTION ON COGENERATION AND DISTRICT HEATING AND

COOLING (ENERGY EFFICIENCY - EED DIRECTIVE)

(ORAL REPORT)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_5B_EHOOS EED CHP DATA COLLECTION

AND NEW DATA COLLECTION TEMPLATE ESWG_2014_ITEM_5C_TABLE_CHP REPORTING ART 24_6 EED.XLSX)

Introduction

DG Energy presented the implications of the new EED Directive on cogeneration and district

heating/cooling data. Article 24(6) of the EED obliges Member States to submit to the Commission

before 30 April each year statistics on national electricity and heat production from high and low

efficiency cogeneration, in relation to total heat and electricity production. Member States shall also

submit annual statistics on cogeneration heat and electricity capacities and fuels for cogeneration,

and on district heating and cooling production and capacities, in relation to total heat and electricity

production and capacities. Member States shall submit statistics on primary energy savings

achieved by application of cogeneration. DG Energy explained the data collection obligation under

the new EED directive, which repealed the old cogeneration Directive as of June 2014. Member

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/doc/2030/20140122_swd_prices.pdf


States shall submit the first annual data set of 2013 by 30 April 2015. A new data collection

template was presented (uploaded to CIRCABC as: ESWG_2014_item_5c_Table_CHP reporting

Art 24_6 EED.xlsx), clearly showing the differences from its predecessor.


Several Member States made comments on the presentation: four Member States stated that the

questionnaire is too complicated and more explanations or precisions are needed. Further

modifications on the template are needed. One Member State called for differentiation between high

and low efficiency. On the heat sold and heat unsold problem (raised by Eurostat), one Member

State mentioned that it is not considered as a problematic issue. Another Member State mentioned

the need for having a definition on renewable CHP and raised the issue of the template being very

long. He also stated that CHP, although a negative priority for Eurostat and the ESSC, it remains a

policy requirement from another Commission DG and as such it can neither be considered as a

negative priority for Member States nor leading to any reduction of reporting burden on the side of

Member States.

ITEM 5.3: A FEW THOUGHTS ON 40 YEARS OF ENERGY STATISTICS

(ORAL REPORT)

The Chair introduced the representative from IEA; Mr Jean-Yves Garnier underlining his

contribution in the field of energy statistics and thanked him for his cooperation over the past years.

Mr Jean-Yves Garnier emphasized that the need for energy statistics changed over the last past

decades and accentuated the population growth in OECD and non-OECD Member States, the

changes in GDP and changes in energy consumption. Mr Garnier highlighted that the main changes

and hence the challenges of energy statistics and statisticians have arisen from the liberalisation of

the markets (e.g. more companies to be included in surveys), confidentiality issues, energy

efficiency indicators, use of renewables and environment subjects. Furthermore, statistical

authorities are facing resource cuts and a fast turnover in staff. Mr Jean-Yves Garnier emphasised

the use of joint annual questionnaires which bundle up efforts from different international

organizations creating synergy effects through harmonization and integration. A high weight on

data quality was given as well on the importance of transparency. Mr Garnier stressed several times

the relevance of energy statistics for policy making and the increasing role of energy efficiency for

the future. He thanked the participants for their cooperation and wished them all the best for the

future.

ITEM 6: IMPORTS AND EXPORTS – NOTE FROM EUROSTAT'S DIRECTOR GENERAL

(ORAL REPORT)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_6_IMPORTS BY COUNTRY OF ORIGIN)

Introduction

Eurostat informed on the current situation as regards imports of energy commodities (mainly

natural gas and crude oil) by country of origin and the reasons behind the official note sent by

Eurostat's Director General, Mr Walter Radermacher, to all National Statistical Institutes of the EU.

Eurostat explained the context in which the document was sent and asked reporting countries that

data submitted under "non-specified countries" should be limited to a maximum of approximately

5% of the respective fuel's imports. This will be closely monitored in the future: a ratio higher than

3% will require a formal explanation; a ratio higher than 6 % will be considered as non-compliant

with reporting instructions.


