The white certificate scheme: the Italian experience and proposals for improvement

Panel: 2. Current energy efficiency policies: On stage and backstage

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Dario Di Santo, FIRE, Italy
Daniele Forni, FIRE, Italy
Veronica Venturini, FIRE, Italy
Enrico Biele, FIRE, Italy

Abstract

The Italian White Certificate scheme is one of the most complete examples of baseline and trade incentive schemes existing in Europe, created with the aim of promoting energy efficiency measures on final energy uses. The first draft was defined by Ministerial decrees in July 2004. The scheme provides for electricity and natural gas DSOs the obligation to achieve yearly energy saving targets certified by the presentation of a corresponding number of white certificates (each equal to one toe). The DSOs can reach their target either by implementing energy efficiency solutions among end-users or by buying white certificate from other DSOs, ESCOs or companies that have an appointed energy manager as provided by Italian law 10/1991.

During the first years of application, the scheme encountered some initial difficulties and has been corrected and modified with ad hoc legislative acts in December 2007 and in May 2008. Recently, it has become difficult to find white certificates on the market, due to the configuration of the scheme more than to market dynamics, and there is the necessity to change the scheme.

It is time to make a brief assessment of the White Certificate scheme, evaluating its effectiveness in promoting energy efficiency in comparison to the experiences of other EU member States.

Strengths and weaknesses, achieved results and suggestions to improve the current scheme will be addressed.