As part of the project “Energy efficiency: public policy, investments, benefits”, RES Foundation conducted a study visit to the Municipality of Kovin.
The aim of the visit was to monitor the results and experiences in the implementation of the project “SURCE – Clean energy and energy efficiency for citizens”, through which subsidies are granted to citizens for the implementation of energy efficiency measures in households.
Citizens most often choose gas boilers and replacement of carpentry
The municipality of Kovin was chosen for the visit because in the previous cycle as many as 50% of subsidy beneficiaries opted for the purchase and installation of gas boilers, while around 30% chose to replace the carpentry.
Representatives of the Kovin Municipal Administration, who actively participated in the implementation of the competition, point out that the interest of the citizens is extremely high. During the last year, all available funds were spent, including additional funds provided by the municipality with the support of the Ministry of Mining and Energy.
According to them, the demand for gas boilers stems from the good availability of gas in the territory of the municipality and the wide use of gas for heating in households. Many citizens took this opportunity to replace old and inefficient boilers, often more than 15 years old, with new, more efficient devices that contribute to energy savings.
Limitations and challenges in the implementation of certain measures
In the territory of the municipality of Kovin, there are currently no contractors dealing with the insulation of facades and roofs who have applied to carry out subsidized measures. Citizens cannot apply for these measures, although they are formally part of the subsidy program.
During the previous year, a public call for energy vulnerable customers was conducted, in which four households received support. The illegality of a large number of facilities was highlighted as one of the main challenges, which makes a significant number of potential users ineligible for participation in support programs.
Lessons learned and recommendations for the future
Representatives of the municipality of Kovin pointed out numerous advantages of the subsidy program for the local community, but also obstacles that need to be overcome in the next cycles – first of all, the lack of contractors for certain measures and the complexity of administrative procedures.
At a time when huge risks related to the security of natural gas supply in the Republic of Serbia have become very visible, we invite you to re-read our text When the heart is warm, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
An energy policy that would increase the chances of achieving security of supply, sustainability and accessibility of energy requires a lot of knowledge, work and love for one’s country.
