In February 2015 the principle of ‘Efficiency First’ (E1st) was formally endorsed by the European Commission within the framework of the Energy Union.

“Efficiency First” (E1st) is the fundamental principle around which the development of the EU’s energy system should be designed. It means considering the potential for efficiency (including energy savings and demand response) in all decision-making related to energy, and prioritising efficiency improvements when they are more cost-effective or valuable than power generation, grids and pipelines...