Snapshot of Energy Efficiency Obligations
schemes in Europe: main characteristics
and main questions
Third European Workshop Meeting
of the White Certificates Club
Wednesday 27th May, 2015
Editorial
Since 2011, the White Certificates Club organizes workshops to promote exchanges among, and with, the
practitioners of Energy efficiency Obligations. After the fuel poverty issue in 2011 and the administrative
burden in 2013, 2015 had to deal with the impact of article 7 of the Energy Efficiency Directive. There are
now 16 countries in Europe that have implemented or are planning to establish Energy Efficiency Obligation (EEO) schemes:
Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Poland, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom.
An Energy Efficiency Obligation scheme is known by practitioners to be complex, with sixteen schemes
at minimum, the WCC felt the need for an overview of the main characteristics of the different schemes.
Furthermore, as it is, their maturities are very different. Some information are very “volatile” and could
only be captured through interviews.
Therefore this document is structured with a fact sheet and a one-page interview for each country. For
two countries (Lithuania and Spain), the interview was not possible due to on-going discussions or upcoming elections at the national level.
This document is only a snapshot at a given moment (April-May 2015), things will evolve, decisions will be
taken… The picture will change, maybe strongly in some cases.
This document has been elaborated with care by Jean Sébastien Broc from Broc R&C through a contract
with ATEE (Technical Association Energy and Environment) hosting the White Certificates Club. It is the result of crossing different sources, mostly official documents but also the ENSPOL reports and discussions
with experts. Nevertheless, the information included in this document does not engage the interviewees
and has no official value.
On behalf of WCC and ATEE, we would like to thank Jean Sébastien Broc for his work, all the interviewees
for their so valuable contributions, Elodie Trauchessec from ADEME for helping us with contacts.
Daniel CAPPE,Alexandre JEANDEL, Vice président ATEE Chairman WCC
page 3
page 4
Summary
Austria...................................................................................................... 7
Interview with Heidi Adensam
Bulgary......................................................................................................9
Interview with Tsvetomira Kulevska
Croatia.....................................................................................................11
Interview with Ivan Šerić
Denmark..................................................................................................13
Interview with Peter Bach
Estonia.....................................................................................................15
Interview with Madis Laaniste
France......................................................................................................17
Interview with Loïc Buffard
Ireland.....................................................................................................19
Interview with Josephine Maguire
Italy..........................................................................................................21
Interview with Dario Di Santo
Latvia.......................................................................................................23
Interview with Andzela Petersone
Lithuania.................................................................................................25
Luxembourg............................................................................................27
Interview with Carla Oliveira
Malta........................................................................................................29
Interview with Charles Buttigieg
Poland......................................................................................................31
Interview with Tadeusz Skoczkowski
Slovenia...................................................................................................33
Interview with Mojca Vendramin
Spain........................................................................................................35
United Kingdom.....................................................................................37
Interview with Carolina Valsecchi
Acronyms and abbreviations.................................................................39
AUSTRIA
Status, timeline and current target
The energy efficiency obligation
scheme has started in January 2015,
and substitutes voluntary agreements
with energy suppliers in place since
2009.
The overall target for the scheme is to
deliver 159 PJ over 2015-2020 (51% of
the EED art.7 target). The targets of the
obligated parties are set annually as
0.6% of the energy sales of the
previous year. 40% of the final energy
savings have to be achieved for
households (housing or transport).
Energy savings actions
All actions whose final energy savings
can be demonstrated (except oil
boilers) in all end-use sectors are
eligible if they exceed the minimum
energy performance requirements set
in current regulations, and if they don’t
beneficiate from public subsidies.
Actions for households in fuel poverty
get a bonus factor (*1.5).
30 to 40 standard methods (formula +
deemed savings) are already available
(more
to
come).
An
official
methodology will provide guidelines
for other types of actions.
Responsible authority : Federal Ministry of
Science, Research and Economy
Managing authority : a monitoring body is to be
established (through tendering)
Key actors and scope
The Ministry of Economy sets the rules and the targets, in
agreement with the provinces. The Ministry will delegate to
a monitoring body (to be established) the management of
scheme (reporting and controlling tasks). The Austrian
Energy Agency provides a technical support, in particular in
developing standard methods.
The obligated parties are almost all energy suppliers
(selling more than 25 GWh/a) (likely about 4500
companies).
All public and private companies can get an energy savings
account, and can transfer their energy savings to obligated
parties through civil contracts (no trading/market).
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
Energy savings are credited for the 1st year of the action.
The ownership of the energy savings goes always first to the
final customer. The obligated parties must document their
role (advice and/or financial incentive) and provide an
attestation form signed by the final customer that
transfers the energy savings to the obligated party.
The obligated parties can register energy savings with the
related evidences (invoices, description of their role, etc.)
on an online database along the implementation of their
projects/programs. The detailed documentation of the
savings must be kept for random controls by the
Monitoring Body. The obligated parties must report every
year by February 14th their total achievements for the
previous year to the Monitoring Body.
Specificities of the scheme or context
The Austrian scheme can be seen as a reinforcement and extension of the previous voluntary
agreements. This experience provided a basis to start with. More detailed guidelines should be defined
in the coming months (especially about monitoring & verification).
The new scheme has the largest scope possible (all energy types for the targets, high number of
obligated parties, all end-use sectors for the actions). This choice is meant to distribute the burden and
to offer flexibility.
A condition has been set to ensure a minimum share (40%) of energy savings in households, to avoid
strategies focused only on large projects in industry or commercial buildings.
page 7
Interview with Heidi Adensam
Head of the Division Energy Balances and Energy Efficiency
Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy
What are the main expectations of the
government (and/or your personal) for this
new scheme?
The main objective of the government is to
deliver energy savings without public budget
requirements that would be too cost
extensive.
The obligation scheme is part of the
government program for the current 5-year
mandate (started late 2013). It has been
heavily discussed, with a strong opposition
from
stakeholders
(including
energy
companies but not only). The main issue is
the fear of increases in energy prices.
However, the scheme is supported by the
Ministry of Finance that sees it as a costeffective way to achieve energy savings.
The scheme has just started (January 2015),
so its actual effects are still unknown. One
risk may be that it could be too much focused
on the low hanging fruits. Meanwhile, the
scheme includes small obligated parties,
which could favour the development of
ESCos.
What are the main characteristics of your
scheme?
All energy suppliers (except the very small
ones) and all types of energy sold (including
renewable energies) are included in the
scheme. This large scope makes that the
burden is more distributed.
All actions saving final energy are eligible,
even if not covered by a standard method.
An official methodology makes it possible to
evaluate the savings from any type of action,
which should support innovation.
The scheme includes a “pay to save” option:
the obligated parties can achieve their target
by contribution to an energy efficiency fund
(0.2 €/kWh), which may also support markets
for ESCos.
Overall, a key guiding principle has been to
adopt a straightforward approach.
What would be the questions you would like
to ask to countries already having a long
experience with EE obligation schemes?
Key issues for experience sharing are the
administration costs of the scheme, the types
of actions implemented and their costs, the
impacts on energy prices and the
involvement of ESCos (and development of
related markets).
What are the main steps to come or the
main stakes for 2015-2020?
About 30 to 40 standard methods have
already been defined. The obligated parties
ask for more, and more generally about what
the savings potentials are. This means that
capacity building is needed for many
obligated parties.
Work is also on-going about how to
document the actions and programs
(Measurement, Reporting & Verification).
MRV rules were already used for the previous
voluntary agreements. But more detailed
guidelines are needed for the obligation
scheme.
A key question will also be how to set the
correct fee level for the “save to pay” option:
a too low fee could kill the market, while a
too high fee could create increases in energy
prices.
page 8
BULGARIA
Responsible authority : Ministry of Energy
Managing authority : SEDA (Sustainable Energy
Development Agency )
Status, timeline and current target
The scheme first started in 2008, with a
target in cumulative terms up to 2016.
The period 2014-2016 is a transition to
a system with annual targets (currently
both targets are combined).
For 2014-2020, the annual targets
should be 69.38 ktoe/a of final energy
savings from new actions every year.
1743.4 GWh/a had been achieved in
2013 (cumulated from actions over
2008-2013), representing 38% of the
cumulative target for 2008-2016 (4644
GWh/a in 2016).
Key actors and scope
The general rules set by the Ministry of Energy, and the
scheme is administered by SEDA.
The obligated parties are all companies selling more than
75 GWh of energy to final customers, including of all types
of energy sold (fuels for transport should be excluded
soon).
In the previous scheme (up to 2016), obligations were also
assigned to large consumers (industrial companies and
public authorities). These actors are then also eligible to get
energy savings credits.
There has not been any possibility of transfer or trading of
energy savings so far. But a trading scheme for energy
savings certificates is under preparation.
Energy savings actions
All types of actions (including
behavioural actions) in all sectors,
(including energy transformation,
distribution and transmission) that can
achieve demonstrable energy savings.
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
The obligated parties must submit the documentation of
their projects (most often including the audit report) for
validation by SEDA that then credits the 1st-year energy
savings (in proportion to the funding brought for the
implementation of the action).
There is no standardised actions yet.
Energy savings are mostly reported
through energy audits (before/after
comparison). 11 standard assessment
methods (including formulas) are
already available. More are under
development (and could include
deemed savings as well).
The obligated parties must also submit to SEDA by 31
March each year a summary report showing their
achievements.
SEDA is in charge of performing controls of the
documentation and of the quality of the implemented
actions.
Specificities of the scheme or context
Up to now, the mechanism for the obligated parties to recover their costs has not been defined. The
National Energy Efficiency Action Plan reported by Bulgaria in 2014 has estimated that the investments
needed to achieve the target would amount to 1.7 billion euros for 2014-2020. This shows that cost
recovery is a key topic for the success of the scheme.
page 9
Interview with Tsvetomira Kulevska
Chief Expert
SEDA (Sustainable Energy Development Agency)
What are the main expectations for the new
period of the Bulgarian scheme?
