Boundaries in promoting energy efficiency: Lessons from the Argentinean case

In this paper we analyze energy efficiency promoting mechanisms used in Argentina in the 2001–2010 period in the electricity sector and their results. We particularly concentrate in analyzing the evolution of tariffs, sectorial consumption and the results of recent energy efficiency programs. We find that, as long as security of supply constitutes a key problem for the country, and as the governments decided to remain energy prices frozen and diverging from their real costs, the results of the program have not been the desired ones.

► We analyze energy efficiency promoting mechanisms used in Argentina.
► We study security of supply problem and frozen energy prices.
► We found the results of the program have not been the desired ones.
► EE In a frame of security of supply problems and with diverging prices may not lead to successful results.
► EE programs are extremely important for sustainable development.