Demand Side Management (DSM) in the Electricity Sector - Federal & Wallonia, Flanders & Brussels Capital

The policy of the electricity sector regarding rational use of energy (and reduction of CO2 emissions) is defined in a note from the Electricity Management Board (Comité de Gestion des Entreprises d'Electricité - CGEE) dated 24 February 1995. Electricity distributors following a recommendation by the Electricity and Gas Control Committee, devote BEF 0.01 per kWh sold to activities in the field of RUE. In all three regions the fund is used for promotional activities aimed at four target audiences: households, industry (inclusive of agri- and horticulture), the tertiary sector and the municipalities. Promotional activities include premiums and support measures for energy audits, thermal solar energy investments, installation of heat pumps and solar boilers, relighting measures, installation of condensation boilers and CHP units, and other energy efficiency measures. Electricity producers A fund for RUE also exists in the electricity production sector. Activities undertaken in 1999 include the second phase of a study of the sector's potential to reduce GHG emissions, projects in the field of renewable energy and the promotion of CHP. Concerning energy demand, BEF 20 million was spent on energy audits and BEF 22.7 million on technological assistance. At its meeting on 5 April 2000, the Federal Council of Ministers decided that the RUE fund be increased to BEF 1 billion and that its management should be more transparent and efficient. In the ENOVER/ CONCERE framework, a co-operation agreement has been drawn up which includes a transfer of this fund to the regional authorities.