The EU’s updated Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) retains Article 7, which requires Member States to implement an Energy Efficiency Obligation (EEO) scheme, or eligible Alternative Measures, capable of delivering a set quantity of energy savings via energy efficiency measures. The EC’s Impact Assessment cites the cost effectiveness of EEO schemes and the large outstanding economic potential for future savings as key justifications for the extension that takes new targets out to 2030. This seems logical but does raise the question – does the policy encourage the development of a market in energy services on a commercial footing, which may enable a future ‘exit plan’? READ ECA VIEWPOINT HERE