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In conjunction with its partner in Romania, the Romanian Energy Policy Association (APER), the Alliance will create an information network and disseminate information on energy efficiency throughout Romania. Strengthening the Network: An Alliance survey of city managers throughout Romania indicated a strong level of interest in transferring information and providing training on issues related to better energy management. In response to the survey, the Alliance and APER will establish the infrastructure and strategy needed to create a municipal-focused "Romanian Energy Efficiency Network," (REEN). APER will meet with representatives of approximately 36 cities to analyze their energy situations, explore possible financing sources, and seek to overcome the barriers facing city managers that want to invest in energy efficiency. For example, APER will look at 6 cities that have signed concession contracts with private companies to operate the heating system. APER will work to assess whether district heating concessions have been successful in promoting energy efficiency and improving heat quality. In addition, APER will examine existing national regulations to determine whether they effectively support energy efficiency. Municipal Training/Awareness and Education: For effective energy management, any city needs a strong team of technical and financial experts - as well as access to information, private consultants, financial institutions and other experts. To facilitate in this area, APER and the Alliance will identify fundamental training needs throughout the country and organize regional conferences to address issues such as energy accounting, financing, energy planning, etc. Energy Efficiency Milestones in Romania: In 1997-1999, APER began work to draft a new energy efficiency law. Through this work, APER drafted a Romanian Energy Efficiency White Paper and law, organized a press conference to present the draft law in order to attract political support, launched an awareness campaign concerning the energy efficiency law addressed to Parliament Members, brought foreign experts in front of Parliament to testify on the benefits of promoting such a law, and edited and distributed brochures and articles supporting the energy efficiency law. The final version of EE Law (Word Document) was adopted and become Law Number 199/2000 and was published in the Official Gazette Number 577/November 17, 2000. Success Stories: City managers who are considering energy efficiency options can benefit from the experience of others. While every country in the region has its own successes and failures, the laws, policies, and economics of a particular country are critical factors that influence a project's success. APER will research and develop a set of criteria for what it considers showcase success and failure stories of energy efficiency in Romanian municipalities, and this information will be distributed throughout the Romanian Energy Efficiency Network. For more information, contact: Angela Morin |
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