What are the main steps to come in the
implementation of the scheme?
The scheme has been implemented since
2008. But its results have not been as
expected. This may be partly because no rule
had been defined about the cost recovery.
There is currently a period of overlap
between the previous and the new schemes.
This means that there is a double target
system (cumulative and annual) for 20142016. The savings from the new target
system will be counted for the
implementation of the current one.
The objective of the new period is to involve
more obligated parties (lowering the
threshold for obligations) and to strengthen
the scheme.
What are the main characteristics of the
scheme that you would like to point out?
The scheme has been recently modified to
follow the requirements of the EED article 7.
One of the main changes is that the targets
are not cumulative anymore (but annual).
This means in particular that the obligated
parties have now to achieve new savings
every year.
Initially, the large consumers (municipal
authorities and industrial companies) also
had obligations. They had to perform an
energy audit. And their individual target was
meant to be an incentive to implement the
actions recommended, possibly with the
support of an energy supplier.
Another important change to come is that
the suppliers of fuels for transport should be
soon excluded of the scheme.
What are the main stakes for 2014-2020?
The first key challenge will be to introduce a
white certificates trading scheme by the end
of 2015, likely starting in September.
The first semester of 2015 has also been a
period of intense work to finalise the
development of standard assessment
methods for 50 action types (with
standardised
formulas,
and
possibly
reference values or deemed savings).
Currently, the energy savings projects are
mostly assessed through energy audits. The
objective is to progressively increase the use
of standard calculation methods.
Another specificity is that there is not a list of
standardised actions. But this is under
consideration. This is one of the reasons why
the actions have been so far mostly focused
on the industry and service sector.
Moreover,
this
may
have
created
uncertainties for the obligated parties about
the assessment of the action lifetimes and of
the energy savings.
page 10
CROATIA
Responsible authority : Ministry of Economy
Managing authority : CEI (NKT)
(Energy Efficiency Authority)
Status, timeline and current target
The Croatian Energy
Efficiency
Obligation
scheme
is
under
preparation. The final decisions about
its rules and principles are expected by
July 2015 for a complete start early
2016. Most of the options are still
open.
The first period will be 2016-2020. The
initial target was set at 54 PJ (final
energy), but for 2015-2020. So this
target may be revised. The possibility
to define annual targets increasing
over time is under discussion.
The scheme is expected to deliver
about 40% of the energy savings for
the objective of EED article 7.
Key actors and scope
The Energy Efficiency Authority (CEI-NKT) is in charge of
preparing the scheme, with technical support from
consultancies. CEI-NKT submits scenarios of scheme design
for decision by the Ministry of Economy.
The Obligated Parties (OP) will be the energy distributors
(electricity, natural gas and heat). There are few large
distributors and many small or medium ones. A possible
scenario would then be to start with the largest ones only,
and to include more distributors over time. The largest
distributor is HEP (state company), representing 51% of the
energy distributed.
CEI-NKT will manage the scheme (calculation rules, energy
savings validation). The energy regulatory agency (HERA) is
in charge of the cost recovery mechanism (distributors may
be allowed to increase their fees to cover the costs of
achieving their target).
ESCos will be eligible parties: they can submit their projects
to get energy savings credits.
Energy savings actions
The rules for the energy savings
eligibility will be determined by July
2015. One objective is to keep the
scheme neutral (as regards the type of
actions) to encourage OP to look for
most cost-effective actions. Conformity
with EED article 7 is also a key
consideration.
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
In case an OP does not meet its target, an alternative could
be to pay a fix amount per kWh to EPEEF (Environmental
Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund) (option under
discussion).
A rulebook is under preparation, setting the M&V process.
OP and ESCos will register their data and reports on an
online M&V platform. Energy savings are then calculated
based on pre-defined algorithms (possibly using reference
values when needed).
Specificities of the Croatian scheme or context
The scheme will use the same online M&V platform as used for monitoring public energy efficiency
programmes. This makes possible to handle double counting issues. The platform was also designed to
process automatically the data, minimising the administrative burden for CEI.
The platform was meant to be transparent, so that customers can check the data reported for the
actions implemented at their building or facility. This is especially important for co-owners of
multifamily buildings, where energy efficiency actions can be voted upon simple majority.
page 11
Interview with Ivan Šerić
Senior Advisor
CEI – NTK
Croatian Energy Efficiency Authority
What are the main expectations for the new
energy efficiency obligation scheme?
There are two main objectives. The first one is to
help fulfilling obligations regarding EED article 7.
Croatia will combine the obligation scheme with
alternative measures. As shown in the Croatian
National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2014), the
scheme is expected to deliver about 40% of the
energy savings to meet the EED article 7 target
for Croatia.
The second objective is to set up a trading
scheme for energy savings which will boost the
ESCo market. A large part of the energy savings
potential lies in multifamily buildings (apartment
blocks). Public energy efficiency programmes
have already promoted their energy renovation,
in particular through ESCo-led projects. In
parallel, HEP, the main energy utility (state
company), holds among its subsidiaries an ESCo
dedicated to the industry sector.
Therefore, the idea is that the obligation scheme
will stimulate the growth of this developing
market. Also because energy distributors have
not a market-oriented approach, by essence. So
ESCos are likely to develop more efficient
strategies.
An important concern while designing the
scheme is to ensure its effectiveness and
efficiency. Rules are thought to minimize the
administrative burden. And a particular attention
is paid so that the scheme really encourages the
actors to look for the most cost-effective actions.
The automation of the validation process is of
upmost importance for CEI – NTK, as the team
managing the scheme is small (4 people).
What would be the three questions you
would like to ask to countries already having
a long experience with energy efficiency
obligation schemes?
The three questions we would be the most
interested in having insights about are:
1. Which EE measures are eligible for EED article
7 obligations and have been conducted?
2. Experience with obligated parties –
distributors vs retail, regulated vs non
regulated
3. Experience with setting up trading schemes –
in particular securitization of energy savings
and setting up OTC market
In general, Croatia is very interested in getting
experience feedback from other countries. In
particular as the Croatian scheme is under
preparation, with many choices still open.
The idea is to follow a pragmatic approach by
starting simple, with the number of obligated
parties
and
annual
targets
increasing
progressively. Experience sharing is very useful to
see how to develop more sophisticated options
over time. The more you enter into the details,
the more questions arise.
For example, combining the obligation scheme
with an energy efficiency fund may provide more
flexibility for the obligated parties, but could also
reduce its effectiveness. Allowing cost recovery
on distribution fees helps increasing the
investments in energy efficiency by obligated
parties, but this increases energy prices (which
may be very sensitive for industries, especially if
most of the energy savings are achieved in the
housing sector). Thinking about possible random
controls may raise legal issues, according to the
institutional framework. Defining specific subtargets could be an interesting option (especially
for alleviating fuel poverty), but this may require
specific
approaches
and
monitoring.
page 12
DENMARK
Status, timeline and current target
Electricity distributors have been
involved in energy efficiency activities
since the 1990’s. The obligation
scheme has taken its current form
(including an energy savings obligation)
from 2006.
Annual targets of 12.2 PJ/a (final
energy) have been set for the period
2015-2020.
28.8 PJ/a were saved in 2012 from
actions over 2008-2012. 8,5 PJ was
achieved in 2013, for a total cost of 125
million € (average unitary cost: 5.2
c€/kWh saved the 1st-year).
Energy savings actions
All actions saving final energy beyond
minimum energy performance criteria
are eligible (excluding behavioural
actions, CFL and appliances after 2009,
and oil boilers from 2016). Reduction
of losses in transmission and
distribution networks and savings
related to solar farms for district
heating are also eligible (for 2013 to
2015).
About 150 standardised actions are
defined with deemed savings (mostly
for the residential sector, 31% of 2013
savings). Specific calculations (scaled
savings) are used for other actions
(mainly in industry, 44% of 2013
savings). An approach of “surveyed”
savings can be used for market
approaches (but rarely used).
Responsible authority : Ministry of Climate, Energy
and Building
Managing authority : DEA (Danish Energy Agency)
Key actors and scope
The overall target is set by the Ministry after a policy
agreement (consensus-seeking process among all political
parties). The implementing and supervision body is the
DEA.
The obligated parties are all the energy distributors (3 for
natural gas, 74 for electricity, 417 for district heating and 6
for oil), covering all end-use sectors.
The rules and implementation issues are discussed within a
technical working group chaired by the DEA and including
representatives of the obligated parties.
The obligated parties may establish agreements with
operators/subcontractors (consultants, energy traders,
installers, craftsmen, retailers, banks, etc.) that will
implement programmes towards end-users.
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
Energy savings are credited for the 1st year of the action,
including a weighting factor to take into account the
differences in action lifetimes, in impacts on primary energy
consumption, and in terms of avoided CO2 emissions (also
distinguishing savings inside or outside the ETS scope).
There must be an agreement before the actions are
implemented, and the final customers must give the right to
a given obligated party to notify the savings.
Every obligated party must submit a report annually,
including an audit report (done by an external auditor every
other year). The obligated parties shall implement quality
assurance. Documentation of savings does not need to be
submitted to the DEA, but must be kept by obligated parties
for 5 years, for random checks supervised by the DEA
(including on-site inspections as well as surveys of
intermediaries and final consumers). The overall
administration costs of the scheme are about 540 k€/a.
Specificities of the scheme or context
The consensus-seeking approach is key in the processes for setting the targets and defining the rules of
the scheme. The overall and multi-year policy agreement offers a stability, which is very important for
the obligated parties to develop their strategies.
