Introduction

National Energy targets for the public sector have been set by the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012 ( Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government) and the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2009-2020 ( Department of Communication, Energy and National Resources) .

The Midlands Energy Agency (MEA) was established in December 2007 to assist the four Midland local authorities of Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford to manage and reduce their energy consumption in accordance with these national targets.

The MEA is operated by Laois County Council (LCC) as a ‘lead’ authority and is co-funded by Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford and the Midlands Regional Authority (MRA). The MEA is managed by a Regional Management Committee which comprises a Director of Service from each of the four authorities and the MRA, and an Elected Member from each authority. The agency currently has two staff members, one full-time and another part-time (20% time basis).

MIssion Statement

The aim of the MEA is to embed energy management into every section of the Midlands local authorities and to achieve ongoing and sustained reductions in the amount of energy used to deliver local authority services.

Our goal is to empower each Midlands local authority to achieve 33% saving in energy use by 2020 (target set for public sector by National Climate Change Strategy).

“The public sector will improve its energy efficiency by 33% and will be seen to lead by example – showing all sectors what is possible through strong, committed action”

(National Energy Efficiency Action Plan )

Updated 20/06/2012   by Midlands