Synergies between Energy Efficiency and Energy Access Policies and Strategies
| Author | Diana Ürge‐Vorsatz,Michael LaBelle,Shonali Pachauri |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1758-5899.2011.00165.x |
| Published date | 01 May 2012 |
| Date | 01 May 2012 |
Synergies between Energy Efficiency
and Energy Access Policies and
Strategies
Shonali Pachauri
Energy Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis,
Laxenburg, Austria
Diana Ürge-Vorsatz and Michael LaBelle
Center for Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Policy (3CSEP),
Central European University, Hungary
Abstract
Policies to improve energy access and energy efficiency are often discussed, designed and assessed in isolation from
each other. In this paper, we highlight possible synergies in these two domains of policy making by looking
specifically at some key household end uses that are the first to be met once improved access has been provided. By
building in efficiency considerations at the very inception of activities aimed at improving access, effective energy
supply available is potentially increased, the level of energy services that can be provided by the existing capacity and
infrastructure or from existing budgets available is also enhanced, and the potential for reducing the cost for those
populations for which cost has the highest consideration is also improved. In particular, we recommend two areas
where policy maybe leveraged to benefit both access and efficiency objectives, first in the setting of standards, labels
and codes and second coupling energy subsidies for access with rebates or grants for more efficient end use devices.
Policy Implications
•Pursuing energy access and efficiency policies in tandem can help realize substantial synergies by potentially
increasing the level of energy services that can be provided by existing infrastructure, reducing energy costs, and
avoiding lock in into inefficient technologies and practices.
•Providing increasing energy access more efficiently is likely to benefit from a reorientation of subsidy policies from
subsidies on energy alone to grants, rebates or easy credit for efficient end use equipment as well.
•The use of appliance standards and labels coupled with financing schemes for efficient equipment purchases can be
an effective means to diffuse more efficient appliances even among the poorest and reduce the overall amount of
energy needed to meet growing energy service demands.
•Building codes and regulations can be an effective means of attaining desired levels of thermal comfort while reduc-
ing the energy needed for using heating and cooling equipment.
Two standard recommendations made in practically all
policy documents relating to the future sustainability of
the energy system relate to the need for improving
energy efficiency and increasing energy access for popu-
lations that are denied this. The United Nations (UN) Sec-
retary-General’s Advisory Group on Energy and Climate
Change (AGECC) has also chosen two specific areas that
present immediately actionable opportunities with many
cobenefits: energy access and energy efficiency (AGECC,
2010). However, policies and programs for energy effi-
ciency and energy access have historically not always
been pursued in tandem. The two issues have been
often discussed and assessed in isolation from each
other, and often efficiency is perceived as a secondary
policy priority to be addressed after having met primary
access goals. This is despite general consensus that
providing additional energy access in an effective and
efficient manner is desirable. Consequently, discussions
of the possibility of synergies in policies for addressing
both objectives simultaneously are limited. If such syner-
Global Policy Volume 3 . Issue 2 . May 2012
Global Policy (2012) 3:2 doi: 10.1111/j.1758-5899.2011.00165.x ª2012 London School of Economics and Political Science and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Special Section: Research Article
187
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