A bonus factor (1.5) is applied to priority actions, mainly in line with the national objective of phasing
out from fossil fuels for space heating.
page 13
Interview with Peter Bach
Chief adviser on energy efficiency
Danish Energy Agency
What would have you done differently?
There is still an on-going debate about
whether the obligated parties should be the
energy distributors or energy traders.
Overall, the scheme has been a success,
especially thanks to the cooperation between
the public authorities and the obligated
parties.
What are the main characteristics of your
scheme?
The guiding principle has always been to
make the rules as simple as possible.
The current scheme was built on the
experience gained since the 1990’s. The
electricity (and later gas) distributors had to
propose energy advice or audits to their
customers. This expertise is one of the reason
why more than half of the energy savings
have been achieved in the industry.
The Danish way is based on a culture of the
consensus. The scheme is an agreement
where the energy distributors commit
themselves. It is then seen as an opportunity.
Another key point is the monitoring
approach, based on quality assurance by the
obligated parties complemented by random
controls. This has made possible to reduce
the administration costs.
action types from the scheme (behavioural
actions, CFL, appliances).
A new evaluation of the scheme has just
been finalised. The conclusions are that
overall the scheme works well and that the
actors are happy with it.
The evaluation also raised some questions,
especially about the quality and additionality
of the savings in households and that shifting
the obligation to energy traders could be
more effective.
Discussions are on-going for the next update
of the scheme’s rules (to be finalised in
2015). One of the key topics is the
development of the actions on transports, in
order to involve more the oil companies.
Another topic is the strengthening of
requirements for certain types of actions
(e.g., heat pumps).
Another issue is the increasing share of
programmes
just
giving
subsidies.
Adjustments to the rules may then be
needed to increase the involvement of
energy consultants, especially for a better
targeting.
What are the main recent changes (or to
come)?
A previous evaluation had shown that the
additionality of the scheme was lower than
expected, which led to increase the annual
targets from 2010, and to remove certain
page 14
ESTONIA
Status, timeline and current target
Estonia planned to make use of an
energy efficiency obligation in addition
to alternative measures to meet its
target for the EED article 7. Due to the
election of a new government in March
2015, the law for energy efficiency is
still to be voted (likely by June 2015).
The alternative measures (energy and
CO2 taxes, and funding schemes) are
expected to deliver 91% (6479 GWh
over 2014-2020) of the article 7 target.
The remaining energy savings to be
achieved by the obligation scheme
would then amount to about 622 GWh
over 2014-2020 (which could also be
done by amending energy taxes and/or
funding schemes).
Responsible authority : Ministry of Economic Affairs
and Communication
Managing authority : to be decided (could be the
Competition Authority)
Key actors and scope
The public authority in charge of the EED implementation is
the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication that
would also be the responsible authority for the obligation
scheme.
The obligated parties would be the energy distributors
(electricity, natural gas and district heating). They would be
allowed to contribute to an energy efficiency fund and/or to
implement their own programs or in cooperation with third
parties.
The Competition Authority, that regulates the energy
markets, would be in charge of supervising and monitoring
the scheme.
As the energy distributors have little experience in energy
efficiency activities (on the demand-side), it is very likely
that third parties (such as financial institutions, ESCos, etc.)
would be involved as partners or contractors of the
obligated parties.
Energy savings actions
In a first phase, the obligated parties
would likely meet their obligations
through contributions to the national
energy efficiency fund.
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
About the evaluation of energy savings, the main stakes for
Estonia will be to assess and integrate the impacts of the
alternative measures (especially combining results from
energy taxes and funding schemes).
Restrictions of the eligible energy
efficiency
actions
are
under
consideration. The obligated would like
the possibility to achieve part of their
target
by
improving
their
infrastructures.
About the obligation scheme, the obligated parties would
need to submit annual reports to the Competition Authority
that would monitor the overall achievements and the
performance of the scheme. These reports would need to
be verified by an independent qualified expert.
Specificities of the scheme or context
A detailed study has supported the Estonian response to EED article 7, examining the different possible
options1. The study also highlights that district heating networks supply heat for about 60% of the
population. And the use of non-commercial biomass represented about 5% of the final energy
consumption (1.7 TWh/a out of 33.4 TWh/a).
A large share of the funding for energy efficiency programs comes from the EU structural funds (and also
carbon credits), operated by several state companies or foundations (such as the financial institution
KredEx). One of the priorities is the refurbishment of the building stock.
1
See http://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/article7_en_estonia_annexa.pdf
page 15
Interview with Madis Laaniste
Strategic Planning Manager
Energy Department
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication
What are the main expectations of the
government (and/or your personal) for this
new scheme?
The main objective is to find resources that
would not be dependent of the public budget
(subject to possible variations), in order to
promote energy efficiency activities.
A market approach could indeed be more
effective, but Estonian energy companies
have not been involved in energy efficiency
activities so far.
Therefore, the feedback of the energy
companies about the upcoming obligation
scheme was rather negative. They would
prefer a scheme based on an energy
efficiency fund.
There are already independent ESCos in
some sectors (commercial and service
buildings, shopping centres, retail). But there
is a need for developing energy efficiency
markets for the residential sector (especially
for renovations).
What would be the main questions you
would like to ask to countries already having
a long experience with energy efficiency
obligation schemes?
What are the main steps to come in the
implementation of the scheme?
A new government has been elected early
March 2015. The law to implement the
Energy Efficiency Directive (the Organisation
of Energy Management Act) should be
discussed by June 2015.
Therefore, the first step is to get the Energy
Efficiency law approved, which will set
general decisions. One of the main issues to
be discussed is the level of flexibility between
an energy efficiency obligation scheme and
an energy efficiency fund.
Another issue is that energy companies argue
that energy efficiency on the supply-side
(energy
generation
and
transport/distribution) would be more
efficient than on the demand-side (actions
towards energy consumers).
Then, one of the main difficulties is that all
implementing texts have to be regulations
(approved by the Ministry through a
legislative process). The priority will thus be
to go from general decisions to detailed
guidelines.
The first topic would be about setting
possible limitations for the scope of actions.
The second topic would be about evaluation
and calculation of energy savings (and in
particular about the definition of baselines).
page 16
FRANCE
Status, timeline and current target
The French scheme has started in July
2006. The targets are usually set for 3year periods. They are expressed in
kWh cumac, lifetime cumulateddiscounted final energy savings. The
current target is 700 TWh cumac for
2015-2017 (90% of the target for the
EED article 7).
Issued certificates from July 2006 to 31
January 2015 amount to 634,9 TWh
cumac, while the sum of the targets
over 2006-2014 amounts to 514 TWh
cumac. Overachievements can be
transferred to the next period.
Energy savings actions
Actions are eligible in all end-use
sectors (except consumption covered
by the ETS), under performance
and/or quality requirements. 109
standardised operations are currently
eligible (more to be updated) (94% of
CEE issued so far). Other actions can be
assessed according to an official
methodology (mostly for large actions
in industry, 6% of the CEE).
From 2006 to January 2015, 70% of the
CEE have been issued for actions in
residential
buildings,
14%
in
commercial buildings, 8.5% in industry,
2% in networks, 2% in agriculture and
3.5% in transport.
Responsible authority : Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable
Development and Energy
Managing authority : National Pole for White Certificates
(also part of the Ministry)
Key actors and scope
The Ministry (DGEC, General Directorate for Energy and
Climate) sets the rules, targets and penalties. A dedicated
service of the Ministry (PNCEE, National Pole for White
Certificates) administers the scheme. The French Energy
Agency (ADEME) provides a technical support.
The obligated parties are the energy suppliers of electricity,
natural gas, oil, heat (district heating) in the residential and
service sectors and in transports. They can achieve their
targets by directly gaining energy savings certificates (CEE)
or by buying CEE on the market (trading scheme).
Local authorities, national agency for housing and social
housing authorities are also eligible to get CEE.
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
The validation process has been simplified for the new
period (2015-2017). All justifying documents are no longer
transmitted to the administration, but kept (for 6 years) by
the party applying for certificates, at disposal for control
purposes. Obligated or eligible parties submit standard files
(including an attestation by the final customers) to the
PNCEE that issues the certificates, once for the whole
lifetime energy savings (hence the 4% discount rate).
An official registry monitors the certificates issued and
traded. It is directly used to verify the target achievements
at the end of the 3-year period (no additional reporting).
The PNCEE will perform controls on samples of files. In case
of non-compliance, the certificates are cancelled and
sanctions may be applied (4 c€/kWh cumac). In case of nonachievement of its target, the obligated party must pay
penalties in full discharge (2 c€/kWh cumac).
Specificities of the scheme or context
The priority policy objective is the refurbishment of the building stock. The rules of the scheme also
favours the development of energy services through special bonuses. Special accounting rules are also
applied to specific programs selected by the Ministry based on given policy objectives (e.g., alleviating
fuel poverty), with a fix rate of kWh cumac per € invested in the programs (they are not accounted for
the achievement of the target of the EED article 7).
A key output of the scheme is the catalogue of about 300 standardised operations defined since 2004
within working groups supervised by ATEE2 in partnership with ADEME.
2
Association of stakeholders active in the energy and environment fields that provides a forum where all actors
involved in the obligation scheme can share views and experiences. See http://www.atee.fr/c2e
page 17
Interview with Loïc Buffard
Deputy Head of the Energy Efficiency and Air Quality Division
DGEC, Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy
What would have you done differently?
Using multiannual periods gives time for
actors to operate, but may also create
uncertainties during possible transitions
between two periods, due to the time
needed to prepare each new period.
The public means to review the CEE
applications turned out to be insufficient
when the target increased, despite the
creation of a dedicated service (PNCEE). This
has created a bottleneck.
The initial procedures proved to be
cumbersome while the number of
applications increased drastically. The
experience of a simplified process through
registered action plans during 2011-2014 has
paved the way for further simplifications for
the new period. An earlier change could have
avoided the current stock of applications
awaiting validation.
