Implementing organisation: ASE

Status: completed

Description:
Despite the potential for cost-effective energy savings, investment in energy efficiency has been slow in the Commonwealth of Independent States due to policy barriers, lack of awareness, and weak economic incentives.  As local governments slowly gain autonomy and become more accountable for utility services, there is a growing demand for information on the methods and replicable practices for improving municipal services with limited budgets.

The Municipal Network for Energy Efficiency (MUNEE) is a long-standing institution promoting energy efficiency at the regional level in Central & Eastern Europe and the CIS.  Cities across the region who are aware of the need for increased energy efficiency do not always have the capacity, resources or incentives to address municipal energy and water needs. 

This project addresses these deficiencies by identifying, presenting and discussing best practices in financing improvements in municipal services in Armenia, Ukraine and Russia.  There is an increased desire within local governments and financial institutions to properly develop and structure financing for projects that improve energy efficiency in heating, public lighting, water supply and wastewater treatment.

As a result of the project, the ability for municipalities to better meet basic needs for heat and water strengthens a municipality’s standing with the populace and raises expectations among the citizenry for a responsive government, helping lay the foundation for transparent and democratic governance.