"What has changed is global energy supply is scarce. This calls for smart reduction in demand. We need a strategy to flatten the peaks which drives the price of electricity. We will propose a mandatory target for reducing electricity use at peak hours. And we will work closely with the Member States to achieve this," von der Leyen said in a statement.
The official also said that the bloc will "put forward a set of five different immediate measures" amid "astronomical" electricity prices for households and companies to regulate "enormous" market volatility.
The commission will also propose "a cap on the revenues of companies that are producing electricity with low costs," von der Leyen added.
The start of hostilities in Ukraine in February exacerbated the energy crisis unfolding in Europe over the past year. Disruptions in logistical and financial operations due to the crisis and Western sanctions against Russia have undermined supply chains and led to a spike in energy prices worldwide, pushing many European governments to resort to contingency measures.