The SAVE II initiative incorporated community action on regional and urban energy management. The aim was to stimulate a 'bottom up' approach to energy management by encouraging local and regional action for energy efficiency, the use of local energy resources and the creation of optimum energy-supply conditions at the local level. To achieve this aim, SAVE II part-funded the collaborative creation of autonomous Energy Management Agencies at the local and regional level, establishing networks to disseminate to local and regional authorities throughout with the help of FEDARENE (Network for Regions), ENERGIE-CITE (Network for Cities) and ISLENET (Network for Islands).

• Study of outputs, performance and future perspectives of SAVE energy agencies - Consolidation Report
• View the SAVE Energy Agencies Charter of Cork 1998
• Download the SAVE Agency Logo (English) as:
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About energy management agencies

Functions:

• Provide information, advice and training on energy management issues and techniques.
• Give technical advice on the design of energy management projects.
• Link people/organisations with similar projects.
• Undertake independent audits of local energy producers or equipment manufacturers.
• Contribute to the setting up of relevant projects.
• Manage, if appropriate, an energy management incentive fund.
• Stimulate economic activity.
• Act as intermediary between the local/regional authority and local/regional players in the energy market.
• Develop relevant European links to stimulate information exchange and technology transfer.

Spheres of action:

• Housing
• The public and private service sector
• The small and medium-sized business (SME) sector
• Local/regional development and planning
• Travel and transportation planning
• The local/regional administration's infrastructure
• Energy supply, including the development of regional energy systems using local and renewable resources and wastes

Key factors for success:

• Autonomy: Each Agency to be a neutral, independent, autonomous body, with its own permanent staff and budget, but operating under the aegis of the local and regional authorities
• Partnership: Each Agency liasing with and involving the local public, community and private players in the energy field
• Long-term Commitment: The long-term political and financial commitment of the local/regional authority to the Agency and its activities
• Motivation: Each Agency team both skilled and highly motivated in terms of energy management, renewable energy and the environment
• Communication: Each Agency publicising the quality services offered and disseminating the results of its activities as widely as possible