DSM in Denmark after liberalisation

Panel: Panel 5: Energy Efficiency Markets & Financing Mechanisms

Author:
Malene Hein Nybroe, Elkraft System

Abstract

The restructuring of the Danish energy sector has not disturbed the political focus on energy savings. On the contrary new laws have been passed that continue the DSM obligations of the electricity sector and place the gas and district heating companies under an obligation to work for energy efficiency. Furthermore, new demands for co-ordination of the many saving activities have been introduced.

The electricity utilities have been split into new companies with new tasks. Non-commercial grid companies, with the obligation to maintain the grid and ensure security of supply to the customers, have been created. These companies are also obliged to continue working for electricity savings.

As a result, the 82 Danish electricity utilities have described their DSM activities for the coming years in "Plan 2000". One of the main objectives of Plan 2000 was to set standards for ìmonitoringî the resulting savings. The focus on "measuring" of savings results is connected to the liberalisation, where economic efficiency and feasibility are becoming increasingly important.

A new Energy Saving Act put co-operation between the different supply companies high on the agenda. The law prescribes that the electricity, gas and district heating supply companies together with the municipalities form regional energy saving councils. These regional councils must co-ordinate the activities of the different supply companies. The councils should be functioning by the summer 2001. The companies are currently taking steps to form the councils and define their future tasks.