Discussion

Three Member States asked for clearer legislative instruments and guidance since many companies

do not answer accurately. Member States mentioned the difficulties to obtain data from companies

on smaller quantities or for transit trade, mainly caused by the increased number of intermediaries

involved in trading. The current context (liberalisation, increase in the number of market players,

multinational companies, and increased complexity of the energy market) made it more difficult to

obtain reliable and accurate data from companies. One delegate noted that exports from stocks are

difficult to be attributed to a specific country of primary production. Another delegate emphasised

that for gas imports/exports companies cannot record correctly nor have knowledge about the

country of origin.

Conclusions

The difficulties and challenges in reporting are well known. However, considering the international

context and the high priority of the issue, it is essential to improve the data collection process in

order to provide high quality data for energy supply, energy dependence and diversification of

suppliers. Best practices in several countries show that the situation has been improved and globally

the quality of the data is good. Also, it has been reminded that a strong legal basis could be

necessary at national level in order to get the full cooperation and higher response of the sector

(reporting companies). Eurostat will also continue the reflexion on potential alternatives (exports

from stocks) in order to follow the evolution of the energy markets.

ITEM 7: DATA COLLECTION, DISSEMINATION AND COMPLIANCE ISSUES

ITEM 7.1: ANNUAL ENERGY STATUS STATISTICS - OVERVIEW

(DOC. ESWG/2014/03)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_7_1_ANNUAL_ENERGY_STATISTICS)

Introduction

Eurostat presented the review of the latest data collection cycle on annual energy statistics – the five

joint annual energy questionnaires for the reference year 2012. Arrival of the first version of the

joint energy questionnaires remained mostly the same as in previous years with a huge peak

towards the end of November. Eurostat emphasised improvements in several aspects: transmission

before and at the legal deadline was improved, nearly 100% use of eDAMIS and the transition to

the new version of the joint annual energy questionnaires was in general successful.

Further, Eurostat elaborated on the very high number of transmissions. Eurostat presented the

results of the short ESWG survey indicating that a majority of countries should have final data by

the end of November. Eurostat emphasized that the compliance with the Regulation on energy

statistics does not mean only sending data before the indicated deadline but that also other quality

aspects play a role.

Due to the increased focus on trade of energy commodities, Eurostat intends to enhance the

validation rules for the reported trade data and presented a set of validation rules for the next annual

cycle. Eurostat also stressed the importance of data quality and elaborated on validation rules as for

example thresholds for the statistical difference. Some other changes for the next cycle were

presented, e.g. that countries need to indicate in the field “Remarks” which years should be loaded

by Eurostat in its database. Eurostat asked countries to double check historic time series in pre-filled

questionnaires.


Eurostat reminded of the data transmission deadline of 30th

November, the mandatory use of

eDAMIS and the standard file format. Eurostat also encouraged countries to send annual

questionnaires to IEA and Eurostat on the same day.

Discussion

Several countries expressed concerns about non-compliance with reporting instructions for trade

data as there are significant problems in compiling them, mostly due to liberalization and

decentralization of the European energy market as well as due to discrepancies between CN codes

and classifications in energy statistics. It was also highlighted that further harmonization with trade

statistics should be foreseen. Furthermore some Member States indicated difficulties to guarantee

consistency of historic time series due to the significant work effort needed and also due to changes

made by the IEA on figures delivered by the countries.

DG Climate Action presented its point of view on revisions and timeliness reflecting the perspective

of an energy policy user. Also, the linkage between GHG inventories and energy data was

highlighted.

IEA stressed the importance of a closer cooperation between IEA, Eurostat and countries.

Conclusions

Eurostat is aware that there will be discrepancies between various data sources for energy data. The

outcome of the validation process and major discrepancies will be notified to countries. It will be at

the discretion of the countries to react to these notifications and change data as deemed necessary.

Eurostat further clarified the links between the regulations and reporting instructions and explained

how compliance with regulations and reporting instructions is analysed and reported. Eurostat

intends to be fully transparent on data validation. Further, Eurostat expressed its support for

harmonisation of codes. Eurostat also elaborated in a wider general context on the aspect of

gathering trade data. Eurostat clarified that checking historic time series is not equivalent to

compiling data, and hence would not be so time consuming. Eurostat highlighted that it will not be

overwriting historical data with questionnaire data without the explicit consent of the countries.

