Energy savings

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:

• Energy and CO2 levies on domestic and public sector energy consumption
• CO2 levies on industrial consumption
• CO2 emission allowance trading scheme
• Voluntary agreements for industry
• Energy labelling for large and small buildings
• Energy labelling of appliances and lighting
• Norms for energy efficiency and voluntary agreements
• Reduction of standby consumption

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 .