Taking It EASY in the Netherlands: Refocusing Energy Efficiency Policy for Domestic Appliances

摘要

A rethinking of the Netherlands energy efficiency policy for domestic appliances has resulted in new evidence for the old idea that a well-organized market leads to the highest efficiencies. Started in 2000 and utilizing a marketing incentive, the Energy Premium Scheme (EPR) for (EU) A-labeled appliances resulted in a massive increase in market introduction of energy efficient products. These programs now account for the remarkable result that more than 75% of new appliances sold in the Netherlands are A-labeled for most products, compared to EU-averages of below 25%. This success pointed to the necessity of redeveloping the EPR to create new incentives for sales of better than A-labeled appliances. Project EASY was implemented as the carrier for this redevelopment process. The starting point for EASY was the question of whether the effectiveness of existing policy could be improved by the introduction of an endorsement label for high efficiency products coupled with a tax rebate for this new label. As part of EASY, an analysis of the Dutch market, extensive market consultations, consultations of the governments of neighboring countries, and a legal analysis provided input to the drafting of a new policy proposal. A targeted project design, based on the Strategic Choice methodology, allowed for the continuous re-adjustment of all project components as new information became available. The outcome of this project was an elaborated proposal for upgrading the EPR combined with a new, national endorsement label. This proposal is accompanied by an implementation plan including a transitional period, during which some parts of the policy can be implemented, whilst parts awaiting European Union approval can be further developed. Conclusions and recommendations for future policy development projects conclude the presentation of EASY.