The energy efficiency policy of Norway

IEA-DSM Task 24 Norway workshop,May 27 2013,

Overview

• Background• Historical phases of energy efficiency• Theory of planned behaviour• Problems and possible solutions

Why energy efficiency in Norway?

• 100 % hydro• Self-sufficient• Cheap, clean and

abundant• Norwegians generally

can afford it

Second highest consumption in world

Also...

• Large ferrosilicon industry, plants require enormous amounts of electriciy

• Electricity can be a valuable export in itself– So some economists say: forget industry, sell the

electricity directly!• Hydro dams are not without environmental

consequences...

Phases of energy efficiency policy

• First phase after 1973 oil shock– Unorganised– Moral• «we are

wasteful»

– Seen as partof industrialpolicy

Phases of energy efficiency policy

• Second phase, with liberalisation• «Market takes care of it», consumers are

economically rational• Focused on reducing barriers to competition

and reducing information deficits• Amounted to having no efficiency policy– However, Norway did have 10%+ over-production

at the time...

Phases of energy efficiency policy

• Third phase: Enova• A more hands-on approach– Subsidy schemes, information centers– However, limited use of regulation

• Environmental concerns increase• (Still, their efficiency in achieving efficiency is

questioned...)

Theory of planned behaviour

• How behaviour change comes about:– Result of changes in intentions, which in turn are

influenced by attitudes, norms and various sorts of behavioural control (price incentives, informational barriers, infrastructure etc.)

• External intervention should be targeted at this last, as it is easiest to affect

Theory of planned behaviour

Some problems

• Behaviour/practice is only intentional under specific circumstances– Large purchasing decisions (car, house)

• Information sought at specific times– When buying heat pumps, when refurbishing

• Energy use is more tied to habitual and unconscious behaviour

Some suggestions

• Go after decision points– But how?

• Focus more on habits/practices– But how?