What are the main characteristics of the
French scheme?
The obligation of results lets the obligated
parties free to define their strategies.
The scheme has been adapted to take into
account the experience feedback and
increased ambitions, but always keeping the
same general principles. This is important to
give stability and readability.
The scope has been progressively increased
(more obligated parties, more actions
eligible) in order to cover and realise most of
the energy savings potentials.
What are the main recent changes (or to
come)?
In the previous period, lower targets were set
for suppliers of fuels for transports as they
were new in the scheme. The definition of
the individual targets has now been
harmonised.
An extensive revision of the standardised
operations’ specifications has been done for
the new period, to take account of market
trends and of the rules defined in the EED.
The CEE application process has been
simplified to overcome the bottleneck issue.
Only a few key pieces are now needed when
applying, most of the documentation being
kept by the applicants in case of control.
Most of the application process is already
dematerialized. Work is ongoing to enhance
even more the level of dematerialization.
What are the main stakes for 2014-2020?
The main stake is to further accelerate the
energy savings pace in order to meet the
ambitious targets for 2020 and 2030.
The scheme has proved to be well designed
to deliver actions in the residential and
service sectors. The energy savings potentials
in buildings remain large. A key challenge will
be to trigger energy savings works in a
macroeconomic context where private actors
are still relatively reluctant to invest, and
with relatively low energy prices.
The situation is more complex for transports,
as the energy consumption is function of
numerous factors upon which it is not easy to
act through an obligation scheme:
technology innovation, urban planning,
management of the public transport
infrastructure, etc. A global strategy is
needed, where the obligation scheme can be
a support for long term and structuring public
policies.
page 18
IRELAND
Status, timeline and current target
Ireland has moved from a voluntary
agreement
(2011-2013)
to
an
obligation scheme starting in January
2014, for a 3-year period (2014-2016).
The target is set in terms of new
annual primary energy savings of 550
GWh/a. Relative sub-targets (in shares
of the total target) have been set to
ensure a minimum share of savings in
housing: 75% for non-residential
sectors, 20% for the residential sector
and 5% for within the “fuel poverty”
scope.
Energy savings actions
44 standardised actions3 are defined
for the residential sector, with deemed
savings estimated by modelling a
typical average dwelling. These actions
shall be implemented by qualified
contractors. New action types can be
submitted according to a template.
Actions in other sectors are considered
on a project-by-project basis, with no
particular restriction (except saving
energy). The resulting “scaled” savings
are assessed using SEAI assessment
tools (standardised algorithms) or
engineering measurements in case of
non-standard actions. Projects may
also use metered savings.
Responsible authority : DCENR (Department of
Communications, Energy & Natural Resources)
Managing authority : SEAI (Sustainable Energy
Authority of Ireland)
Key actors and scope
The Ministry (DCENR) enforces the rules of the scheme, and
SEAI is the implementing body.
All energy types and sectors are included. The obligated
parties are all energy suppliers selling more than 600
GWh/a (10 electricity and/or gas suppliers + 1 entity
representing the 6 oil companies). The public authorities
and the obligated parties meet within the Quarterly
Governance Forum to discuss implementation issues.
The obligated party can use partnerships with third parties
(service providers, local authorities, etc.).
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
The obligated parties must have in place an agreement
(including services in kind or monetary contributions) either
directly or through a third party to final customers prior to
any energy savings being realised.
For the non-residential sector, the obligated parties shall
submit a report to SEAI for each project (or by group for
similar small projects), according to SEAI template. A given
% of projects (function of project size) shall implement
Measurement & Verification according to IPMVP. An online
energy savings crediting system has been set for actions in
the residential sector.
The energy savings are credited only for the year where
the action is reported (savings must come from new actions
each year). A discounting factor is applied to energy savings
from actions where the savings will not persist to 2020.
Specificities of the scheme or context
• The obligated parties may buyout up to 30% of their total cumulative target (fees defined by the
Ministry each year). Trading is also allowed between obligated parties (no market yet, but recent
launch of a website to allow auctions of future projects by third parties).
• Detailed rules about what share of projects and how projects have to be audited + use of the IPMVP
as a reference for the assessment of projects in the non-residential sectors.
• Specific provisions aiming at ensuring the quality of the actions. In particular, building professionals
need to get a certification and to sign the Code of practice for retrofit to be registered by SEAI.
• Energy suppliers under the obligation threshold may be covered by voluntary agreements.
3
See http://www.seai.ie/EEOS/Energy-Saving-Credits-Table.pdf
page 19
Interview with Josephine Maguire
National Coordinator of Better Energy
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
What are the main expectations of the Irish
government (or of your Ministry) for the
new scheme?
The first objective is achieving the target for
the EED article 7. Then the scheme is
expected to increase the competitiveness of
Irish companies, as well as the jobs in the
energy efficiency markets (in particular for
the construction sector facing high
unemployment).
The aims are also to improve the energy
efficiency of the building stock and to reduce
the reliance on imported fossil fuels, which is
a critical issue for the Irish energy policy.
What are the main characteristics of your
scheme?
The main objective while preparing the
scheme was to make rules clear and to
provide the obligated parties (OP) with the
best guidance possible. A key concern was
also to ensure a collaborative process, with
strong links between the public authorities
and the OP, by facilitating regular
consultations (Quarterly Governance Forum)
and with SEAI being available for frequent
bilateral contacts with the OP.
Another key component is the sub-targets.
The experience with the voluntary
agreements (2011-2013) has shown that
actions were cheaper to implement in the
non-residential sectors. The sub-targets were
then set to ensure that a minimum share of
energy savings is achieved in the residential
sector and for alleviating fuel poverty.
Actions for the fuel poverty target are mostly
implemented through involvement of the
obligated parties in SEAI programmes
together with partnerships with local
authorities
(area-based
community
programmes).
What would be the key questions you would
like to ask to countries already having a long
experience with energy efficiency obligation
schemes?
This would be about Measurement &
Verification issues, as the documentation
available about other schemes does not
often provide details about that.
Experience sharing about the particular
issues raised in EED Annex V (“additionality
and materiality”) would also be useful, as
their practical application is not very clear,
still now despite the helpful technical line
organised by the European Commission.
Experience about cost-effective ways to
implement
controls
on
statistically
representative samples and details about
administration costs would also be welcome.
What are the main changes to come?
New processes for Quality Assurance are
under development, with a shift to a wider
perspective. The principle would be to audit
the obligated parties’ quality processes
instead of auditing the projects. The
objective is to adopt a risk-based approach
and to look at the right evidence, in order to
optimise the management of the scheme.
A recent market based addition to the
scheme has been broker auctions for projects
proposed by third parties.
page 20
ITALY
Responsible authority : Ministry of Economic Development &
Ministry of Environment
Managing authority : GSE (Gestore dei servizi energetici)
Status, timeline and current target
The scheme started in 2005. Annual
targets are defined within multi-year
period (currently 2013-2016). The
targets are expressed in both annual
primary energy savings (in Mtoe/a)
and in number of certificates (in
Mtee/a, distinct unit due to the tau
coefficient and supply-side actions
eligible for the targets in Mtoe but not
for certificates).
Annual targets for 2013-2016:
2013: 4.6 Mtoe/a ; 5.5 Mtee/a
2014: 6.2 Mtoe/a ; 6.8 Mtee/a
2015 : 6.6 Mtoe/a ; 7.8 Mtee/a
2016: 7.6 Mtoe/a ; 9.5 Mtee/a
Key actors and scope
The Ministries (Economy and Environment) set the general
rules of scheme and the annual energy savings obligations.
GSE (public body in charge of stimulating energy services)
manages the scheme, and in particular the monitoring &
verification tasks, with the technical support from ENEA
(Italian Energy Agency) and RSE (technical centre owned by
GSE). AEEGSI (Regulator of the energy markets) sets the
penalties and DSO tariff allowance.
The obligated parties are the distributors of electricity (13)
and natural gas (50) with more than 50 000 customers.
They can directly implement project, have bilateral
contracts with operators or buy energy savings via the
trading platform managed by GME. 97% of the certificates
have been issued to eligible (non-obligated) parties (72% to
ESCos).
For 2005-2014, 28.1Mtee were issued
(against an overall target of 27.9
Mtee).
Many associations or federations of stakeholders are also
active (e.g., FIRE for promoting energy services).
Energy savings actions
Actions are eligible in all end-use
sectors, under additionality criteria. 28
types of standard projects (with
deemed savings) are currently eligible
(mainly for the residential sector).
Certificates can also be obtained
through analytical projects (10
standard calculation methods) or
monitoring plan projects (subject to
pre-validation by GSE, and then
certificates issued based on measured
data).
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
Obligated or eligible parties can submit online application
files. GSE reviews their documentation and validates (after
technical evaluation by ENEA and/or RSE when needed)
within 60 to 90 days, then GME issues the corresponding
certificates.
2005-2009: 88% of the certificates for
standard projects (large share of CFL)
2010-2013: about 90% for analytical or
monitoring plan projects (mostly in
industry, with an increasing share of
large Monitoring Plan Projects).
Certificates are credited on an annual basis for 5 years (8
for building envelope, 10 for high efficiency co-generation),
applying the tau coefficient calculated as the ratio between
the discounted (2%) lifetime and the certificates
accreditation period (5, 8 or 10 years).
GSE monitors target achievement annually, based on
reports by the obligated parties. GSE also randomly checks
ex-post whether the implemented project complies with
the approved project and conducts on-site inspections
during the implementation or useful lifetime of the project.
Annual programme of controls must include on-site
inspections for projects with energy savings > 3 000 toe/a.
Specificities of the scheme or context
Most of the white certificates are traded. The scheme has been a push for the ESCos markets.
