Search eceee proceedings

Quality assurance for energy efficiency services: a test case from Austria

Panel: 8. Monitoring and evaluation: building confidence and enhancing practices

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Klemens Leutgöb, e7 Energie Markt Analyse GmbH, Austria
Monika Auer, DECA Austrian Association of Energy Service Providers, Austria
Stefan Amann, e7 Energie Markt Analyse GmbH, Austria
Gerard Bayer, Austrian Society for Environment and Technology, Austria

Abstract

Austria is one of the most advanced energy service markets in Europe. With estimated 250 EPC projects this form of energy services has been particularly successful since the middle of the nineties. DECA, the Austrian Association of Energy Service Providers, gathers about 25 energy service companies, which represent different branches of origin (utilities, technology suppliers, building service companies, energy consultants etc.). Although compared to most other EU countries energy services are well-known many customers still react with reluctance as soon as they get energy services offered because they have difficulties to separate “good-quality” from “bad-quality” offers. Therefore in 2013 DECA decided to develop a quality assurance system for energy services. A country comparison implemented in an EU-project shows that this development is very unique across Europe and hence can be seen as trend-setting for further development in the European energy service markets. The paper describes the development process and the actual status of the quality assurance system:

– In a first step the three main dimensions of quality have been assessed with regard to their suitability for the energy service business: (a) quality of the service provider, (b) quality of the service and (c) order quality. For all three of these dimensions a set of quality criteria has been identified and evaluated.

– In a second step the focus is put on classifying the quality of energy services as such. The main quality criteria in this context are: (a) energy analysis approach, (b) implementation of technical measures, (c) saving guarantee, (d) communication processes, (e) achievement of user comfort, (f) involvement of users, (g) maintenance and conservation of value. Each quality criteria is further detailed by means of appraisal criteria and verification methods. At the same time the approach is open to different kinds of energy services: energy performance contracting; energy supply contracting; operational contracting; energy consultancy; re-commissioning etc.

– Finally the paper evaluates different options for the institutional framework of the quality assurance system under development.

Downloads

Download this presentation as pdf: 8-401-15_Leutgoeb_pre.pdf

Download this paper as pdf: 8-401-15_Leutgoeb.pdf