Asia-Pacific Dialogue on Clean Energy Governance and Regulation Energy Efficiency Workshop 20-21 June 2011, ADB Headquarters,

Manila

Role of Consumer Groups and Civil Society in Strengthening Energy Efficiency Governance (EEG)

Indrani Thuraisingham
Head, Consumers International Kuala Lumpur Office for Asia Pacific and the Middle East Malaysia

50 years of the global consumer movement

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Global Energy Services

Globally, at least 1.6 billion people do not have access to electricity (4 out of 5 people in South Asia still dont have access to electricity)

Worldwide, 2.4 billion people rely on traditional biomass fuels for cooking

(The Energy Challenge for Achieving the Millennium Development Goals-UN Energy 2005)

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Civil society voice and why?

Unfair legal frameworks Political control Lack of transparent practices Lack of access to information

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Consumers Expectations on EEG

- Access to energy - Sustainable products/ services - Clear and accurate information

- Choice and flexibility - Regulation and Standards - Mediation and redress

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Consumer Participation in EEG in Asia

Housing consumer representatives within the regulating entity is the most widespread institutional mechanism in Asia particularly to - raise consumer awareness - resolve consumer complaints - solicit consumer input in decision making

Further, the regulatory engagement is needed in developing partnerships, empowerment, consulting the groups in generating more accountability and disclosure of information to consumers
(Working Paper on Consumer Participation in Infrastructure Regulation Evidence from the East Asia and Pacific Region by World Bank in 2004)

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Some models of civil society participation

The Philippine Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD)
- The Council has strong representation by members of NGOs & Peoples Organisations

It influences on mainstreaming governments policy-making on SD

The Council was instrumental in the development of a National Agenda 21 for Sustainable Development for the 21st Century
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Some models of civil society participation contd.

Mumbai Energy Regulatory Commission (MERC)-India
As per the electricity Act 2003, MERC is represented by consumer representatives to advise the Government on: Promoting competition, efficiency and economy in the power sector Regulating tariffs of power generation, transmission and distribution Protecting consumers interests

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Role of Consumer Groups and Civil Society in Strengthening Energy Efficiency Governance of Civil Society and Strengthening - Participate in Standards Development & Certification by
representation in technical committees of national standards making bodies Play a watchdog function in the regulatory process to challenge decisions as well as for feeding consumer input in the decision making process Facilitate access to information to consumers through education programmes, campaigns or others Provide legal aid through legal advice clinics and handling complaints
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Role of Consumer Groups and Civil Society in Strengthening Energy Efficiency contd..
Promote transparency and accountability by reporting on tariff related issues Formulate policies by conducting policy research studies on matters relating to EEG Increase competitiveness in the markets by promoting choice through surveys on products and services

- Engage with key stakeholders like academia, media and others in conducting research and advocacy Represent citizens/ consumers in setting pro-poor policies
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Way Forward

Consumer groups and civil society play an integral role in supporting initiatives in EEG.

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