1. Introducing Session B2 The role of energy agencies Maryke van Staden, Project Officer Climate & Air ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability

2. Energy agencies and sustainable energy Different types of energy agencies. In the context of sustainable energy these can act at a specific level, e.g. international, European, national, regional, local, and or can address a specific topic such as RE only. In Europe local and regional energy agencies often support the transition to more sustainable energy systems and use of energy. Establishment of agencies - supported by EC programmes such as SAVE. Current European drive towards creating a network of agencies that have experience in most aspects of EE and RE.

3. A local authority can expect its local energy agency (LEA) to give wide-ranging advice on all aspects of energy, as well as technical assistance in the design of energy projects, heritage and infrastructure and provision of public information on these topics. The LEA acts as a contact point for relations with European networks and institutions as well as an intermediary to local, regional and national players. Support for local governments

4. Information, advice and training on energy management issues  Support for implementation of local/regional energy plans  Energy audits of public and private buildings  Raising awareness on energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and transport issues  Search for energy-management incentive funds at national and international level Typical range of services:

5. Report from DG TREN on the outputs, performance and future perspective of SAVE Agencies, stated: "the quantity and range of activities globally developed by the Energy Agency at local level is impressive, going far beyond what might be expected by an unaware observer”. http://www.managenergy.net/products/R1077.htm Contact your local energy agencies, get information on support options. Listen and learn from our 3 examples in Session B2. Find out what Energy Agencies can offer you

6. Three different types of energy agencies presenting their work. Focus on their role in supporting community energy activities: -Czech RE Agency, Czech Republic -Development, support schemes and latest achievements of RES in the Czech Republic -Berlin Energy Agency, Germany -Facilitating energy efficiency through Energy Services - the role of Energy Agencies -Basel Agency for Sustainable Energy, Switzerland -Building an alliance of public funding agencies Session B2 topics: