Government energy efficiency program set back by crisis measures

The government has reduced by almost four times the budget of the national program for energy efficiency, which is meant to finance public buildings rehabilitation and upgrading of thermal power plants, as austerity measures imposed by the crisis kick in. Instead of RON 40 million, the program will receive only RON 11.7 million for 2010, Mediafax reports. The program received less financing last year as well, from the expected RON 32.9 million receiving only RON 22.3 million.

Through the national energy program in the public sector the government gives local authorities financial support through non-refundable co-financing, for a series of works in the public sector, such as modernization works for thermal power plants, expansion of thermal transport and distribution networks, rehabilitation of public buildings.