Since 2013, not possible to cumulate a national public incentive and white certificates + premiums for
large-scale and innovative projects. From 2016, ESCos and energy managers will have to be certified for
projects to be eligible for certificates.
page 21
Interview with Dario Di Santo
Managing Director
FIRE (Federazione Italiana per l'uso Razionale dell'Energia)
What could have be done differently?
Key lessons learnt after 10 years are:
1) It is important to consider a budget for
training & information activities. For
example, preparing and reporting an energy
efficiency project require capacity building.
2) Initially, the controls were mainly focused
on checking documentation. Risks of frauds
and non-compliance have raised the need for
on-site inspections.
3) The issues of baseline & additionality can
be complex, especially for monitoring plan
projects, both for the project holder that has
to define it and for GSE that has to evaluate it
(finding a relevant expert).
4) Due to the adaptation of the scheme,
there has been some confusion between
ESCos and consultancies, which may have
hinder the development of the markets for
“real” ESCos.
What are the main characteristics of the
Italian scheme?
1) The capability to promote EE projects,
from easy ones (CFL, etc.) at the beginning to
complex industrial projects now.
The
monitoring plan projects have improved the
quality of the actions, with measured savings.
2) The capability to collect a lot of useful
information about the actions, especially
through the detailed descriptions of the
projects and the measured savings. This
provides agencies and policy makers with rich
data about energy savings potentials, in
particular in industry.
3) A design promoting the development of
the ESCo market and related financial
services.
4) Any EEO scheme needs time and finetuning before fully delivering its potential.
The overall monitoring has been very
important for adapting the scheme along the
experience gained and anticipating the
changes needed.
What are the main recent/coming changes?
The Decree of 28/12/2012 brought significant
changes to the scheme. The move from AEEG
to GSE for its management led to an
increased attention paid to controls.
Premiums have been introduced for largescale/innovative projects. Actions getting
public incentives are not eligible anymore.
Certification of ESCos and experts will be
required from 2016.
A general revision is on-going to prepare the
next period, raising important discussions
about key rules (tau coefficient, baseline,
etc.) that can impact strongly on the scheme.
What are the main stakes for 2014-2020?
The coming changes of rules may be a key
challenge. Changing baselines may affect
what kind of actions are eligible. Then the tau
coefficient is under criticism because it may
be difficult to manage (e.g., in case of noncompliance observed some years later) and it
is considered too high for particular
solutions. The possible introduction of
requirements
(liability
and
financial
guarantees) for ESCos due to the risks related
to large projects could restrict the number of
actors.
The increase in the DSO tariffs is also close to
the maximum considered in the national
strategy. This is mostly due to other impacts
(renewable, nuclear decommissioning), but
this could push to decrease the price of the
white certificates (to limit the refunds to
DSO).
page 22
LATVIA
Responsible authority : Ministry of Economics
Managing authority : Ministry of Economics
Status, timeline and current target
The
Latvian
Energy
Efficiency
Obligation
scheme
is
under
preparation. While the general
principle of an obligation scheme has
been set by the Government Concept
at the end of 2013, the decisions about
its features have been delayed due to a
change of government in October
2014 and to negotiations with the
stakeholders.
The scheme is expected to start in
2016, with a target to be set for 20162020. Due to this late launch, a large
share of the target for the EED article 7
will likely be achieved through
alternative measures.
Key actors and scope
The Energy Efficiency Division of the Ministry of Economics
is in charge of preparing the scheme. The Cabinet of the
Ministers will take the final decisions.
Energy savings actions
All actions that can demonstrate
energy savings for the final customers
are eligible (all end-use sectors).
A catalogue of standardised actions4
has been developed by working groups
including representatives of parties
involved in Energy Efficiency Obligation
scheme and external experts, also
using the Danish experience and taking
account of the specificities of the
Latvian context. Other actions should
be eligible, provided their energy
savings are documented (likely through
energy audits).
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
The baselines for the standardised actions are based on
current regulations.
The detailed crediting and validation rules have not been
decided yet. The approach could be similar to the one used
for the ETS (Emission Trading Scheme), based on annual
reports by the obligated parties. The reports should cover
past achievements as well as planned activities.
For time being, the scope of obligated parties has not be
totally defined yet. None of potential parties are excluded
but it is visible, that the gas monopoly, the main electricity
companies and district heating companies would be
included. Discussions are on-going about the inclusion of
other energy types and defining thresholds.
The Association of Municipalities plays an active role in the
discussions because the municipalities own most of the
heating companies, and also because they are expecting
renovation programmes for their territory.
The Monitoring & Verification system should be adapted
from the one used to report for the Energy Services
Directive, and should include random controls by
independent auditors.
Conformity with EED article 7 is also a key consideration.
Specificities of the Latvian scheme or context
Key aspects about the background of the Latvian scheme are:
1) The fear of increasing energy prices (especially for heating) due to the introduction of the scheme.
2) The conflicting position between the public authority aiming to keep the scheme simple with a
small number of obligated parties at the beginning, while the largest companies want all energy
companies to be included (to share the burden and to avoid possible market distortion, e.g. for
heating).
3) The involvement of municipalities willing to keep the investments induced by the scheme within
their own territory. Some intend to create municipal ESCos or energy efficiency funds.
4) The broad involvement of district heating companies which act locally as monopolies at the same
time ensuring public service as well as social functions. Therefore the business (cash flow and profit)
is affected by local conditions such as consumer`s ability to pay and municipal political
considerations.
4
https://www.em.gov.lv/lv/nozares_politika/energoefektivitate_un_siltumapgade/energoefektivitate/energijas_ietau
pijumu_katalogs/
page 23
Interview with Andzela Petersone
Deputy Head of Energy Efficiency Division
Renewable Energy and Energy efficiency department
Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia
What are the main expectations of the
Latvian government (or of your Ministry) for
this new scheme?
The basic reason for the introduction of the
scheme is the need to meet the national
mandatory energy efficiency target for the
article 7 of the Energy Efficiency Directive.
In addition, and based on the experience of
existing schemes, we expect that the
businesses will implement measures in a
more cost-effective manner than the publicfunded programs (on average).
We also expect that the scheme will
encourage greater involvement of energy
companies towards their customers, creating
greater confidence and improving the
services delivered.
The current situation is however different.
According to the latest political positions, the
main part of the EED article 7 target must be
achieved by alternative measures. The
obligation scheme could be introduced only
in the case when alternative measures would
not deliver the expected results.
What would be the key questions you would
like to ask to countries already having a long
experience with energy efficiency obligation
schemes?
3. How have the measurement, control and
verification
systems
for
statistically
significant proportion of energy efficiency
measures been set?
4. What are the easiest type of actions to
implement by parties involved in EEOS and
which of them deliver the highest energy
savings?
What are the main steps to come?
The process is set in the Latvian legislative
procedure. The government first took a
conceptual decision on how the EED should
be implemented, based on an assessment of
both the potential for energy savings and
financial terms. In parallel, the Ministry
commissioned a study on the main elements
of the scheme (such as whether it is
appropriate to introduce a trading system,
proposals for benchmarks, etc.).
This is followed by the development of laws
and regulations. Legislative process involves
ministries and stakeholders. After that, the
law is adopted by the parliament.
The planned order of the discussions is:
•
•
1. Are there cases where obligated parties
fail to comply with their obligations? What
are the procedure and penalties then?
2. What type of information and
communication is the most effective to
convince the public that it is appropriate to
introduce a scheme? How to achieve support
for the implementation of the scheme from
the policy-makers and businesses involved?
•
•
First of all – political agreement on
energy sectors to be included in EEOS
(biomass retailers)
Then make a clarifying calculation on the
planned savings from alternative
measures and savings that need to be
achieved by the obligation scheme
Obligations distribution principle and
order
MRV system and rules
page 24
LITHUANIA
Responsible authority : Ministry of Energy
Managing authority : Lithuanian Energy Agency
Status, timeline and current target
A few energy companies (1 electricity
distributor and 8 district heating
companies) have signed voluntary
agreements with the Energy Agency
since 2010.
The law enforcing the new obligation
scheme is under discussion. The
scheme is expected to start in 2015.
Key actors and scope
The Ministry of Energy coordinates the scheme, especially
by setting the general rules and targets (global and for each
obligated party).
The Lithuanian Energy Agency is in charge of defining the
standardised actions and calculation methods, monitoring
and verifying the achievements.
Planned targets are 45.92 ktoe for
2014-2016, then 183.68 ktoe for 20172020 (this would represent 80% of the
Lithuanian target for the EED article 7).
The obligated parties are the energy distributors (the two
main ones for electricity, the main one for natural gas, and
the district heating companies that sell more than 90 GWh
of heat/a). The obligations cover the final energy
consumption of the buildings (residential and services) and
the industry.
Energy savings actions
The priority is on buildings and
industry. But all end-use sectors will be
eligible.
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
The obligated parties will have to report to the Energy
Agency about the actions they have supported (scope,
costs, energy savings).
A catalogue of standardised actions is
under preparation by the Energy
Agency, as well as a general calculation
methodology for non-standardised
actions. The obligated parties can
propose new types of actions for the
catalogue.
The Energy Agency is in charge of the monitoring,
verification and controls.
The detailed guidelines are under
preparation.
The detailed guidelines for monitoring, reporting and
verification are to be defined.
Until then, the obligated parties may use the current rules
applied for energy efficiency policies and programs (for
example the rules for energy audits, etc.).
Specificities of the scheme or context
The launch of the obligation scheme has been delayed due to a change of Energy Minister and
important discussions along the legislative process (in particular about the cost recovery mechanism).
page 25
page 26
LUXEMBOURG
Status, timeline and current target
The scheme has started in January
2015, for a period up to the end of
2020.
The overall target has been set to
achieve 100% of the target for the EED
article 7: 5 993 GWh of final energy
savings cumulated over 2015-2020.