ITEM 7.2: MONTHLY ENERGY STATUS STATISTICS - OVERVIEW

(DOC. ESWG/2014/04)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_7_2_MONTHLY STATISTICS)

Introduction

Eurostat reported on the implementation of the 2013 monthly energy statistics and highlighted the

main messages concerning punctuality, quality control and the use of eDAMIS and standard file

formats. Eurostat thanked the Member States for the very good timeliness of the M-3 collections on

electricity and solid fuels. For the MOS-oil and MOS-gas the 2013 performance was lower mainly

because of a sharper deadline and a review of the MOS-oil questionnaire. The punctuality for the

M-1 collections was comparable to the previous years. Eurostat also pinpointed that for 30% of the

questionnaires revisions were sent. Eurostat informed on the systematic quality control and the

subsequent process of bilateral explanations. Finally Eurostat noted an increasing high use both for

eDAMIS (85%) as well as for the standard XLS questionnaire files (90%).

Discussion

One country pinpointed that they apply revisions on all monthly questionnaires once the

corresponding annual questionnaires were treated because the sources are more complete and

accurate. DG Joint Research Centre asked if it is planned to include photovoltaic installations in the

monthly electricity questionnaire. Eurostat informed that such a change can be deliberated in a

future review of the Energy Statistics Regulation.


Conclusions

The working group took note of the monitoring findings. Eurostat thanked the delegates for the

increasing high use of eDAMIS and the standard XLS questionnaire files. Eurostat continues the

systematic quality control. Bilateral contacts with the reporting countries will be enhanced to clarify

observed issues and discrepancies to improve together the final quality of the monthly statistics.

Reporting countries continue to ensure the timely provision of all monthly datasets under the

Energy Statistics Regulation, using the appropriate questionnaire format and transmission mode for

each individual monthly data collection.

ITEM 7.3: MOS OIL & EMERGENCY STOCKS-IMPLEMENTATION EXPERIENCES

(DOC. ESWG/2014/05)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_7_3 MOS OIL AND EMERGENCY STOCKS –IMPLEMENTATION EXPERIENCES)

Introduction

Eurostat reported on the implementation experiences of the first completed cycle of the new

streamlined Monthly Oil Statistics for the first annual cycle, presenting an overview of the legal

base and the main changes. Further, Eurostat informed Member States about the workflow

concerning the Monthly Oil and Oil Stocks reporting. Particular emphasis was given to typical

problematic issues.


Member States asked where stocks data are published, how Eurostat will inform Member States

about new versions of the questionnaire and how revisions should be treated. Eurostat replied that

oil stocks data will be published soon on Eurobase. Data providers will be informed about new

questionnaire versions per email and Member States are free to send revisions for MOS Oil.

However, Eurostat would highly appreciate it if the number of revisions could be limited to 2-3 per

year.

Member States welcomed the assistance of Eurostat during the implementation phase and the

coherence between Energy Statistics and Emergency Stocks. Eurostat urges reporting countries to

provide complete and coherent datasets.

ITEM 7.4: RENEWABLE ENERGY AND SHARES

(DOC. ESWG/2014/06)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_7_4_RENEWABLES ENERGY AND SHARES )

Introduction

The purpose of this presentation was to inform the Energy Statistics Working Group on the

developments of the last reporting cycle on renewable energy statistics, as well as to discuss on how

to improve some data and methodological issues concerning renewables and "SHARES".

Members of the Working Group were asked to comment and express their views on certain issues in

relation with the following topics: new sources of renewable energy, biofuels, reporting of mixed

hydropower plants, consistency between questionnaires and SHARES.


Discussion

Some delegates expressed the need to clarify the definition of the biofuel production capacity and

the reporting instructions for mixed hydropower plants, to establish a threshold to report on new

technologies and to enable reporting of biomethane in the transport sector in the SHARES tool.

Eurostat indicated that reporting instructions for mixed hydropower plants and biofuel production

capacity will be clarified in collaboration with the IEA. As regards the reporting of biomethane in

the SHARESs tool, Eurostat pointed out that pure biomethane in transport must be reported in the

Renewables questionnaire and no changes can be introduced until Eurostat and DG Energy agree on

new instructions for calculating the share of energy from renewable sources.

Conclusions

It was decided that a dedicated Working Group on Renewables will take place in 2015. Further

comments or proposals on the discussed subjects should be sent to Eurostat before the end of

September 2014.

