Energy Charter Treaty

161 PEEREA (2) Contracting Parties shall promote the use of these technologies, services and management practices throughout the Energy Cycle. Article 8: Domestic Programmes (1) In order to achieve the policy aims formulated according to Article 5, each Contracting Party shall develop, implement and regularly update energy efficiency programmes best suited to its circumstances. (2) These programmes may include activities such as the: (a) development of long-term energy demand and supply scenarios to guide decision-making; (b) assessment of the energy, environmental and economic impact of actions taken; (c) definition of standards designed to improve the efficiency of energy using equipment, and efforts to harmonise these internationally to avoid trade distortions; (d) development and encouragement of private initiative and industrial cooperation, including joint ventures; (e) promotion of the use of the most energy efficient technologies that are economically viable and environmentally sound; (f) encouragement of innovative approaches for investments in energy efficiency improvements, such as Third Party Financing and co-financing; (g) development of appropriate energy balances and data bases, for example with data on energy demand at a sufficiently detailed level and on technologies for Improving Energy Efficiency; (h) promotion of the creation of advisory and consultancy services which may be operated by public or private industry or utilities and which provide information about energy efficiency programmes and technologies, and assist consumers and enterprises; (i) support and promotion of cogeneration and of measures to increase the efficiency of district heat production and distribution systems to buildings and industry; (j) establishment of specialised energy efficiency bodies at appropriate levels, that are sufficiently funded and staffed to develop and implement policies.