Evaluation of European lighting programmes Utilities finance energy efficiency

The beginning of least-cost utility planning in Europe is marked by 42 recent programmes offering financial incentives to encourage the use of energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Programmes have been conducted in six countries and manufacturers, retailers, and governments played active roles. Most of the programmes targeted residential consumers, but eight were available to commercial or industrial customers. Incentives included various combinations of give-aways, direct installation, rebates, wholesale discounts, and schemes in which consumers can gradually pay for their lamps via the utility bill. During the programmes, almost six million eligible households acquired two million CFLs. The average societal cost of conserved electricity was ¢2.1/kWh, including ¢0.3/kWh for indirect administrative, promotional, and evaluation costs. These programmes were costeffective compared to the price of electricity or to the cost of new electric power plants. Increased demand for CFLs has helped to lower postprogramme retail lamp prices by 20% to 50% for all consumers. The programme experiences shed light on a number of challenges for planners and policymakers.