ITEM 7.5: MANUALS IN THE AREA OF ENERGY STATISTICS

(ORAL REPORT)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_7_5_MANUALS)

Introduction

Eurostat informed about the upcoming work on manuals for energy statistics. This work will

include updating the already existing manuals and developing new manuals. The overall work will

cover four areas.

The Energy Statistics Manual will be developed as the first manual – it will be an update of the

already existing version. Methodologies for energy balances: the case of Eurostat and IEA will be

developed as the second manual, partly in parallel to the Energy Statistics Manual. The manuals

Filling joint energy questionnaires manual and Checking manual for joint energy questionnaires

are planned to be developed by a contractor.

ESWG members will be informed in a separate email when the tender specifications are published.

A clear description of the content and the work on each of the manuals will be available there.

Eurostat is looking for volunteers for reviewing these manuals. The work will consist of providing

comments on the draft final version for each of these manuals. The work will be solely performed

by written consultations via email (no meetings). Eurostat cannot provide any financial contribution

for this work.

Discussion

It was emphasised that harmonisation of energy balances on international level is highly

recommended and consequently only one balance should be described.

Conclusion

Eurostat would like to encourage all volunteers for reviewing the four manuals to contact

[email protected] directly.

mailto:[email protected]


ITEM 7.6: DISSEMINATION OF ENERGY STATISTICS

(ORAL REPORT)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_7_6_DISSEMINATION OF ENERGY STATISTICS)

Introduction

Eurostat informed on the main channels of dissemination and the high use of energy statistics.

Eurostat presented an overview of the dedicated section, the planned new web site to be launched in

November, the energy database and tables, statistics explained articles, press releases and the

publication of the energy balances as excel files. Some figures clearly show the high interest and

use of energy statistics e.g. data extractions from the energy database and tables reached in May the

number of 44 000. The 4 press releases between February and May 2014 were 45 000 times

downloaded.


The working group took note of Eurostat's major dissemination tools and products of energy

statistics and the importance illustrated by the usage numbers. Eurostat will continue its efforts

towards a comprehensive, up-to-date, clear and understandable dissemination.

ITEM 8: FOR EARLY CO2 EMISSION ESTIMATES

(DOC. ESWG/2014/07)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_8_EARLY ESTIMATES FOR 2013_27 07 2014_TEIL 1 AND

ESWG_2014_ITEM_8_EARLY ESTIMATE 2012 WITH UNFCCC 2012_FINAL)

Introduction

The presentation was split into two parts: ‘Eurostat Early Estimates of CO2 emissions for 2013’ and

‘Comparison of Eurostat Early Estimates of CO2 emissions for 2012 with inventory submissions for

UNFCCC’.

The CO2 estimate for the year 2013 was presented by A. Herold from Öko-Institut and contained

the methodological background. Ms Anke Herold also emphasised that this estimate becomes

available more than one year before the Member State inventories (UNFCCC). An attempt was

made to explain the changes in CO2 emissions of 2013 for those Member States showing big

differences compared to the year before.

In the second presentation (Eurostat), the estimates produced for reference year 2012 were

compared with official inventory figures submitted to UNFCCC for the same year. This comparison

revealed that the early estimated is very near to ‘reality’ on EU-27 level (underestimation of the real

CO2 emissions only by 0.1%; when taking revisions into account the underestimation is 0.3%). As a

rough rule one can say that the farther data are disaggregated the less accurate the estimate

becomes. However, in some Member States the estimate is also very good even at fuel type level. In

15 Member States the deviation between the inventory data and the estimate ranges between -2% to

+2 %, covering about 55% of all EU 27 CO2 emissions. Some large discrepancies are found

between inventory data and estimates at fuel type level. Concentrating the efforts on the diminution

of these big discrepancies will further improve the quality of monthly energy data. Eurostat

announced that it will contact concerned Member States individually.


In the discussion one delegate expressed concerns that too many published estimates either on CO2

or on GHG (Green House Gas, including CO2) emissions could confuse the users. DG Climate

Action acknowledged such a risk but pointed out that Eurostat’s early estimate is used by the


Commission and the EEA and that a document has already been published explaining the

background of the different figures published.(see:

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/energy/documents/Note_on_different_emission_

estimates_by_EU_institutions.pdf).

