What are White Certificates (TEEs)? Represent a significant revenue opportunity for companies looking to improve their energy efficiency.
In the era of incentive-free photovoltaics, new forms of facilitation are blossoming and emerging. These are enabling the even greater spread of renewable energy installations. They ensure savings and financial gain for users who carry out interventions in their homes or businesses.
What are White Certificates (TEE)
Energy Efficiency Certificates (TEEs), also called White Certificates, are titles that certify the achievement of specific energy savings. These energy savings are achieved through energy efficiency interventions. Redefined by Ministerial Decree Dec. 28/12/2012, they [the regulations] aim to incentivize the improve energy efficiency in end uses.
They also aim to contain energy losses and the adoption of renewable sources.
Savings in electricity consumption, methane gas, or other fuels are measured in TEP or Tonnes of Oil Equivalent. One TEP corresponds to savings of about 5,350 kWh for electricity consumption and 1,200 Nm3 of natural gas. A White Certificate is equivalent to the savings of one TEP.
However, the amount of savings remains linked to the type of intervention and how it is carried out. Therefore, there are specific data sheets to quantify energy savings.
Energy Efficiency Certificates, which can be bought and sold, have an economic value established by the GME (Gestore Mercati Energetici) according to market trends-which is around 100 euros per year and lasts for five years.
Who can get them？
The TEE system involves establishing (usually on a three-year level) national energy savings targets to be achieved by electricity and gas distributors with more than 50,000 end customers. These distributors are obliged to carry out energy efficiency projects for their end users to achieve the set amounts of savings and obtain the relevant White Certificates.
If distributors do not perform sufficient savings to be in compliance with the established quantities, they can purchase TEEs from other parties on the market. Conversely, if distributors achieve savings in excess of the targets, they can sell the excess TEEs.
In addition to the above distributors, defined as obligated entities, the following voluntary entities can also participate in the TEE system:
- Subsidiaries of obligated distributors;
- Non-obligated distributors due to end users of less than 50,000 end customers;
- Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and/or Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) accredited to the GSE, the entity in charge of monitoring the energy savings of projects and evaluating and issuing certificates;
- Businesses operating in the industrial, civil, tertiary, agricultural, transportation, and utilities sectors, provided they appoint a person responsible for energy conservation and rational use of energy – energy manager (art.19 Law No. 10/91) – or have an ISO 50001-certified energy management system;
- Public bodies, under the same conditions as the companies mentioned above.
Different ways to increase energy efficiency are being explored, such as installing photovoltaic systems up to 20 kW, utilizing solar heat, utilizing heat pumps, installing efficient lighting, and recovering energy from industrial processes. It is possible to integrate multiple renewable systems to quantify more significant energy savings.
If you would like to take advantage of White Certificates and would like more information on the savings and profit opportunities for your business, request a tailored consultation.