The member states' plans and achievements towards the implementation of Article 7 of the energy efficiency directive

The study analyses the implementation of Article 7 and presents key findings on its application in Member States. It also recommends routes to improving the implementation and the application of the Directive. Member States have used exemptions and exclusions within the Directive to reduce their annual savings targets to approximately 0.75%, compared with the headline figure of 1.5%. The largest share of the overall savings is expected from Energy Efficiency Obligation Schemes (EEOS) (34%), financing schemes or grants (19%), and taxes (14%). In total, 16 Member States now have or plan to introduce EEOS, but the several of the newer schemes are at risk of failing to deliver their expected savings. Overall, a significant share of the expected savings is at risk of not being delivered in practice because of potential non additionality; weak or absent monitoring and verification regimes; and methodological issues related to the calculation of energy savings from policy measures. However, there are several case study examples of good practice, and many opportunities for Member States to learn from each other. Policy reform would strengthen the Directive and increase the reliability of the anticipated energy savings. Improvements could include more detailed provisions, extensive guidance and mandatory reporting templates.