A common Nordic end-user market: Consequences of the EED

Implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive in the Nordic countries may affect the development of a common Nordic end-user market in electricity. As the period up to 2020 is too short to develop harmonized energy efficiency policy measures, we expect to see a continuation of a system of current national measures to promote energy efficiency in the Nordic countries. Generally, non-harmonized policy instruments do not need to counteract competition in a common end-user market as long as the suppliers are not given a specific role in managing energy efficiency schemes. Hence, adverse effects on cross-border competition may be mitigated by avoiding obligations on suppliers or by harmonizing such obligations among the Nordic countries.