The public sector’s procurement of energy contracts must now be in the sights of DECC, says the Energy Management Alliance (EMA).

The group which counts some of UK’s leading energy management companies like Schneider Electric and Siemes as well as industry bodies as members, said it was about time the energy department turned its gaze upon this.

Under the Energy Efficiency Strategy published on Monday, DECC believes as much as 196 TWh of energy savings could be found by 2020 through energy efficiency and a reduction in carbon emissions of 41 MtCO2.

While this is welcomed by the EMA, it also wants government to plug schemes which promote energy efficiency in the public sector, such as Energy Performance Contracting model. This is an obligation to meet energy saving targets where the risk for achieving these savings is transferred to the private sector.

Standardising the tender and contractual process across the public sector would be a benefit too, the EMA believes, as it could lower transaction costs and procurement timeframes.

Graham Meeks, of the EMA who is also Director of the Combined Heat & Power Association said: “We are delighted that energy performance contracting, public procurement and accelerating investment have been identified as priority areas. Members of the Alliance look forward to working with the Government in tackling these issues and seeing the energy management industry continue to grow as a central part of the UK’s thriving green economy.

“A balanced energy economy must see the demand side play a full part alongside present initiatives on energy supply.”