The individual targets are set annually
(level of about 285 GWh/a of new
energy savings).
Responsible and managing authority : Ministry of
the Economy
Key actors and scope
The Ministry has the full responsibility of the scheme,
including its administration and management. The Energy
Regulator applies the sanctions after decisions by the
Ministry. The agency MyEnergy provides a technical
support.
The obligated parties are all the electricity (about 28) and
gas (about 9) suppliers, based on their sales in the
residential, service and industry sectors. No trading is
included, but bilateral transfer of energy savings may be
possible between obligated parties.
Energy savings projects can be led by third parties
(installers, energy advisors, etc.), but they have to be
directly subcontrated by the obligated parties (through call
for projects, bilateral contracts or simple negotiations).
Energy savings actions
Actions are eligible in all end-use
sectors to save all types of energy. The
baseline is defined according to given
minimum
energy
performance
requirements. Behavioural actions may
be eligible under conditions. A
catalogue of 34 standardised actions
(including deemed savings) has been
prepared. A calculation methodology is
available for other types of actions.
The results are counted in 1st-year
savings for the achievement of the
target, taking into account that the
actions have to deliver energy savings
in 2020.
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
The process follows the approach of the Danish scheme.
Obligated parties have to report their energy savings each
year (before March). Actions are reported according to a
standard template defined by the Ministry of the Economy.
Complementary details have to be documented and kept
for 10 years in case of control (especially the
documentation of the type of intervention with the final
customer and the attestation of anteriority).
Independent consultancies will perform annual random
controls of a representative sample of actions, under the
supervision of the Ministry of Economy.
Penalties may be applied in case of non-achievement of the
target, but the penalties are not in full discharge (the
missing energy savings have to be achieved the next year).
Specificities of the scheme or context
The obligated parties may recover their costs on energy prices. To avoid distortion between energy
types, non-obligated suppliers might in the future be obliged to pay a special tax.
The obligation is defined as a mission of public service. This allows the scheme to be partly funded by
the State budget.
page 27
Interview with Carla Oliveira
Policy Advisor at General Directorate for Energy
Ministry of the Economy
What are the main expectations of the
government for this new scheme?
One of the main objectives is to comply with
the EED article 7. The Directive has been the
trigger for implementing the scheme.
Furthermore the scheme is meant to
strengthen and boost the promotion of
energy efficiency, as a complement of
existing policies and measures.
What would be the three questions you
would like to ask to countries already having
a long experience with energy efficiency
obligation schemes?
We reviewed the existing schemes when
preparing the one for Luxembourg. In
particular, we had contacts with Denmark,
and a Danish consultancy took part in the
preparatory works.
The questions we would like to know more
would be about the key factors for making a
scheme successful, as we could see
differences in the achievements according to
the countries.
Then additionality is also an interesting issue
for experience sharing, as there is no
harmonised definition among countries. It is
sometimes defined according to energy
performance levels, for example by taking
into account market averages. Or it could
also be defined in terms of policy measures,
meaning that actions receiving other public
incentives cannot be eligible for the
obligation scheme.
What is your experience feedback in
launching a new scheme?
The preparation and launch of the scheme
went mostly fine. It has been generally
accepted by the obligated parties, because
they were included and consulted along the
preparatory works, especially when defining
the standardised actions.
What are the main steps to come in the
implementation of the scheme?
The main step to come is the vote of the law
in the coming weeks. The scheme has already
officially started (measures realised from
2015 on are countable). But the legal basis
has still to come into force.
Then a grand ducal regulation will set the
practical details.
page 28
MALTA
Responsible authority : Ministry for Energy and Health
Managing authority : Malta Resources Authority
Status, timeline and current target
The Maltese scheme is based on the
smart meters roll-out (for electricity)
completed between 2009 and 2015.
Enemalta has then been required to
implement complementary measures
for raising households’ awareness
about their electricity consumption and
savings potentials.
These measures are expected to
deliver 111.5 GWh of electricity
savings over 2014-2020 (14.4% of the
Maltese target for the EED article 7).
Energy savings actions
There are two categories of mandatory
measures (with expected savings over
2014-2020):
• actions linked to smart meters:
information activities (including
voluntary audits for residences)
and use appropriate messages
from 2016 (63.8 GWh), and
additional specific energy advice or
services from 2018 (19.1 GWh)
• electricity pricing: rising block tariff
(16.5 GWh) and an "ecomechanism" rewarding lower
consumption levels (12.1 GWh)
Key actors and scope
The scheme has been defined by the Ministry for Energy
and Health, setting the obligation on Enemalta, the single
Maltese electricity distributor and supplier. The scheme is
focused on electricity consumption in households.
The Ministry for Energy is in charge of setting the team that
will monitor and evaluate the achievements.
This team, to be led by the National Statistics Office, will
include representatives of relevant authorities and entities
(e.g. Institute for Sustainable Energy of the University,
Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency). Enemalta’s
activities are also subject to the National Audit Office and
are regulated by the Malta Resources Authority.
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
Enemalta has to report to the responsible and managing
authority about the initiatives implemented.
The expected savings for actions related to smart meters
are based on literature. The monitoring team will supervise
research to investigate the actual energy savings. The
scheme is meant to serve as a laboratory for energy
efficiency initiatives related to smart meters.
The savings related to electricity pricing have estimated by
an econometric study (by external consultants) to be
updated every year.
Specificities of the scheme or context
As an island State, Malta gives a high priority to resource conservation (in particular for energy and
water). The major measures about electricity have been the renewal of the electricity plants and an
interconnection with Sicily. In parallel, Malta intends to be a platform for innovations related to smart
electricity systems.
Smart meters are also meant to detect fraud, by controlling excessive electricity use which usually
accompanies electricity theft. An exercise to detect this phenomenon has much intensified in the past
years as presented by Enemalta upon its website in 20145.
5
http://www.enemalta.com.mt/newsDetails.aspx?id=18099
page 29
Interview with Charles Buttigieg
Senior Policy Officer
Sustainable Energy and Water Conservation Unit
Ministry for Energy and Health
What are the main expectations of the
government (and/or your personal) for this
new scheme?
The main objective is to increase consumer
awareness of their electricity consumption,
by using two main approaches: information
activities related to smart meters, and
electricity pricing.
What are the three main characteristics of
your scheme that you would like to point
out?
The three main components of the scheme
are 1) the roll out of smart meters, 2) using
these smart meters for promoting energy
efficiency, and 3) rewarding electricity
consumers according to their level of
consumption.
What would be the three questions you
would like to ask to countries already having
a long experience with energy efficiency
obligation schemes?
1) What are the main administrative burden
for the public authorities and the
obligated parties? (And how to minimize
them?)
2) How are the obligations related to energy
efficiency and to renewable energy
sources coordinated?
3) What are the methodologies used for
quantifying and verifying energy saved
through energy efficiency obligations?
What are the main steps to come in the
implementation of the scheme?
The roll out of smart meters is almost
completed, and the progressive electricity
tariff is already implemented.
The next step is now further information on
the use of the smart meters by the
consumers, so that they can reduce their
electricity consumption.
page 30
POLAND
Responsible authority : Ministry of Economy
Managing authority : URE (Energy Regulatory Office)
Status, timeline and current target
The scheme started in January 2013 for
a period up to 31 December 2016. The
overall target is linked to the EED
article 7, as Poland chose to meet the
related target (14.7 Mtoe for 20142020) fully through its obligation
scheme.
Individual targets are set annually as a
% of the energy sales to end-users
(with possible exemptions): 1%/a in
2013, then 1.5%/a from 2014.
1st tender (2013): 20.5 ktoe/a (3.7% of
the targeted amount of 550 ktoe/a)
Energy savings actions
There is no catalogue with deemed
savings but an official list of eligible
general types of action (covering
households, services, industry, network
losses, and “self-generation” of heat or
electricity). Actions that receives a
State or European incentive are not
eligible.
The energy savings calculations are
based on ex-ante energy audits
(simplified or comprehensive according
to the type of action). The energy
savings are accounted for in annual
primary energy savings.
Key actors and scope
The Ministry of Economy sets the rules of the scheme and
the targets. URE administers the scheme.
The obligated parties are the energy suppliers selling
electricity, heat, or natural gas to end users (and energy
traders). They can achieve their target through obtaining
energy efficiency certificates for actions on their own asset,
buying certificates (on the Polish Power Exchange or
through OTC transactions), or paying substitution fees
(250€/toe) to a fund managed by the Ministry of
Environment.
Any actor reporting a project saving more than 10 toe/a
(primary energy) may obtain certificates. 75% of the
applications submitted to the 1st tender (2013) involved
district heating companies.
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
Energy savings certificates can only be gained through open
public tenders organised by URE (at least once a year), that
sets the maximum amount of certificates to be awarded in
each bid. Projects are submitted including their audit
report. They are selected based on a cost-efficiency
criterion, considering all or only part of the energy savings
of a project.
The certificates are issued for the awarded energy savings,
once the applicant confirms the project implementation.
Ex-post audits (by a different auditor) is required for
projects saving more than 100 toe/a.
URE verifies annually the individual target achievements,
organises random controls (possibly including on-site
inspections) and decides penalties when needed.
Specificities of the scheme or context
Poland had implemented certificates schemes for renewable energy sources and cogeneration, which
supported the choice of white certificates as the main policy instrument for energy efficiency (assuming
it would limit the need for public resources).
The tender procedure is complex and strict: only 102 out of the 212 bids submitted to the 1st tender
(2013) were selected, mostly due to formal reasons (while only 3.7% of the possible amount of
certificates were awarded).
page 31
Interview with Tadeusz Skoczkowski
Professor, Head of the Chair of Rational Use of Energy
Warsaw University of Technology
What are the main expectations for the
Polish energy efficiency obligation scheme?
