File:Report on Alternative schemes to Energy Efficiency Obligations under Article 7 implementation.pdf

The European Union has set itself the goal of reducing EU primary energy consumption by 20 % by 2020, compared to current projections. The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) (2012/27/EU), which entered into force on 5 December 2012, is the key instrument to help attain this goal.

All Member States (MS) must achieve a 1.5% annual energy saving target. Article 7 of the Energy Efficiency Directive- provides that an energy efficiency obligation scheme or/ and an alternative system will be introduced in every MS in order to reach the target. Many countries have decided to introduce alternative measures in combination with an energy efficiency obligation scheme (EEOs). In practice much information is already known about energy efficiency policy measures especially for MS which have a great deal of existing policy experience to build upon.

The aim of this report is to analyze alternative measures by examining their key implementation and design features. Emphasis is placed on the different interpretations of regulatory requirements by MS regarding additionality and double counting. This allows identification of related risks and feasibility barriers faced by some alternative measures towards meeting with their estimated savings.