Coherence in energy efficiency governance

Increasing the efficiency by which energy is extracted or captured, converted, and utilized not only requires the improvement of current technology and the development of new transformative ones, but also paying much more attention to improving coherent governance of energy efficiency institutions. I am suggesting that the transformation of energy systems is unlikely to succeed without the transformation of the way these institutions are designed. The paper proposes a framework that builds on concepts encompassing three principal identifiers of coherent institutional governance – motivation, capacity, and interventions – to respond to the questions: What institutional arrangements emerge at different governance levels to promote energy efficiency as a policy? What are the challenges to achieve coherent governance in institutions? I used a case analysis method to test these identifiers at selected energy efficiency institutions that are perceived to display enabling conditions necessary for coherent governance.

► Transformation of institutional design is a prerequisite to energy system transformations.
► A well-defined mission enables the effectiveness of institutions.
► Institutional flexibility and adaptability are necessary transformation elements.
► Institutional resilience and relevance depend on rapid technology adoption.
► Regulations compliance also contributes to institutional sustainability.