Tripartite agreement on the Energy End-use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive

Today (Dec 6) there will be a tripartite agreement announced between the UK Presidency of the European Council, Energy Commissioner Piebalgs and Mechtild Rothe MEP (and her three shadow rapporteurs) regarding the Energy End-use Efficiency and Energy Services Directive.

This is welcomed by EuroACE, representing the energy efficiency industry.

"This directive is excellent news. It will create jobs, increase resource efficiency - and so contribute to meeting the Lisbon agenda - and reduce greenhouse gases significantly. It will also improve energy security, by lowering the amount of fuel which Europe will import.

"Of course we regret that the final text contains no absolutely binding national efficiency targets. But we believe that purposeful implementation of its main requirements can still deliver substantial benefits . These include stricter requirements on energy performance on public procurement ; a new role for electricity and gas companies; and the widespread introduction of smart metering, plus the need for every national government to produce a regular action plan on energy efficiency.

"It follows last week's welcome Council endorsement of the need for a major new European strategy on energy efficiency. This will form a key part of DGTREN's 2006 work.

" EuroACE congratulates the Presidency, the Commissioner and the rapporteur and her shadows on bringing this timely directive to fruition."

Andrew Warren, Senior Advisor