1. The energy efficiency policy of
Norway
IEA-DSM Task 24 Norway workshop,
May 27 2013,

2. Overview
• Background
• Historical phases of energy efficiency
• Theory of planned behaviour
• Problems and possible solutions

3. Why energy efficiency in Norway?
• 100 % hydro
• Self-sufficient
• Cheap, clean and
abundant
• Norwegians generally
can afford it

4. Second highest consumption in world

5. Also...
• Large ferrosilicon industry, plants require
enormous amounts of electriciy
• Electricity can be a valuable export in itself
– So some economists say: forget industry, sell the
electricity directly!
• Hydro dams are not without environmental
consequences...

6. Phases of energy efficiency policy
• First phase after 1973 oil shock
– Unorganised
– Moral
• «we are
wasteful»
– Seen as part
of industrial
policy

7. Phases of energy efficiency policy
• Second phase, with liberalisation
• «Market takes care of it», consumers are
economically rational
• Focused on reducing barriers to competition
and reducing information deficits
• Amounted to having no efficiency policy
– However, Norway did have 10%+ over-production
at the time...

8. Phases of energy efficiency policy
• Third phase: Enova
• A more hands-on approach
– Subsidy schemes, information centers
– However, limited use of regulation
• Environmental concerns increase
• (Still, their efficiency in achieving efficiency is
questioned...)

9. Theory of planned behaviour
• How behaviour change comes about:
– Result of changes in intentions, which in turn are
influenced by attitudes, norms and various sorts
of behavioural control (price
incentives, informational barriers, infrastructure
etc.)
• External intervention should be targeted at
this last, as it is easiest to affect

10. Theory of planned behaviour

11. Some problems
• Behaviour/practice is only intentional under
specific circumstances
– Large purchasing decisions (car, house)
• Information sought at specific times
– When buying heat pumps, when refurbishing
• Energy use is more tied to habitual and
unconscious behaviour

12. Some suggestions
• Go after decision points
– But how?
• Focus more on habits/practices
– But how?