The draft Law on Energy Efficiency and Rational Use of Energy introduces an obligation to the Republic Hydro-Meteorological Institute (RHMZ), which should provide data on when energy can be used rationally.
The law envisages digitalization of reporting on energy efficiency measures, within the energy management system (abbreviated SEM, established within the previous law that defined energy efficiency).
It is stated that within that system, 138 taxpayers have been identified so far, of which 51 are from the industry sector, and 80 from local self-government units (in which over 20,000 inhabitants live), and 332 energy managers have been licensed.
The Government of Serbia reminds that energy efficiency in Serbia was defined for the first time by passing the Law on Efficient Use of Energy, and that according to the new law, energy efficiency policy should be determined by the energy development strategy and integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NEKP).
The NEKP contains integrated targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The draft law introduces an agreement on the efficient use of energy, which was taken over from the members of the European Union, where it was successfully implemented.
Provisions are also introduced regarding the measurement and billing of energy that is actually consumed, which should influence users to implement energy efficiency measures.
The law also defined in a new way the provisions of the energy efficiency requirement in public procurement procedures, as well as the provisions for monitoring energy savings in road traffic.
Compared to the previous law, the provisions related to the eco-design requirements of those products that affect energy consumption have also been improved.
The law also improves the provisions related to the labeling of energy efficiency of such products, such as car tires.
The law defines financing, incentives and other measures related to efficient use of energy, as well as the establishment of the Directorate for Financing and Encouraging Energy Efficiency.
It is noted that over 4.2 million euros are needed annually for the realization of activities to encourage energy efficiency.
In the explanation of the law, the Government of Serbia reminds that the development and implementation of the Action Plan for Energy Efficiency will last until the end of 2021.
It is envisaged that the authorized ministry, through the electric power inspector, energy inspector and pressure equipment inspector, will perform inspection supervision within the scope determined by the new draft law on energy efficiency.
Obligations of construction investors
An investor who is building a new building or an old one will be rehabilitated in detail, will be obliged to rehabilitate the installation for the delivery of thermal energy in those facilities in detail.
In addition, he will be obliged to equip the installation with devices for regulation and measurement of thermal energy, hot water (where it exists), as well as measuring devices for each radiator.
A certain building will be rehabilitated in detail if the total estimated value of works on its energy rehabilitation is 25% higher than its value, and the value of the land on which the facility was built will not be included in the calculation of that value.
Energy efficiency of buildings
The new law stipulates that buildings or special parts of publicly owned buildings, in which an area larger than 250 square meters is used, must have a certificate of energy properties, which will be issued in accordance with regulations governing the construction of buildings and energy certification of buildings.
The law provides for the rehabilitation of central government buildings, with the aim of achieving greater energy efficiency.
The Government of Serbia reminds that on the basis of the Law on Efficient Use of Energy, a special budget fund for improving the energy efficiency of public buildings was established in 2014.
It is noted that with the help of that fund, 6.7 million euros have been invested so far to improve energy efficiency in 91 buildings of local self-governments.
The proposal of the new law on energy efficiency envisages the control of heating systems (systems with boilers with a power of over 70 kilowatts) and air conditioning systems in buildings (systems with cooling devices with a power of over 70 kilowatts), Nova Ekonomija reports.
