16 April 2015: The Energy Efficiency Working Group of the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA) organized four events and prepared four case studies, which concluded the Working Group’s latest technical assistance round. The Working Group, chaired by Mexico, has worked since 2011 to provide technical assistance and advice to governments of the Americas in support of their energy efficiency and conservation goals.

A seminar on energy management systems and the implementation of the ISO 50000 standard series was held in Chile, from 10-11 March, during which representatives from 16 Latin American and Caribbean countries discussed improving energy performance and identified as key barriers to the deployment of effective energy management systems in the region: limited awareness; inadequate auditing; and low certification and accreditation capacities. Another seminar organized in Chile, from 11-13 March, brought together participants from 10 Latin American and Caribbean countries to exchange views and regional experiences on advancing the development of smart grids.

A meeting focused on energy efficiency standards for electrical appliances, organized in Saint Lucia, from 16-17 March 2015, concluded with participants agreeing on the usefulness of a bureau of standards for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with technical competence in energy efficiency measurements, and mandatory regional energy efficiency standards and labels. A seminar on energy literacy in schools concluded the series, taking place from 18-20 March, in Antigua and Barbuda, which featured related teaching materials developed by the Department of Sustainable Development of the Organization of American States (OAS).

In 2015, the Working Group has also produced assessments of energy efficiency frameworks in Chile, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and Honduras. The ECPA Energy Efficiency Working Group has convened more than 30 workshops, seminars and technical exchange meetings, attended by more than 650 government officials from more than 30 OAS Member States. [ECPA Press Release] [IISD RS Story on the ECPA Working Group]