<p class="CxSpFirst">The private sector is key in contributing to the accelerated adoption of energy efficient appliances and ensuring sustainability of the EELA project initiatives after the project comes to an end. Energy users from both the public and private sectors seeking to make new or replacement investments in efficient appliances and equipment often face a number of barriers including inadequate capital funds, inability to access affordable debt with an appropriate tenure, competing budgetary commitments as well as limited technical skills.</p>
<p>There is a need to create awareness to the energy users of existing business models that can assist them to access energy efficient appliances and services. These models include those applied by Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) which include Energy Performance Contracting (EPC), equipment leasing, Lighting as a Service, and Cooling as a service. Technical support will be availed to energy users to enable them to prepare bankable energy efficiency project proposals.</p>
<p>There is also need to create awareness to ESCOs of the existing potential for them to expand their product offering and market reach in EAC and SADC member countries by showcasing these opportunities and putting in place a market incentive facility aimed at promoting the execution of energy efficiency projects.</p>
