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International Initiatives
DSM / Energy Efficiency Commitments of Electric System Operators
and Regulators World Wide
ERGEG Commitments for Energy Efficiency
The European Regulators Group for Electricity and Gas (ERGEG) is the European Commission’s
advisory body on internal EU energy market issues. It was set up on 11 November
2003 by a European Commission. ERGEG is charged with advising and assisting the European Commission in ensuring the creation and smooth functioning of the internal
energy market in Europe.
In 2007, the European Union’s leaders pledged their agreement to energy-climate
objectives known as “20-20-20” i.e. a binding 20% renewable energy target by the
year 2020, reducing Europe’s CO2 emissions by 20% by 2020 (and by 30% if there is
an international agreement), and increasing overall energy efficiency by 20% by
2020. In January 2008 the European Commission published its “Climate Change and
Energy Package”, designed to meet these objectives.
The European Commission issued their second Strategic Energy Review (2nd SER) in
November 2008, confirmed the EU’s 20-20-20 strategy as the right medium-to-long
term strategy for energy security.
“EU Energy Security and Solidarity Action Plan”, of the 2nd SER proposes a five-point
action plan,
Infrastructure needs and identification of energy supplies; The external energy relations; Oil emergency stocks and gas crisis mechanisms; Energy efficiency; Making the best of Europe’s indigenous energy resources
In May 2008, the regulators published their comments on the key elements of the
European Commission’s proposed “Climate Change and Energy Package”, in particular
a Status Review of renewable and energy efficiency support schemes in Member States
and their impact on the functioning of the electricity market. In July 2008, the
regulators held a public consultation on the treatment of losses by network operators.
This work will also provide input into the future Framework Guidelines on energy
efficiency that will be undertaken in 2009 and 2010.
www.energy-regulators.eu
Commitments of World Forum on Energy Regulations (WFER) for Sustainable Development
Energy regulators from across the globe (coming together at the World Forum on Energy
Regulation (WFER IV) in Athens in October 2009) have intensified their international
dialogue and cooperation by establishing a new International Confederation of Energy
Regulators (ICER). In addition, national energy regulators acting through their
regional associations will take full advantage of the establishment of ICER to make
a positive contribution towards meeting the challenges of both climate change and
energy regulation issues of global interest. ICER’s first output is the World Energy
Regulators’ Statement on Climate Change.
WFER IV was hosted by the Regulatory Authority for Energy of Greece (RAE) and organized
by RAE in coordination with Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) under the
guidance of the WFER IV Steering Committee formed by the chairpersons of the world’s
major regional regulators association, AFUR, ARIAE, CAMPUT, CEER, EAPIRF, ERRA,
MEDREG, NARUC, OOCUR, SAFIR.
World Energy Regulator’s committed to the following concrete actions,
Creating a new International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER) to take forward
our international cooperation and dialogue on global issues such as climate change.
ICER (created following the Fourth World Forum on Energy Regulation in Athens in
October 2009) will comprise 11 regional associations of energy regulators worldwide
with international working groups, including one on the regulatory aspects of climate
change;
Supporting the delivery of energy to all in developing markets within the context
of rising energy costs and environmental constraints;
Promoting energy efficiency: Regulators will prepare a report for the Energy Ministers
of the G8 countries on best regulatory practices regarding the promotion of energy
efficiency. This report (which will take account of differences in market structures,
operational models and stages of development) will be presented to the next meeting
of the G8 Energy Ministers;
Conducting a
review of renewable energy and distributed generation. ICER’s working
group on climate change will produce a report which will include case studies and
examples of best practices on the integration of renewable and distributed generation
into the overall energy supply and their impact on the grid and competition;
Sharing best practice for use world-wide (where appropriate) and developing new
approaches on regulatory issues which are central to meeting greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions targets. We will explore ways of maintaining a climate for timely, well-targeted
and efficient investments in grid infrastructure and energy efficiency;
Working in close cooperation with our nearest neighbours and within the ambit of
our responsibilities, we will foster stronger network interconnection and facilitate
compatibility of our regulatory frameworks in order to create more efficient energy
systems and provide clarity and certainty to the market;
Further reinforce WFER engagement in the international climate change process, with
energy regulatory associations participating as observers to the sessions of the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC);
Promoting reliable energy supply and reasonable energy costs to all consumers which
lies at the heart of regulators’ work. Within our respective mandates and jurisdictions,
we will continue to balance the interests of suppliers, consumers, transporters
and distributors, all facing significant changes in the world’s energy markets,
in helping to build a secure and sustainable energy future.
In addressing these different aspects, energy regulators are to consider the impact
on consumers and also ensuring a level playing field for all market participants.
In particular as new resources (renewables, distributed generation, etc.) are integrated
into the power grids and new methods are to be implemented which increase energy
efficiency. Energy regulation can help in managing the transition to a low-carbon
economy.
As per regulators energy efficiency is a key tool as it reduces emissions and can
also contribute to security of energy supply and affordability. This requires policies
that facilitate energy services and raise consumer awareness and understanding.
Demand-side response can also help accommodate integration of renewables. A possible
tool here is the widespread adoption of smart meters, already implemented in some
countries and jurisdictions, and under consideration in others. Regulators can help
to promote substantial improvements in energy efficiency policies by treating energy
efficiency as a demand-side resource; supporting cost-effective energy efficiency
and market
transformation programmes; considering tariff structures and ratemaking
frameworks that remove disincentives to, and provide appropriate incentives for
effective implementation of efficiency programmes; implementing applicable energy
efficiency performance standards; and supporting initiatives that encourage consumers
in controlling their energy bills through more efficient energy use.
www.worldforumiv.info/Welcome.html
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