The scheme has been established as the main
instrument for improving energy efficiency,
in line with the approaches used to promote
renewable
energy
technologies
and
cogeneration, aiming at minimising the needs
in public funding to meet energy savings
goals.
It was first expected to deliver half of the
national energy efficiency target set for 2016,
according to the Energy Services Directive. It
is now meant to achieve 100% of the target
for the EED article 7. These are high
expectations.
What are the main characteristics of the
Polish scheme?
The main specificity is that energy efficiency
certificates can only be obtained through
public tenders, which turned to be a
complicated process. About 40 to 50% of the
projects submitted have been rejected due to
administrative details (while the projects may
deliver energy savings). This shows that more
flexibility would be needed.
This approach also generated higher
administrative costs than expected, in
particular because there is no automation in
the evaluation of the projects (all performed
“manually”). Moreover, this was a
completely new topic for URE that had no
previous experience in the field of energy
efficiency.
What would be the main questions you
would like to ask to countries already having
a long experience with energy efficiency
obligation schemes?
Key topics for experience sharing are the
minimisation of administration costs
(methods for measuring & verifying the
savings, what projects should be controlled,
use of IT systems), action eligibility, the
characterisation of action types per cost and
saving potential in order to better define
possible substitution fees, the understanding
of costs related to the actions (as the price of
certificates does not reflect the “real” costs)
What are the main stakes for 2014-2020?
The current period ends by December 2016.
A new law will be needed to extend the
scheme. But it is very unlikely that decisions
be taken before coming elections (of the
President in May then of the Parliament this
autumn). This may create difficulties as the
end of the current period will come quickly
(compared to the time needed for legislative
process).
A draft law was prepared in 2014, proposing
in particular to remove the tender process
and to go for a simpler approach with direct
validation of the projects. But it has been
rejected so far.
A key challenge will then be to simplify the
administrative system.
Another important issue is to assess the
overall costs for the national budget, as well
as the actual impact on energy prices.
Additionality should also be paid more
attention. It is not really considered so far.
Energy savings are calculated based on a
“before”/”after” comparison. Therefore,
energy efficiency certificates may be
awarded to actions that do not have an
energy performance above the current
regulations or the market average.
page 32
SLOVENIA
Responsible authority : Ministry of Infrastructure
Managing authority : Slovenian Energy Agency
Status, timeline and current target
The obligation scheme is built on a
previous scheme started in 2010. It has
been linked to an energy efficiency
contribution (fees on energy prices)
that was used to award funding to the
public Eco Fund (mostly for soft loans)
or
to
energy
suppliers
for
implementing
energy
efficiency
programs.
From March 2014, suppliers must
implement programs on their own
expenses.
Key actors and scope
The government (Ministry of Infrastructure) set the rules.
The implementation of scheme will be supervised by the
Slovenian Energy Agency (authority regulating the energy
markets) that needs to set up a new team dedicated to
monitoring and verification. The Centre for Energy
Efficiency of the Jožef Stefan Institute provides a technical
support (especially in the development of the calculation
methods).
The obligated parties are the suppliers of electricity, natural
gas, heat (district heating), and liquid and solid fuels to final
customers in all end-use sectors (with a lower target for
transports: 0.1%/a).
Targets are set annually from 2014 to
2020, as a % of the energy sales in the
previous year:
0.25%/a for 2014-2015,
0.5%/a for 2016-2017,
and 0.75%/a for 2018-2020
(0.75%/a would represent about 260
GWh/a)
The scheme also aims at stimulating markets for energy
efficiency, but the way ESCos could be involved in the
scheme is not defined yet.
Energy savings actions
Eligible actions are defined by decree
(about 40 standardised actions with
deemed savings, more to come), with
the aim to cover all end-use sectors.
Other actions can be reported through
energy audits. Actions improving the
efficiency
of
district
heating,
cogeneration and cooling installations
could also be eligible.
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
Obligated parties will have to report annually their
achievements to the Energy Agency. The Ministry will set
the rules defining the form and content of the report.
Surplus of energy savings can be transferred over the next
three years.
Actions must exceed the minimum
requirements set in current regulations
(especially the ones from the
EcoDesign Directive 2009/125/EC).
The scheme does not include a trading market. But the
obligated parties may fulfil their obligations by making a
payment to Eco Fund (fee = average costs (per kWh saved)
as observed for Eco Fund programmes).
The Energy Agency will verify at least a statistically
significant proportion and representative sample of
measures to improve energy efficiency implemented by
obligated parties (mainly based on energy consumption
data collected by the obligated parties). This could be used
to update the deemed savings.
Energy savings are accounted for the 1st year of the actions
that are still delivering energy savings in 2020.
Specificities of the scheme or context
Eco Fund has been proposing financial incentives (mainly soft loans, but also grants) since 2002. This has
provided a basis to involve progressively the energy suppliers in energy efficiency activities.
The option of achieving the target by contributing to Eco Fund at the average costs of Eco Fund
programmes can be seen either as an incentive for the obligated parties to find more cost-effective
ways, or as a way to ensure that energy efficiency projects will be implemented anyhow.
page 33
Interview with Mojca Vendramin
Head of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Unit
Directorate for Energy
Ministry of Infrastructure
What are the main expectations of the
government (and/or your personal) for this
new scheme?
A key objective is to implement the article 7
of the EED and to meet the global energy
efficiency target for 2020.
Alternative measures are expected to achieve
energy savings of 0.75%/a, especially through
a public fund focused on energy efficiency in
households and financed through a special
energy efficiency contribution on energy
prices (about 40 million euros/a).
The obligations on energy suppliers are
expected to deliver an increasing share of
energy savings (0.25%/a for 2014-2015,
0.5%/a for 2016-2018 and 0.75%/a for 20192020). The scheme has started in 2010. The
utilities could implement programs with
funds from the energy efficiency contribution
until March 2014. They have now to fund
their programs on their own expenses.
Due to an ageing building stock, there is a
high demand for refurbishments. In the
previous period, the activities were mostly
information programmes (soft measures)
that are not eligible anymore. The utilities
have now to promote technical actions (hard
measures).
What would be the main questions you
would like to ask to countries already having
a long experience with energy efficiency
obligation schemes?
The main questions would be about
economic aspects: what is the average price
of energy savings? Is there an impact of the
scheme on energy prices? What costs are
transferred to the final customers (and how)?
What are the main steps to come in the
implementation of the scheme?
The special fee for energy efficiency has been
increased to have enough money for the
public fund. In parallel, a current objective is
to develop the markets for energy services.
An important topic is also the supervision of
the scheme and the monitoring & verification
of the achievements. About 40 standardised
calculation methods have already been
defined. New methods (especially for actions
in transports) are under preparation as well
as a verification methodology.
Another change is that small-scale renewable
energy systems are not eligible anymore.
What are the main stakes for 2015-2020?
One of the main challenges is that energy
efficiency represent new markets that are
not mature yet, and could need time to
develop.
Another key issue is that any new policy
measure means new administrative burden,
for both the government and the utilities.
The EED comes with a lot of requirements
and reporting, while Slovenia has not a
dedicated agency for energy efficiency. The
EED implementation represents too much
work for the small team in charge of it at the
Ministry. And the current restrictions on
public budget do not make it possible to have
more staff or to create an agency.
This makes the situation difficult, while
expectations about energy efficiency are
high.
page 34
SPAIN
Responsible authority : Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism
Managing authority : IDAE (Institute for Diversification and
Saving of Energy)
Status, timeline and current target
The energy efficiency obligation
scheme has started in July 2014. In a
first phase, the obligations will be
achieved only through payments to a
new National Energy Efficiency Fund.
In a second phase, the scheme may
include tradable energy savings
certificates (but this will likely depend
on political decisions to be taken after
the general elections at the end of
2015).
The overall energy savings target for
2014-2020 amounts to 6 356 ktoe over
2014-2020 (as estimated in the revised
version of the report for the EED art.7).
Energy savings actions
A catalogue of standardised actions
(with deemed savings) is under
preparation by the IDAE, that could be
used in the possible second phase. The
catalogue aims at covering all end-use
sectors.
Targets for the two first years: 131 ktoe
(1 523 GWh, 0.17% rate) for 2014, 262
ktoe (3 046.51 GWh, 0.395% rate) for
2015. The total contribution to the
Fund amounted to 103 million € in
2014 and to 207 million € in 2015.
The contribution fee has been set to
about 68€/MWh in 2014 and 2015.
Key actors and scope
The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism set the
general principles, targets and rules of the scheme and has
established the National Energy Efficiency Fund.
The IDAE will manage the Fund, under the supervision of a
Steering Committee including different ministries.
The obligated parties are the suppliers of electricity and
natural gas, and wholesale retailers of oil products and
LPG. In the first phase, they have to report each year about
their energy sales (in GWh) to all their final customers (all
sectors except agriculture and fishery) the previous year
(about 771 TWh in 2013), and then to pay in the year “n” in
proportion to their energy sales in the year “n-2”.
When the second phase may start, ESCos could be allowed
to register for submitting projects to get energy savings
certificates.
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
The obligations and contribution fee are set annually, taking
into account the overall target for 2014-2020 and the
estimated average costs for energy savings from the
activities of the Fund.
In a second phase, an energy savings trading scheme could
be put in place (the option of contributing to the fund
would likely still be allowed). IDAE has been in charge of
preparing this option. Detailed guidelines would have to be
specified.
The implementing text (Decreto-ley 8/2014) has defined
detailed rules about the types and levels of infringements,
sanctions/penalties and related procedures. They cover
the possible situations of false declarations, frauds, noncompliance and non-achievements of the targets.
