Local EE and DSM activities in France

Jean-Sébastien Broc, Ecole des Mines de Nantes (DSEE)
Bernard Bourges, Ecole des Mines de Nantes (DSEE)
Jérôme Adnot, Ecole des Mines de Paris
Sandrine Hartmann, Electricité de France

Keywords

Energy efficiency, DSM, local energy policies, local authorities, white certificates, evaluation, benchmarking, actions typology, segmentation criteria

Abstract

Recent French political decisions have tended to increase responsibilities for local authorities regarding energy issues. The main frames, which should be the basis for local energy policies and energy efficiency/demand-side management activities , have been identified. However, past experience has shown that theoretical opportunities do not necessarily lead to actions. This paper compiles an inventory of the local EE activities in France in order to provide an overview of what has been done from 2000 to 2004. This study indicates firstly, what kinds of actions have been done and secondly, whether the local dimension mattered. The analysis of the local dimension was made using criteria defined from the analysis of the theoretical context. The inventory also enables the definition of a practical typology for EE actions, useful for benchmarking works, for the definition of specific objectives, and then for evaluation.

Difficulties encountered in collecting data show the need for information systems, which could help for structuring action plans and for making evaluations. This process could take advantage of the future "white certificates" framework, which will change the way actions are reported. Moreover, this paper emphasises the importance of local authorities involved in 75% of the activities encountered. An evolution towards increasing involvement and transverse actions is observed, with twice as many actions taking into account the local context between 2002 and 2004. A good reason to look at the actual trends.

DSM: Demand-Side Management; EE: energy efficiency (here, does not include renewable energies); in the paper the expression used will be "local EE activities"