Another delegate commented on Eurostat’s request not to send late revisions of monthly data

(because this does not allow reproducing the calculation of the early estimate) reminding the

working group that monthly data collections were introduced to provide analysts with up to date

data only a few weeks after the end of the reference month. The necessity to be able to revise these

monthly data was underlined.

ITEM 9: NUCLEAR ENERGY STATISTICS

(DOC. ESWG/2014/08)

(PPT. ESWG_2014-ITEM-09-NUCLEAR_ENERGY-STATISTICS)

Introduction

The objectives of this presentation were firstly to inform the Energy Statistics Working Group on

the development of the fourth reporting cycle on nuclear energy statistics, according to Article 8

and Annex B, 3.4 of Regulation (EC) No 1099/2008 on energy statistics, as amended by the

Commission Regulation (EC) No 844/2010 of 20 September 2010, and secondly to discuss some

data and methodological issues in the calculation of the annual average burnup and confidentiality.


Members of the Working Group took note of the positive development of the last nuclear energy

cycle, the first for which data were published.

As regards the calculation methodology for the average annual burnup, countries will try to adapt to

the methodological approach proposed by Eurostat. Concerning confidentiality, some countries

confirmed that they will be able to provide data on the enrichment capacity during the next

reporting cycle. On a general level, it was agreed that confidential data should be provided in a

password protected separate file.

ITEM 10: LEGAL ACTS RELATED TO ENERGY STATISTICS

ITEM 10.1: ENERGY PRICE STATISTICS

(DOC. ESWG/2014/09)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_10_1_PRICES)

Introduction

Eurostat presented the latest developments in the area of electricity and natural gas price statistics.

Since the last 12 months, the Republic of Serbia is submitting also data from the gas and electricity

prices survey, total number of reporting countries is 36. Timeliness seemed to be the most critical

aspect in the prices survey and this has not improved over the last couple of years.

An overview was given of the role of energy prices in the overall ranking within Eurostat.

Eurostat thanked all data providers for the transmission of the dedicated prices questionnaire related

to the study on composition and drivers of energy costs and prices as requested by the European

Council in 2013.

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/energy/documents/Note_on_different_emission_estimates_by_EU_institutions.pdf

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/energy/documents/Note_on_different_emission_estimates_by_EU_institutions.pdf


Eurostat gave an overview of the status of the work related to the development of a new legal act

for gas and electricity prices that would include household consumers as well. Although the corner

pillars of the act should remain identical to the current applicable Directive, new requirements and

new data needs that were tabled at the June 2014 Council Meeting might have to be taken on board.

Discussion

DG Energy reiterated the importance of retail prices for natural gas and electricity. DG Energy

welcomed the work that has already been carried out by Eurostat on the legislative procedures.

Energy Ministers have defined a further report in 2016 to better understand the dynamics of

consumer retail prices of natural gas and electricity.

Two delegates questioned the availability of natural gas and electricity prices for very large

industrial consumers due to commercial confidentiality issues. These prices (largest consumer

bands) are currently collected on a voluntary basis.

Timeliness seemed to be a critical aspect, and several delegates welcomed the idea to extend the

timeliness from 2 to 3 months after the reference period.

One delegate mentioned the importance of the article on prices at Statistics Explained especially for

the national press. Eurostat was asked to evaluate the possibility to include data for small

households (lowest consumption bands) and the option to present one single price weighted by

consumption per band.

One delegate asked Eurostat to evaluate the possibility to split the mid-range consumption band for

natural gas into 2 sub-bands, as about 95% of their consumers were encountered in this group. One

delegate mentioned the low use of natural gas in their country for household purposes and that they

did therefore not participate in the voluntary survey of household’s gas prices.

Conclusions

Eurostat will evaluate the possibility for a broader use of available price data in the Statistics

Explained article. Work on the new legal act had to be temporarily suspended due to new

requirements that were tabled at the most recent Council dealing with Energy issues.

Eurostat took note of the comments made related to timeliness and availability of price data for

large industrial consumers. Eurostat will address several issues (e.g. the splitting of the middle

consumer band for natural gas) to the task force dealing with the future of energy statistics.