Specificities of the scheme or context
The revised report for the EED article 7 mentions (p.36) that the new National Energy Efficiency Fund
“will be the main instrument supporting Government action aimed at meeting the savings targets”. It
will be focused in priority on building renovations and energy efficiency in transports. It will be funded
by the State budget, the contributions from the obligated parties and EU Structural Funds. The Fund is
meant to finance schemes providing financial incentives (direct aids and other financing instruments),
technical support, training and/or information.
page 35
page 36
UNITED KINGDOM
Status, timeline and current target
The first energy savings obligation started in
2002 (after obligation of means from 1994).
The current scheme (Energy Company
Obligation 2) runs from 1 April 2015 to 31
March 2017.
ECO2 includes 3 distinct targets: CERO
(Carbon Emissions Reduction Obligation,
12.4MtCO2 in lifetime carbon savings),
CSCO
(Carbon
Savings
Community
Obligation, 6MtCO2) and HHCRO (Home
Heating Cost Reduction Obligation, £3.7
billion in costs savings) (+ sub-targets for
rural areas and solid wall insulation). ECO2
is expected to deliver new savings of about
0.7 TWh each year.
Energy savings actions
ECO is focused on the residential sector.
Eligible actions are divided into “primary
measures” (wall and roof insulation
measures,
relevant
district
heating
connection) and “secondary measures”
(other insulation measures), installed at the
same premises as a primary measure. In
addition, boilers are eligible for HHCRO
(only). Except for district heating measures,
the actions must be recommended by an
energy assessment by a certified advisor,
and installed by a certified professional
according to current regulations/standards.
Distribution for Jan2013-Jan2015 (in % of
number of the 1.3 million actions installed):
cavity wall insulation (38%), loft insulation
(26,9%), boilers (21,6%), other heating
(6,6%), solid wall insulation (5,8%).
Responsible authority : DECC (Department of
Energy and Climate Change)
Managing authority : Ofgem (Office of Gas and
Electricity Markets)
Key actors and scope
The Ministry (DECC) sets the general rules and the
overall targets. The scheme is administered by the
energy regulator Ofgem.
The obligated parties are the 11 electricity and/or gas
suppliers above given thresholds of customers and
energy sales, based on energy sales in the residential
sector.
The obligated parties can conclude partnerships or
agreements with third parties (e.g., social housing
associations, local authorities, retailers, manufacturers)
to deliver actions, or they can buy projects through a
brokerage system. There is no market/trading of
actions, but transfers between obligated parties are
possible under approval by Ofgem.
Accounting/crediting/validation of the energy savings
Obligated suppliers must use standardised energy
assessments to provide carbon and costs savings when
notifying each action (once installed) in the ECO
Register. The information are reviewed by Ofgem that
then approves the action in the register, where the
obligated parties can check its status. Obligated
suppliers must report monthly their number of actions.
Ofgem also requires obligated suppliers to conduct
technical monitoring (by a qualified and independent
third party) of a sample (5%) of notified actions. Ofgem
will conduct audits of a sample of actions (checking
their documentation).The achievement of the different
targets will be checked at the end of the period (2017).
Ofgem administration costs are about 3 million €/a
(covered by fees paid by the obligated parties). Total
costs for obligated parties are estimated to amount
between 1 to 1.5 billion €/a.
Specificities of the scheme or context
First national energy savings obligation scheme in Europe (since 2002). Scope limited to the residential
sector. Special focus with area-based and “energy poverty” targets. ECO initially designed to be
complementary to the Green Deal scheme (aimed at more cost-effective actions, while ECO aimed at
“hard-to-treat” actions).
page 37
Interview with Carolina Valsecchi
Energy Company Obligation Team
Department of Energy and Climate Change
What are the main characteristics of your
scheme?
Warmth, a deflator for replacement gas
boilers has been introduced.
There has been a succession of obligation
schemes for about 15 years. The current
scheme (ECO, Energy Company Obligation)
includes three main targets: CERO (Carbon
Emissions Reduction Obligation) aimed at
insulation measures, CSCO (Carbon Savings
Community Obligation) aimed at local areas
and low income (with a sub-target for rural
areas) and HHCRO (Home Heating Cost
Reduction Obligation) aimed at low income
and vulnerable households.
We already start thinking about the post2017 period, especially considering the
feasibility of a trading scheme (white
certificates). Experience sharing with
countries already implementing this option,
such as Italy and France, would be very
interesting.
An important addition of the current period
is the brokerage system (for auctions of
future energy efficiency projects) that offers
more flexibility and favours new partnerships
(double-blind system).
What are the main recent changes (or to
come)?
The main driver of the recent changes is the
impact of the obligations on energy prices
that became a political issue by late 2013.
The reform made in 2014 aims at reducing
this impact by reducing the CERO target by
33% and by allowing less expensive actions
(in particular cavity wall and loft insulation)
compared to the initial focus on Solid Wall
Insulation (SWI).
A new phase (ECO2) has thus started on the
1st of April 2015 until March 2017, including a
minimum target for SWI (100 000 dwellings).
In addition, incentives have been defined for
actions in non-gas fuelled dwellings (uplifts
applied to insulation measures when
combined to boilers) and, to rebalance
delivery towards insulation under Affordable
What would have you done differently?
The stakeholders are insisting on the length
of the scheme and the need for certainty, in
particular to establish partnerships. Setting
rules for 5-year periods would provide more
stability and avoid ups&downs for the supply
chain. The rules set for 2013 had negative
impacts on the supply chain, which has been
addressed by committing additional funding
(through the Green Deal Home Improvement
Fund).
Another concern is about the costs to identify
eligible customers (e.g., for HHCRO), so we
are looking for options about data sharing to
make it easier. The use of assessment on
each property instead of deemed savings
have
also
increased
administrative
complexity and costs, and made more
difficult for the obligated parties to assess
beforehand the incentives they could offer to
the households.
The brokerage system has proved to be
promising, but could be improved. For
example, by amending the standard contract
that underpins all trades to require more
information on work carried out before
payment, to give more confidence to the
buyers.
page 38
Acronyms and abbreviations
ADEME: French Agency for the Environment and Energy Management
AEEGSI (formerly AEEG): Italian Regulator of the energy markets
Art.7: article 7 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU)
ATEE: Technical Association for Energy and Environment (France)
CEE: Energy Savings Certificates (France)
CEI-NKT: Croatian Energy Efficiency Authority
CERO: Carbon Emissions Reduction Obligation (Great Britain)
CFL: Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs
CSCO: Carbon Savings Community Obligation (Great Britain)
DCENR: Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources (Ireland)
DEA: Danish Energy Agency
DECC: Department of Energy and Climate Change (UK)
DGEC: General Directorate for Energy and Climate (France)
DSO: Distribution System Operator
ECO: Energy Company Obligation (Great Britain)
EE: Energy Efficiency
EED: Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU)
EEOS: Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme
ENEA: Italian Energy Agency
EPEEF: Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund (Croatia)
ESCo: Energy Services Companies
ETS: Emission Trading Scheme of the European Union (for CO2 emissions)
EU: European Union
FIRE: Federazione Italiana per l'uso Razionale dell'Energia
GSE: Gestore dei servizi energetici (Italy)
HERA: Croatian Energy Regulatory Agency
HHCRO: Home Heating Cost Reduction Obligation (Great Britain)
IDAE: Institute for Diversification and Saving of Energy (Spain)
IPMVP: International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol
IT: Information Technologies
M&V: monitoring and verification
MRV: Monitoring, Reporting and Verification
Ofgem: Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (UK)
OP: Obligated Parties
OTC: Over-The-Counter
PNCEE: National Pole for White Certificates (France)
RSE: technical centre owned by GSE (Italy)
SEAI: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland
SEDA: Sustainable Energy Development Agency (Bulgaria)
SWI: Solid Wall Insulation
tau coefficient: special coefficient used in the Italian scheme to take into account the action lifetime
URE: Polish Energy Regulatory Office
page 39
The ATEE (Association Technique Energie Environnement) is committed to the advancement of controlled
energy use and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The purpose of the Association is to promote better energy control in companies and communities
and, more generally, to help energy users understand what they can do to better manage their energy
consumption and make savings. In this way, they can contribute to achieving the national greenhouse
gas reduction objectives whilst improving their own profitability. The Association has 2100 members.
ATEE brings together the participants in the energy supply and consumption chain to exchange views
and capitalise on feedback. It introduces people from different backgrounds who share similar concerns,
making everyone better informed and more efficient.
ATEE is a national network organised into regional groups. It provides its members with a forum for discussion and thought. Operating in a network reinforces the capability to conduct multiple actions at the
grassroots level and to work in partnership with other players.
ATEE monitors economic indicators and technological innovations to inform, raise awareness, and motivate. To help its members increase their knowledge and optimise their management and decision-making
processes, the Association supplies concrete information in a succinct form.
ATEE works for the general interest. The Association’s particularity is to rise above the specific interests of
each member, as different members sometimes have conflicting interests, and to seek common ground,
for the good of all.
In this transparent, consensual approach for the common good, ATEE mobilises the skill and experience of
its members to draw up proposals and hold discussions with public authorities to identify the measures
that will promote energy control whilst limiting the greenhouse effect.
This means that the Association gives its members access to explanations and clarifications to put new
policies and measures into perspective right from their preparation phase. At the same time, it allows the
public authorities to view their plans in the light of the realities out in the field.
There are four Clubs within the Association:
- The Cogeneration Club,
- The C2E Club, involved in the practical implementation of the Energy Saving Certificate scheme,
- The Biogas Club, which aims to promote the development of biogas production and use,
- The Energy Storage Club.
Every year with its regional delegations, the Association organises more than 50 colloquia and tours of
technical facilities all over France.
ATEE publishes ENERGIE PLUS, the bimonthly energy control magazine.
Find out more by visiting: www.atee.fr or www.energie-plus.com
ATEE - 47 AVENUE LAPLACE - 94117 ARCUEIL - Tél. 01 46 56 91 43 - www.atee.fr