The IFC/GEF Poland Efficient Lighting Project(PELP): Evaluation Results and Next steps

Sabrina Birner, June Consulting
Christopher Granda, Ecos Consulting

Abstract

To reduce emissions of greenhouse gases emitted by Poland's energy sector, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, developed a Global Environment Facility (GEF) project known as the Poland Efficient Lighting Project (PELP). PELP, which was active in Poland from June 1995 until June 1998, was the first GEF project designed to work directly through the private sector. PELP reduced electricity consumption by stimulating the Polish consumer market for efficient lighting products.

PELP provides useful examples of approaches to help transform consumer lighting markets from incandescent to fluorescent lighting. PELP applied competitive, market-based program tools that achieved large increases in sales of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) at a lower cost per CFL than many other similar efforts to promote CFLs to consumers. PELP has also been able to measure electric utility peak load reductions from the targeted installation of CFLs in limited geographic areas, providing new motivation for electric utility support of these types of programs. Finally, by working with Polish government agencies, NGOs and international organizations, PELP was able to generate broad public interest and create within the Polish market a widely recognized symbol for lighting efficiency and quality. IFC is building on the PELP Legacy by allocating the funds unspent at the close of PELP to further public and private sector promotion of energy-efficient lighting in Poland. Furthermore, based on experience with PELP and other lighting programs, IFC will implement a $15 million GEF Efficient Lighting Initiative (ELI) in seven developing and transitional countries around the world.