Efficient electricity use promotes energy security, which lies at the heart of the economic and human development goals of the EAC and SADC, and also underpins many of the globally agreed Sustainable Development Goals.
A preparatory phase of the project started in August 2018 and resulted among others in conducting baseline studies, developing the theory of change for the project, consulting stakeholders, developing implementation arrangements and partnerships and in the validation of the project intervention strategy. The full EELA project started in June 2019 with a duration of five years.
The EELA project will implement a broad range of activities on energy efficient lighting and appliances in four key areas across the 21 Member countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC):
MARKET INCENTIVES
MARKET INCENTIVES are put in place to stimulate the uptake of energy efficient lighting and appliances. The project offers supply chain actors technical assistance and financial incentives to deliver efficient and high-quality energy services.
POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
POLICIES AND REGULATIONS for energy efficient lighting and appliances are improved through the project, with an eye on making them gender and climate responsive. This involves developing a regional framework for efficient lighting and appliances and harmonised Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for various product groups. It also involves addressing environmental issues such as the safe ‘end of life’ disposal of lighting and appliances, including disassembly and recycling.
BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF GOVERNMENTS
BUILDING THE CAPACITY OF GOVERNMENTS standards setting and accreditation bodies, as well as testing facilities and the private sector are an important part of the programme through workshops, webinars, and other events. A network for sharing knowledge within the regions is being established. In particular, the project is capacitating testing centres in the member states through the procurement of equipment and the provision of trainings.
RAISING AWARENESS
RAISING AWARENESS about the benefits of efficient technologies amongst market players, policy makers and consumers is critical. Through the project, public information campaigns using TV, radio, social channels and outreach events will promote the multiple benefits of switching towards energy efficient lights and appliances, addressing women and men equally.