ITEM 10.2: ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN HOUSEHOLDS

(DOC. ESWG/2014/10)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_10_2_ENERGY STATISTICS IN HOUSEHOLDS)

Introduction

Eurostat reported on the implementation of Commission Regulation (EU) No 431/2014, amending

Regulation (EC) No 1099/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council on energy statistics,

as regards the implementation of annual statistics on energy consumption in households. The

adoption of this amendment requires Member States to transmit to Eurostat via eDAMIS detailed

statistics on energy consumption in the residential sector, starting with reference year 2015.

The Members of the ESWG were informed on the latest developments in the field, namely the entry

into force of the Regulation (EU) No 431/2014 and the publication of the MESH – Manual for

Statistics on Energy Consumption in Households, as well as on the expected deadlines and

objectives of this new reporting process.


Eurostat presented a template which would serve as a basis for reporting. The participants were

asked to provide feedback either at the meeting or in writing after the meeting until 31 August 2014.

Eurostat will make this template available already from the end of this year (2014) and suggested to

use it on a voluntary basis, starting with reference year 2013.

Discussion

One Member State questioned the reporting of bio components under Oil or Renewables.

One delegate proposed to collect data via household surveys but he pointed out that households do

not have a clear idea of what fuel they use, and in which quantity. It was mentioned that the use of

metering should be done on a higher scale than the 25 HH monitoring described in the Manual.

Another delegate stated that Diesel oil used for Heating should appear, Road diesel is only for

transport.

Two delegates support the idea that the survey is only a starting point and developing a model in

order to provide annual data is necessary, therefore Eurostat was asked to provide such a shared tool

for the modelling, in order to allow comparability between countries. The development of surveys

or of models by each country itself would lead to high costs and involves supplementary burden and

budget.

Eurostat was also asked by delegates to develop better guidelines for the collection of data; the

Manual is not considered sufficient.

DG Joint Research Centre supported the mandatory collection of data about energy consumption in

households.

IEA emphasised that the European Commission should only use one questionnaire, based on the

ODYSSEE approach, and provide a unified way of reporting. Additionally, it was noted that the

data collection for the energy efficiency indicators is mandatory; gasoline is used in several

marginal processes (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc.).

Conclusions

The products shown in the template are derived from the Joint Annual Questionnaire, and

correspond to what has been reported by Member States as used in the residential sector. In some

case the results are very country-specific. The template takes into account all possible uses (even on

a small scale) of energy by households.

Eurostat recapped that Member States are responsible of their data collection and its quality. The

Manual (MESH) can be seen as a first guidance in order to assist countries in their reporting but

Eurostat does not intend, at least for the moment, to give more detailed instruction on how the data

should be collected; indeed, the contexts, tools and data already available vary from one country to

another. Eurostat will however continue its reflexion on a possible way to improve the information

already provided by the Manual and the Regulation.


ITEM 11: CASE STUDY (NORWAY): MODELS FOR THE CALCULATION OF HOUSEHOLD

END-USES (DOC. ESWG/2014/11)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_11_CASE STUDY STATISTICS_NORWAY)

Introduction

Tonje Køber from Norway presented a case study on the household energy consumption by end-use

in Norway. The delegate explained the problems in household surveys which made it difficult to ask

on driving forces for energy use and the decomposition of energy consumption. Therefore, Norway

developed an econometric model to derive the information on household end-uses. Although

metering data is available, the allocation of electricity consumption to different end-uses e.g. space

heating is difficult and is connected to high costs. Norway explained their econometric CDA

(conditional demand analysis) approach. The heterogeneity among household was explicitly

mentioned. Some variables are derived from registers e.g. income, outdoor temperature etc.

Estimation of end-uses is calculated within an econometric demand model conditional on the

ownership of physical attributes (building, appliances). The delegate presented the obtained results

and summary statistics on household end-use Norway based on the econometric CDA.

ITEM 12: PROGRESS REPORT ON TASK FORCE “FUTURE OF ENERGY STATISTICS”

(DOC. ESWG/2014/12)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_12_TF_FUTURE OF ENERGY STATISTICS)

Introduction

Ms Celine Rouquette (as a representative of the Task Force) presented the results of the meetings of

the Task Force held so far (2 meetings in 2013 and 2 meetings in 2014). The presentation covered

certain elements already closed for discussion on the level of the Task Force (such as energy

prices), elements currently being discussed and also elements planned to be discussed in future

meetings. Two more meetings are planned in 2014 and afterwards final conclusions will be

available. All ESWG members were encouraged to provide comments to the draft report (document

in Annex). This report will serve as basis document for Eurostat's position for the new joint annual

energy questionnaires. In this respect, countries were asked to provide further comments and

requests vis-à-vis the existing questionnaires. Also, all ESWG members are encouraged to answer

and further disseminate the user survey on energy statistics:

http://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/USSEnergy

Discussion

Countries that did not yet respond to the short ESWG survey were encouraged to answer it,

especially the question regarding existing additional data on national level.

