During the past decade the energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy became main priorities in the national and the European energy management policy and proved to be essential tools in the actions against climate changes.
The process of achieving the EU membership criteria and the implementation of Acquis Communitare place new responsibilities and engagements for the Bulgarian local authorities. Local governments should set policies for sustainable economic development on local and regional levels as well as for preparation and implementation of energy efficiency programs.
As a member state Bulgaria should comply with the European legislation on energy efficiency (Green Paper on Bio-Preparedness, adopted by the European Commission, Energy Efficiency Action Plan, Directive 2002/91/ЕО for energy efficiency of buildings and etc.). These documents set a number of assignments related with the cost-effective usage of energy and natural resources, application of measures for energy efficiency and promotion of energy saving approaches.
Currently, vigorous actions for encouraging the pure energy actions have been implemented in the EU as in Bulgaria on local and national levels. Some years ago, the local governments didn’t have any significant powers in the area of energy management, while today they have to adopt effective energy management policies.
Following the main principle of the sustainable development ‘Think Global, Act Local’ and replying to the Black Sea Municipalities’ needs, the UBBSLA initiated projects for establishing three agencies for energy management in the Black Sea region.
Actions steps in project implementation:
1. A project proposal for the establishment of a Black Sea Regional Agency - Varna was developed. The project cost amounts to 300 000 EUR and was funded by the Save II Program of the European Union, General Directorate Energy and Transport (40 %) and by the UBBSLA (60%). It was implemented from January 2003 until July 2006.
2. A project proposal for the establishment of a Regional Agency for Energy Management - Bourgas and Agency for Energy Management - Dobrich was also developed. The project cost amounts to 400 000 EUR and was funded by the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme, DG Energy and Transport (50 %) and by the UBBSLA (50%). It is implemented from 2005 until July 2008.
The main goal of both projects is to contribute to the sustainable development and the effective energy management in the Black Sea municipalities.
1. In 2003 the Black Sea Regional Agency for Energy Management - Varna was established. The Agency functions cover the member municipalities’ area with the main administrative center the city of Varna.
2. In 2005 the Regional Agency for Energy Management - Bourgas was established. The Agency functions in the area of Burgas Region with the main administrative center Burgas.
3. In 2005 the Regional Agency for Energy Management - Dobrich was established. The Agency functions in the area of Dobrich Region with the main administrative center Dobrich.
4. A Regional Consortium of the Energy Management Agencies in the Black Sea region was set up to implement regional initiatives.
The agencies are registered in accordance with the Law for the Non-Profit Corporate Bodies and carry out their activities in order to achieve the following goals:
- Representation and protection of its members’ interests for the endorsement of the energy efficiency measures as substantial policy components for the sustainable development of the Black Sea region in Bulgaria.
- Unification of the Black Sea municipalities’ efforts to improve the energy efficiency as a main tool for the solution of important energy and environmental priorities on a national level.
- Protection and recovery of the Black Sea region environment.
- Creation of conditions for decreasing the municipal budget expenses on energy bills.
- Assistance to decrease the energy bills for customers.
- Improving the city councilors’ energy management capacity and skills.
- Increasing the public awareness on the importance of the effective energy management as well as the public involvement in these measures.
- Examining and dissemination of Bulgarian and foreign experience on effective energy management.
Results from the Agecies’ functioning:
- The Black Sea Regional Agency for energy management has implemented 7 projects amounting to 500 000 EUR.
- The Regional Agency in Burgas has carried out 4 projects, amounting to 300 000 EUR.
- The Regional Agency in Dobrich has carried out 3 projects, amounting to 300 000 EUR.
Union of Bulgarian Black Sea Local Authorities
4 Preslav str.,
Varna, Bulgaria
post box 161
tel./fax: (++ 359 52) 600 266,
(++ 359 52) 611 811
[email protected]
www.ubbsla.org
Contact person:
Mariana Kancheva,
Executive Director
[Nominate]
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