Consumer advice on energy – Finnish experiences

Panel: 8. Dynamics of consumption

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Päivi Laitila, Motiva Oy, Finland
Irmeli Mikkonen, Motiva Oy, Finland
Erkki Eskola, Ministry of the Employment and Economy, Finland

Abstract

Consumers’ behaviour and use of energy are in essential role in achieving the demanding targets of CO2 reduction. In Finland we have long experience in promoting energy efficiency among end-users. However, during the last years the need to raise the energy awareness and to give consumers reliable and up-to-date information with practical examples has increased remarkably. This has been taken into consideration in current climate and energy strategy as well. The need for a more systematic approach for consumer energy advice with national coordination was highlighted in Government’s Decision on Energy Efficiency in February 2010.

In autumn 2009 Ministry of Employment and the Economy launched a call for pilot projects to support energy advice of new and renovated houses, choices of heating systems, housing, durables and mobility. 14 two-year pilot projects of 60 applications commenced in January of 2010 by the financing of the Ministry of Employment and the Economy and Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund. Motiva Oy coordinates the activities and supports the projects by e.g. organizing networking events, producing tools and communication facilities and by process monitoring and impact assessment.

Experiences from the pilot projects, their successes and challenges faced, will be tackled. The projects are carried out by a multitude of organizations such as regional energy agencies, municipalities, NGOs and thus the experiences can be widely applied. The means of advice and communication include a vast mix from face to face advice to targeted events, web portals and telephone service. Cooperation among project practioners provides better quality advice.

Besides of the experiences from individual pilot projects, practises will also be gathered from the view of national coordination and networking. Focal concerns include, e.g. the most cost effective ways to network advisory centres and how to guarantee the knowledge transfer between different stakeholders.