Brussels, 12/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament's energy committee is in the process of endorsing the agreement put together in June with the Council regarding the energy efficiency directive. A plenary vote is scheduled for September.
On Thursday 12 July, the EP energy committee voted unanimously in favour of the compromise concluded on 14 June with the Council on the energy efficiency directive that is to help the EU reach its indicative objective of 20% energy savings by 2020. Current measures allow a little less than 10% of energy saving to be achieved. The key points of the text that is to replace the two current directives on energy services and cogeneration are set out below.
The future directive will require member states to develop three year period plans (2014, 2017 and 2020) for energy efficiency on one and the same binding model to ensure the overall objective of 20% is reached. If the EU is found not to be on the right track, when the Commission takes stock of progress made in 2014, other measures will be proposed, with binding national objectives. In the context of these plans, member states should establish long term roadmaps for the renovation of buildings. In the short term, the annual 3% rate of renovation of public buildings is strictly limited to those buildings occupied by central national government departments. The public authorities should set the example when it comes to public procurement by buying greener goods and services, and the article of the text in this respect is to be reviewed in 2015.
The future directive will also make it an obligation for energy distributors and suppliers to reduce their customers' consumption by 1.5% per year. Although capitals have been given many exemptions to this measure, limited to 25% of the energy savings allowed, the provision will be reviewed in 2016. This is the key measure of the directive, as it accounts for 65-75% of its energy saving potential. Major companies will be required to undergo compulsory energy audits. Finally, member states will be required to assess the cogeneration potential on their territory by the end of 2015. (EH/transl.jl)