Independent suppliers play a crucial role in the energy sector by bringing competition to a market; which is constantly evolving. Their independence enables them to respond quickly in terms of market disruptions, providing security at a local, regional, and national level. With this aim, UPEI has created five Commissions – one of each of the main business activities of the UPEI membership – consisting of experts fully committed to promoting the transition towards a more sustainable, resilient, and community-engaged sector aligned with the market needs.
(NEW) Energy Transition Commission
The Energy Transition Commission aims to provide support to our members to actively progress through the energy transition towards a net-zero economy in 2050, and beyond, by stepping up their efforts to bring viable low-carbon and carbon-neutral products to European consumers.
Its objectives are a) to develop UPEI’s knowledge on recent economic trends and technological developments, notably as regards exploiting synergies in bridging fossil energy with new energies; b) to assess risks and opportunities arising from EU policy developments, both as regards legislation and funding programmes; c) to organise exchange of views on relevant national developments between the commission members and all UPEI members, and d) to develop policy and position papers for policymakers, and any other tool or set of actions towards our members.
The Energy Transition Commission was created by the General Meeting in April - and is expected to hold its first meeting in November - 2023.
Chair: Christian Heise, DCC Energi
Bunkering Commission
Bunkering is the act of supplying a ship with marine fuel, which includes the logistics of loading and distributing the fuel among available shipboard tanks. Bunkers (ships) are supplied through various means, such as bunker barges, pipelines, and road tankers, depending on the port and the accessibility to the ship.
The Bunkering Commission promotes quality and sustainability options that ensure deliveries in the ports are safe, efficient, and ecologically responsible. Sustainable maritime fuels, the Fuel EU Maritime Regulation proposal, or the implication of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), are topics that remain at the top of the agenda.
Chair: Erik De Vries, NOVE
Fuel Payments Commission
Fuel Payments mean the monthly payment for fuel, if any. In this regard, UPEI activities focus on fuel payments cards, which aim to allow the employees (drivers) of the customers of the fuel card issuer the payment of goods and services related to mobility on the road. This payment instrument easily enables one to pay without cash and control the costs associated with refueling.
The Fuel Payments Commission is committed to providing support and clarification to the legislators to ensure that the spirit of the Revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) regarding fuel cards is properly transposed in all local legislations across the European Union.
Chair: Ondrej Jančařík, Eurowag
Importing/Trading/Wholesale Commission
The Importing/Trading/ Wholesale Commission gathers importers and wholesale/retail distributors of energy for the transport and heating sector, supplying Europe’s customers independently of the major energy producers.
This group of experts analyses the implications of the European Union “Fit for 55” package, follow-up national developments, and legislative updates, such as the Regulation on the new Euromarker (ACCUTRACETM PLUS), to promote solutions that guarantee sustainability and local communities' well-being.
Chair: Johan Deleu, BRAFCO
Retail Stations Commission
Retail Stations are service stations dispensing motor fuel from containers equipped with computer-type pumps that measure fuel passing through it. Hence, the Retail Stations Commission focuses on providing accurate insight into the future of mobility, the implications of the "Fit for 55" legislative proposals, and national developments, such as measures taken to offset increased energy prices on the consumer and companies.
Retail Heating Commission
The Retail Heating Commission is committed to ensuring European household heating with liquid fuels that facilitate the transition to a decarbonised economy. Participants, therefore, discuss topics related to energy efficiency, energy performance of buildings, bio-heating oil, and other relevant aspects of the "Fit for 55" package.
In general terms, the aim of our UPEI Commissions is to help policymakers to provide pragmatic approaches to achieve policy objectives while integrating renewable energy that does not punish technologies. To do so, this groups of experts encourages innovation, public awareness, social fairness, and the recognition of the distribution of liquid fuels as a service that improves air quality, contributes to mitigating climate change, and reduces emissions.
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the UPEI Secretariat.
Chair: Uta Weiss, MEW