Image
Vlaams energiebedrijf (VEB) - 'Flemish Energy Company'
About this good practice
Published on 23 August 2019
Belgium
Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/ Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
VEB was established to unburden the public sector to a more sustainable and efficient energy management. VEB is a 100% governmental, external privatized and independent agency (EVA) under private law, established as a public limited liability company (NV).
VEB acts as a purchasing centre for 100% green energy for organisations in the public sector and energy efficiency services. Through placing the public tender, performing the public tender, paying the invoices.
VEB also offers support in Energy supply contracting (ESCO).
Public authorities profit of VEB’s expertise in these complex matters, scale advantage, solid legal contracts, administrative unburdening, quality checks and all in good faith, since this is a governmental company.
Thanks to its expertise and approach, VEB can tackle any energy issue while the government organisations can focus on their core task (care, education, etc.).
Lowering the threshold for public authorities, means the demand for green solutions grows.
VEB acts as a purchasing centre for 100% green energy for organisations in the public sector and energy efficiency services. Through placing the public tender, performing the public tender, paying the invoices.
VEB also offers support in Energy supply contracting (ESCO).
Public authorities profit of VEB’s expertise in these complex matters, scale advantage, solid legal contracts, administrative unburdening, quality checks and all in good faith, since this is a governmental company.
Thanks to its expertise and approach, VEB can tackle any energy issue while the government organisations can focus on their core task (care, education, etc.).
Lowering the threshold for public authorities, means the demand for green solutions grows.
Expert opinion
This good practice is an excellent example of an institutional innovation. The institution was established with a very specific mission on supporting public institutions shift to sustainable energy production. Public institutions are expected to lead the transition to a more sustainable consumption and serve as an example to the private sector. The good practice is also an example of innovative procurement. The practice may be of interest to other European governments who would like to consume sustainable electricity through innovative procurement.
Resources needed
VEB does not receive subsidies or funds from the Flemish government. VEB must ensure that it is self-sufficient. That is why VEB works with a cost-covering fee. This fee covers all operating costs.
Since the number of customers grew exponentially and we offer more and more services, human resources
Since the number of customers grew exponentially and we offer more and more services, human resources
Evidence of success
Over 350 public organisations chose VEB for their energy supply. These customers are good for 50,000 connections and 4 TWh of natural gas and green electricity.
Both public organizations with a large or a small portfolio opt for VEB. From central government to social housing, they are all satisfied with the extra services that VEB offers. Moreover, they are very pleased that they can work together with a reliable partner on their energy issues.
Both public organizations with a large or a small portfolio opt for VEB. From central government to social housing, they are all satisfied with the extra services that VEB offers. Moreover, they are very pleased that they can work together with a reliable partner on their energy issues.
Potential for learning or transfer
This unique approach can easily be transferred to other European regions.
The services that VEB offers are solely focused and tailored to governments. VEB's way of working contributes to making governments more efficient and simplifying their processes. With VEB, the expertise on energy does not remain fragmented throughout the government, there is one expertise centre. VEB intends to provide all its expertise on energy. In this way, governments can invest more time and energy in their core tasks and become more efficient and stronger.
The services that VEB offers are solely focused and tailored to governments. VEB's way of working contributes to making governments more efficient and simplifying their processes. With VEB, the expertise on energy does not remain fragmented throughout the government, there is one expertise centre. VEB intends to provide all its expertise on energy. In this way, governments can invest more time and energy in their core tasks and become more efficient and stronger.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
VEB
Belgium
Région de Bruxelles-Capitale/ Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest
Contact
advisor