Energy savings should contribute to growth and commercial
development, retention of a high degree of supply reliability and
solution of global environmental problems.
Energy savings is a central element in any political energy
strategy that takes long-term energy challenges seriously.
What is most important is that energy savings measures are
cost-effective, and as such focus on the achievement of savings
that give a return on investment. Energy savings can thus
contribute to lower energy bills for domestic consumers, the public
sector and industry.
The political framework for future energy conservation measures is
laid down in the draft plan for renewed energy savings measures,
published by the government in December 2004.
Denmark has implemented a number of schemes designed to promote
energy savings in buildings and industry, and for more
energy-efficient appliances. The major current initiatives
are:
The main organisations involved in energy
savings:
- The Danish Energy Agency undertakes official activities
including international ones in relation to the EU. The Energy
Agency takes care of overall planning and prioritisation of
energy savings measures, including determining the framework for
measures involving other bodies.
- Elsparefonden is an
independent fund under the Ministry of Transport and Energy. It
specialises in the promotion of electricity saving in homes and in
the public sector including conversion of electrical heating.
- The Elcectricity network companies, the natural gas
distribution- and the district heating companies are charged
with promoting energy savings amongst their customers, including
provision of advice and consultancy.
Energy savings is also an element in a number of political
agreements relating to energy made in recent years. In particular,
the agreement of 29 May 2001 on natural gas supplies and energy
savings.
The minister regularly submits a report on energy savings progress
to Folketinget (the Danish parliament) the latest of which is the
Energy Savings Report May 2003 .