One delegate questioned the use of SDMX format in future and Eurostat provided clarifications on

the general SDMX context and also some specificity for the energy domain. Eurostat plans to start

work on this issue in 2015.

Countries were encouraged to disseminate the survey on energy statistics also to national ministries.

The importance of a possible analysis of ETS vs non-ETS split was emphasised for inventory

compilers.

Conclusion

Eurostat will use all survey results in future discussions and its work - all ESWG members are

encouraged to provide answers. Additional written comments for the work of the Task Force will be

highly appreciated.



ITEM 13: ESR QUALITY REPORTS – ANALYSIS AND A WAY FORWARD

(DOC. ESWG/2014/13)

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_13_QUALITY_REPORTING)

Introduction

The objectives of this presentation were to present the Quality report on European Union energy

statistics according to Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 1099/2008 (QR) and to propose an approach

to conduct the next quality reporting cycle.

Countries took note of the document: "Quality Report of European Union energy statistics", and

were informed of its future publication on Eurostat's website. They also noted the conclusions from

the previous QR cycle and the improvements that will be introduced for the next cycle. More

precisely, to design the next template in a way that allows Eurostat to obtain more standardised and

comparable information across Member States, in particular, complementing open questions with

more close-ended questions. As regards the preparation of the next QR cycle, it was agreed that a

first draft of the quality reporting questionnaire, prepared by Eurostat, will be presented during the

next Working Group on Quality issues (to be held in November 2014). At this occasion, countries

will be able to propose modifications. If needed, the Working Group on Quality Issues could decide

to set up a Task Force to finalise the preparation of the draft template.

Eurostat will present a new version of the draft template to the ESWG in 2015 for discussion and

approval. This schedule would allow Eurostat to launch the next QR cycle in 2016, complying with

the requirement of the Regulation stating that one cycle must be conducted every five years.


One Member State asked if the document will be public and another country mentioned that one

data point in table 8 has to be corrected (one zero missing) and a footnote had to be added to

another table. Furthermore, it was mentioned that the quality report constitutes a useful exercise to

improve subsequently the quality of the data sent to Eurostat.

Member States agreed with the way forward and proposed time table for the implementation of the

new quality reporting cycle. Eurostat will undertake the proposed modifications after bilateral

exchange.

ITEM 14: ENERGY ACCOUNTS

(DOC. ESWG/2014/14 (PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_14_ENERGY_ACCOUNTS)

Introduction

Eurostat (Unit E.2 'Environmental statistics and accounts, sustainable development') gave a

presentation on the latest developments in Energy Accounts (EA). Physical energy flow accounts

(PEFA) is one of three modules which was recently added to EU Regulation 691/2011 on European

environmental economic accounts (Regulation (EU) 538/2014). The first mandatory data collection

will be in 2017.

As agreed by the working group on environmental accounts Eurostat launched a voluntary data

collection for PEFA in May 2014. This voluntary PEFA data collection serves as a preparation for

the implementation of the amended Regulation 691/2011, Annex VI on PEFA. Countries may use

this opportunity to build capacities and gain experience in the field of PEFA.


Eurostat introduced the PEFA questionnaire and the accompanying draft PEFA manual which can

also be found on Eurostat's website. Eurostat is currently developing an IT-tool ('PEFA-Builder')

which processes the five IEA/Eurostat annual questionnaires and populates the PEFA questionnaire

tables A, B and E automatically. Users of this tool need to provide supplementary information

related to residence adjustments in transport as well as for the detailed industry breakdown (NACE1

rev.2 A*64). The aim of this IT-tool is to provide practical support to countries in compiling PEFA

and to harmonise compilation approaches leading to enhanced data quality and comparability. The

IT-tool is available on request (please contact [email protected]).

