Experts’ opinion on Energy Saving Obligations per se and their optimal design elements in particular

Energy savings obligations (ESO) are an innovative policy instruments aiming at increases in energy efficiency. ESO have first been proposed by the EU directive 2006/32/EC. In June 2011, a draft directive on energy efficiency was released by the Commission envisaging a scheme of ESO at the national level. Expert interviews were chosen as the scientific method most applicable on the set of problems. Experts were chosen based on the methodology applied in Rezessy (2007) and Steuwer (2009). Statements were categorised in order to evaluate the phase of implementation, the impacts and the functioning of the schemes, the importance of specific design elements and their modes of action. Finally, the aspects experts clearly agree upon are summarised.