9. Local Government Programmes for Energy-Efficient Solutions: Procurement Options and Governance Challenges in Street-Lighting Renovation

This chapter analyses how different financing approaches to energy efficiency projects contribute to public policy on street-lighting renovation. The criteria for calculating the economically most favourable bid vary and local authorities are free to set them on their own. By highlighting what criteria are used most often and why, the chapter investigates what models of street-lighting renovation are preferred by local authorities and which models the private sector tends to choose. The chapter also compares and contrasts several financing approaches of these programmes including the ESCO model, public–private partnerships, loans and grants. Using the experience of Croatia, the chapter sheds light on the public procurement process for the local-level energy efficiency programmes. It further identifies governance challenges and solutions available to local authorities.