In 2007, the European Council approved an Action Plan which establishes specific quantitative environmental targets to be achieved by 2020, including on energy efficiency, for which a 20% reduction in primary energy consumption with respect to the trend scenario was envisaged. According to the European Commission's most recent projections, which take into account measures implemented at national and European level up to the end of December 2009, consumption in 2020 is expected to be saving only 9% relative to the previous projection. Greater effort is therefore required, with additional policies and measures being introduced.

On March 8th, 2011 the Commission adopted the Communication "Energy Efficiency Plan 2011". It recognised energy savings as the most cost effective way to enhance security of energy supply and to reduce emissions of greenhouse gas and other pollutants. Finally, on June 22nd, 2011, the Commission tabled a proposal for a new Directive on energy efficiency. The proposed Directive envisages that, in the first instance, the 20% energy efficiency target is pursued through the cumulative implementation of specific national and European measures promoting energy efficiency in different fields. If this approach does not succeed, the European policy framework may be reinforced, by adding a system of binding targets.

When it comes to energy transmission and distribution, the proposed Directive requires that National energy Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) pay due regard to energy efficiency in their decisions on the operation of the gas and electricity infrastructure. They shall in particular ensure that network tariffs and regulations provide incentives for grid operators to offer system services to network users permitting them to implement energy efficiency improvement measures in the context of the continuing deployment of smart grids. Moreover, network regulation, and network tariffs set or approved by NRAs shall allow network operators to offer system services and system tariffs for demand response measures, demand management and distributed generation on organised electricity markets.

The Workshop will consider the regulatory implications for the energy sector of the proposed Directive on energy efficiency. It will be structured into two sessions. The first session will aim at reviewing the experience with national “White Certificate” schemes to see whether it is possible to identify best practices which are able to deliver the most effective results at minimum administrative costs and burden. The second session will focus specifically on demand-side management and participation and demand response in the electricity and gas sectors to assess their potential within the framework of a competitive Internal Energy Market.