1 Experts ’ opinion on Energy Saving Obligations per se and their optimal design elements in particular

Energy savings obligations (ESO) are an innovative policy instruments aiming at increases in energy efficiency. ESO have first been proposed by the EU directive 2006/32/EC. In June 2011, a draft directive on energy efficiency was released by the Commission envisaging a scheme of ESO at the national level. Expert interviews were chosen as the scientific method most applicable on the set of problems. Experts were chosen based on the methodology applied in Rezessy (2007) and Steuwer (2009). Statements were categorised in order to evaluate the phase of implementation, the impacts and the functioning of the schemes, the importance of specific design elements and their modes of action. Finally, the aspects experts clearly agree upon are summarised. 1. Overview Energy savings obligations (ESO) are an innovative policy instruments aiming at increases in energy efficiency. ESO have first been proposed by the EU directive 2006/32/EC on Energy Services (ESD). The climate package 2020 does not insist on increases in energy efficiency and leaves it to the member states to what extent they apply energy efficiency in order to reach their renewable energy target (2009/28/EC, explanatory statement no. 18). Despite of this liberty given to the member states, the need to raise energy efficiency increases with the binding requirements defined in the climate package (20 % reduction of CO2 emissions, 20% share of sources of renewable energy). At the moment, a draft directive on energy efficiency complementing and partly repealing directive 2006/32/EC was proposed by the Commission (COM(2011)370). It envisages ESO schemes at the national level which oblige the suppliers