Improving energy efficiency in low-income households in Romania
Eco worked with UNDP, the Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism, and other Romanian stakeholders to develop a project which will – for the first time in the country – directly address fuel poverty by improving energy efficiency and living conditions among poorer households. The project design process included developing sustainable market stimulation strategies, and a comprehensive approach to measuring and reducing fuel poverty. The project was granted USD 2.94 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in June 2011.
To design the project, a team from Eco – including Seth Landau, Grant Ballard-Tremeer, Ian Househam and Susan Legro – worked with a team of Romanian consultants to identify communities where improving energy efficiency and improving energy providing services would reduce fuel poverty. The Eco team was involved from the initial scoping activities through to submission to the GEF. The project mobilizes nearly USD 3 million from the GEF and approximately USD 120 million from other sources.
Working with the Romanian experts, Eco thoroughly analysed the issues related to fuel costs for heating in Romania – including the scope and impacts of subsidies, the potential for savings, and the barriers to addressing fuel poverty at the national level. This work included defining fuel poverty in a comprehensive manner which includes whether a household can afford to keep their home at a reasonable temperature, whether that home is in decent condition, and whether their source of heating is adequate, safe and affordable.
As input to the project’s design, Eco expert Ian Househam developed a thorough background paper on fuel poverty and existing programmes to address it. It is available here for download.
Contact us
Eco Ltd is ready to support all institutions – including GEF agencies, governments, and private companies – with high quality experienced expertise in the design and development of energy efficiency projects. If you are looking for experts to support your project development or related work, contact Dr Grant Ballard-Tremeer using our online form to find out how we can help you.
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