Abstract

Lithuanian wonomy is similar to the other former centrally planned economies: strongly biased in favour of heavy industry with energy used inefficiently in all the sectors. At the end of 1991 the National Energy Efficiency Programme was prepared and approved by the Government. It determined the main areas of inefficient energy supply and use, and identified the main directions in implementation of the Programme.

In present paper we evaluate the first achievements and clarify the obstacles in implementation of the Programme. The huge and rapid increase of energy prices together with the deep economical crisis caused a situation in which industrial managers are fighting only for survival of their enterprises and pay a little attention to increased energy efficiency, especially if it needs some investments.
Introduction of energy meters is proceeding in all the sectors of national economy as it provides simple and measurable reductions in energy bills. Incentives were also given by the Government as a major share of meters cost is covered from the state budget. But residents of multifamily apartment buildings can not introduce heat meters as the district heating systems do not allow their installation. There were no changes in the output of the building materials industry as they produce low thermal resisitivity materials.Hou.seholders tried to increase insulation of their houses and flats putting insulation on windows, glazing balconies and installing double doors. Further insulation (outer walls, roofs)requires capital investments, and the Governmental support is needed.

Paper

Download this paper as pdf: Paper

Panels of

Panel 2. Commercial Technologies and Buildings

Panel 1. Policy, Programs and Program Evaluation

Panel 4. The Energy-Environment Link

Panel 3. Human Dimensions of Energy-Use and Conservation

Panel 5. Transport