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Local energy agencies

 

Several times the demand of institutions, which can provide neutral and professional information to the city's stakeholders was mentioned as important element of clean energy policy. How such institutions can work is outlined on the most renowned example from Europe, where during the past years more than 250 such local institutions were set in force.

Within the framework of SAVE II the European Commission initiated incorporated community action on regional and urban energy management. The aim was to stimulate a "bottom up" approach to energy management by encouraging local and regional action for energy efficiency, the use of local energy resources and the creation of optimum energy-supply conditions at the local level. To achieve this aim, SAVE II part-funded the collaborative creation of autonomous Energy Management Agencies at the local and regional level, establishing networks to disseminate to local and regional authorities. This activity is considered as a good example how information, consulting and advice can be professionalised on City level. The following further informations on functions and work fields of local energy agencies provide more ideas for urban energy management to be selected as appropriate:

  • Functions of local energy agencies: Provide information, advice and training on energy management issues and techniques. - Give technical advice on the design of energy management projects. - Link people/organisations with similar projects. - Undertake independent audits of local energy producers or equipment manufacturers. - Contribute to the setting up of relevant projects. - Manage, if appropriate, an energy management incentive fund. - Stimulate economic activity. - Act as intermediary between the local/regional authority and local/regional players in the energy market. - Develop relevant links to stimulate information exchange and technology transfer.

  • Spheres of action: Housing - The public and private service sector - The small and medium-sized business (SME) sector - Local/regional development and planning - Travel and transportation planning - The local/regional administration's infrastructure - Energy supply, including the development of regional energy systems using local and renewable resources and wastes.

  • Key factors for success: Autonomy: Each Agency to be a neutral, independent, autonomous body, with its own permanent staff and budget, but operating under the aegis of the local and regional authorities - Partnership: Each Agency liasing with and involving the local public, community and private players in the energy field - Long-term Commitment: The long-term political and financial commitment of the local/regional authority to the Agency and its activities - Motivation: Each Agency team both skilled and highly motivated in terms of energy management, renewable energy and the environment - Communication: Each Agency publicising the quality services offered and disseminating the results of its activities as widely as possible.

  • Obstacles to be aware: Resistance can come from the administration itself and from local or regional professional consulting organisations, who do not appreciate assumed competition. The best answer to this problem is to integrate these organisations and invite them to cooperate. - Further, from my opinion and experience the following problems can arise during the performance and after the establishment of a local energy agency: The management of the energy agency is not able to sustain the new partnership between the stakeholders, especially within the different departments of the city administration. - Political dissens between the leading parties of the City council after new elections. The so far driving political force falls behind. - Privatisation of the city's main energy utility can increase the economic pressure on this institution, especially under liberalisied market conditions like in the EU. An important partner gets lost for the agency's mission.

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