Public Consultation for the Review of Directive 2012/27/EU on Energy Efficiency

This report by the European Commission contains the results of the public consultation which was launched on 4 November 2015 and ended on 29 January 2016 with the aim to collect views from stakeholders for the review of the Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency (EED). The consultation was based on an online survey and focused on certain aspects of the EED:
Artiicle 1 (subject matter and scope)
Article 3 (energy efficiency targets)
Article 6 (purchasing by public bodies)
Article 7 (energy efficiency obligation schemes)
Articles 9-11 (metering, billing information)
Article 20 (energy efficiency national fund, financing and technical support)
Article 24 (reporting and monitoring and review of implementation)
Based on the findings derived from stakeholders’ submissions, the consultation presents several key conclusions:
Article 7 is widely recognised to advance energy efficiency across the EU, and its obligations should be extended beyond 2020. Member States (MS) must simultaneously remain flexible to be able to cater to local conditions. Some MS require additional guidance on certain technical provision of the Directive, such as eligibility, additionality and materiality criteria. There is no clear verdict, however, on whether EEOSs should have special rules for vulnerable consumers.
Furthermore, the Commission ought to focus more on the transport sector, monitor MS progress, and, if necessary, sanction non-compliance. When rolling out smart-meter schemes, particular attention must be devoted to addressing cyber security concerns. Accounting rules appear to be biased against energy efficiency investments, for example when calculating the balance of public budgets. Public authorities at both central and local levels should therefore be encouraged to base public procurement decisions on lifecycle cost analyses. If necessary, the Commission should provide technical assistance in this regard.
Finally, better, verifiable, independently collected data is needed to track progress across the EU. Information flows may thus have to be streamlined and further standardised.