86 E. VADoVICS
In the context of energy saving and efficiency, the main focus is put
on the household sector and the building stock. However, during the
last few years, relevant policy support has been volatile (e.g., relevant
policies had been announced and then re-called), sporadic, short-term
with resources running out in days, and actual incentives have targeted
the public rather than the household sector (Bart et al. 2018; HBS–FoE
Hungary 2018; Jensen et al. 2018).
There are several gaps and controversies in recent Hungarian energy
and climate policy that give rise to discussions among experts in the sector. It is claimed that the potential for energy saving is higher than that
predicted by the government. Thus, national plans are not ambitious
enough (Slezák et al. 2015; Bart et al. 2018). Additionally, the expected
growth rate of energy consumption is disputed, and alternative estimations argue that the planned capacity enlargement of the Paks Nuclear
Power Plant is not necessary in view of the country’s potential for energy
efficiency improvements (Lechtenböhmer et al. 2016). There is also a
debate about the regulation of household energy prices, especially as it
took place without any differentiation based on income levels, housing
deprivation status, etc. (Jensen et al. 2018).
Finally, it needs to be noted that in line with EU requirements, the
process of developing the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan
has begun in Hungary. It is expected that the Plan, once adopted, may
bring some changes in the policy context.
trenDs in househoLD energy Campaigns in hungary
Governmental energy-related campaigns have been dominated in the
last years by the ‘war on utility costs’—an overall populist price policy of
the government (Slezák et al. 2015). To a lesser degree, in line with the
Energy- and Climate Awareness-Raising Action Plan of Hungary, policies
have been supported by certain awareness-raising activities.
Regarding monetary incentives, the main financial instrument managed by the central government to promote investments aimed at furthering energy efficiency in households has been the so-called ‘Warmth of the
Home Programme’ grant scheme. Set up in 2014, it has provided financial
support in several phases. For instance, grants are available for the replacement of inefficient household appliances, inefficient doors and windows,
etc. However, the available funding has been insufficient and has always
been sourced out within days, indicating a high level of interest from the
population (HBS–FoE Hungary 2018; Jensen et al. 2018).
In the context of energy saving and efficiency, the main focus is put
on the household sector and the building stock. However, during the
last few years, relevant policy support has been volatile (e.g., relevant
policies had been announced and then re-called), sporadic, short-term
with resources running out in days, and actual incentives have targeted
the public rather than the household sector (Bart et al. 2018; HBS–FoE
Hungary 2018; Jensen et al. 2018).
There are several gaps and controversies in recent Hungarian energy
and climate policy that give rise to discussions among experts in the sector. It is claimed that the potential for energy saving is higher than that
predicted by the government. Thus, national plans are not ambitious
enough (Slezák et al. 2015; Bart et al. 2018). Additionally, the expected
growth rate of energy consumption is disputed, and alternative estimations argue that the planned capacity enlargement of the Paks Nuclear
Power Plant is not necessary in view of the country’s potential for energy
efficiency improvements (Lechtenböhmer et al. 2016). There is also a
debate about the regulation of household energy prices, especially as it
took place without any differentiation based on income levels, housing
deprivation status, etc. (Jensen et al. 2018).
Finally, it needs to be noted that in line with EU requirements, the
process of developing the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan
has begun in Hungary. It is expected that the Plan, once adopted, may
bring some changes in the policy context.
trenDs in househoLD energy Campaigns in hungary
Governmental energy-related campaigns have been dominated in the
last years by the ‘war on utility costs’—an overall populist price policy of
the government (Slezák et al. 2015). To a lesser degree, in line with the
Energy- and Climate Awareness-Raising Action Plan of Hungary, policies
have been supported by certain awareness-raising activities.
Regarding monetary incentives, the main financial instrument managed by the central government to promote investments aimed at furthering energy efficiency in households has been the so-called ‘Warmth of the
Home Programme’ grant scheme. Set up in 2014, it has provided financial
support in several phases. For instance, grants are available for the replacement of inefficient household appliances, inefficient doors and windows,
etc. However, the available funding has been insufficient and has always
been sourced out within days, indicating a high level of interest from the
population (HBS–FoE Hungary 2018; Jensen et al. 2018).