An ESTP training course on PEFA and the IT-tool took place in April 2014 and another one is

planned for 2015. It turned out that for several countries the annual questionnaires (in particular the

oil questionnaire) are not filled in the same way which limits the proper functioning of the IT tool.

Discussion

IEA expressed the concern that this new reporting obligation may shift resources away from the

production of energy statistics. Another delegate proposed to develop a kind of glossary which

explains the main terminological differences between energy statistics and PEFA. Eurostat referred

to the draft PEFA manual which includes a good introduction into the conceptual differences.

Furthermore Eurostat recommends compiling PEFA in close cooperation with colleagues working

in the domains of environmental accounts and national accounts.

Conclusions

Member States took note on the provided progress report. The two Eurostat units agreed to

exchange on the observations made at the ESTP training, in particular the inconsistent ways of

filling the IEA/Eurostat annual questionnaires.

ITEM 15: ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The Chair thanked the German Delegate who will retire for his excellent work in the field of energy

statistics and wished him all the best for the future. No any other business.

ITEM 16: WRAP-UP OF THE MEETING

(PPT. ESWG_2014_ITEM_16_ACTION POINTS)

Data transmission

Eurostat reminded that all data files (first sending and all revisions) have to be transmitted by

Member States to Eurostat via eDAMIS.

Confidential data shall not be included in the standard questionnaires, but should be transmitted via

eDAMIS as well, for example in a separate password protected file.

Member States were asked to pay attention when selecting dataset and time period in eDAMIS – a

wrong selection causes additional workload and problems in the data processing.

Member States are invited to express their comments on several issues and contribute to the action

points within specified deadlines:

1 Statistical classification of economic activities in the European Community

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/environmental_accounts/methodology/data_collections

http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/environmental_accounts/methodology/manuals


http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/environmental_accounts/methodology/manuals


Volunteers for the review of the four energy manuals (please contact

[email protected])

Members of the ESWG are asked to respond by 31 August 2014 to the user survey on

energy statistics and inform about it as widely as possible your national users, ministries and

other administrations asking them to respond too – see link:


on the questionnaire template for reporting detailed CHP data to DG Energy by 05

September 2014 (please contact [email protected] and [email protected] )

Comments on the draft conclusions document of the TF on the Future of Energy Statistics

(see ESWG/2014/12 and its annex) by 12 September 2014 (please contact

[email protected])

Comments on Renewables (ESWG/2014/06) and Nuclear (ESWG/2014/08) by 30

September 2014 (please contact: [email protected])

By 30 September 2014: please provide eventual comments to all other questions in the

documents of the ESWG to [email protected]

Energy statistics in households (please contact [email protected] for any

questions):

o All countries are expected to provide first detailed 2013 data prior the legal deadline

for 2015 - volunteers are encouraged to provide data sooner. No deadline is specified

for the voluntary transmission of the questionnaire.

o Members of the ESWG are asked to provide feedback on the questionnaire template

for reporting detailed data on energy consumption in households by 31 August 2014

o Final questionnaire, based on the template proposed by Eurostat, will be sent to MS

by Eurostat by 30 September 2014

o Members of the ESWG are asked to volunteer on the further development of the

MESH manual and instructions during 2015/2016.

Enhancing focus on annual data (please contact [email protected] for any

questions):

o Trade data, especially imports of crude oil and natural gas in annual data

o Statistical difference for fuels important in national energy system

o Completeness – report all data series as defined in the Regulation

o Coherence between data in questionnaires

The Chair confirmed that the presentation summarising the main action points would be

made available to participants of the ESWG after the meeting (PPT ESWG_2014-item-16-

ACTION POINTS was uploaded to CIRCABC on 3 July 2014).

The Chair also reminded that the draft minutes of the meeting would be made available by

31 July 2014. Participants would have one further month to comment, after which Eurostat

would finalise the minutes.

The next dedicated Energy Statistics Working Group will be held on 14 November 2014.

It will focus on:

o Electricity and natural gas end-user prices – New draft legal act












o Quality Reports under Energy Statistics Regulation - the way forward

o Quality issues

In 2015, the Energy Statistics Working Group meeting will be held as usually in June. The

exact date will be communicated later as soon as it will be fixed.

The Chair thanked the delegates and closed the meeting.

* * *

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