CEDEF launched a novel initiative to create a network of experts in energy management in cities, industry and utilities, MEMS. The network is also open to design experts as well as institutions, like Agency for Energy Efficiency of the Republic of Serbia, Provincial Secretariat for Energy and Mineral Resources, Serbian Chamber of Commerce, Universities and SCTM. Large number of energy managers from all over Serbia joined immediately. On December 14th 2011 in Vršac at the First Summit of energy managers Serbia, CEDEF launched the NETWORK OF ENERGY MANAGERS SERBIA - MEMS. This first successful Summit was followed by many other very well attended summits.

Tha rationale was in improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy sources in Serbia. It represents a continuous process that requires an organised and systematic approach to the relevant state institutions and civil society organisations, local governments, businesses and individuals.

MEMS is established to provide a measurable increase of knowledge, skills and the quality of energy managers in Serbia, as well as their effectiveness through a network of closer relations. The formation of MEMS is mainly focussed on expanding the scope and depth of the impact of energy managers, and their influence on decision makers and the general public. For the first time in Serbia, there is a possibility for energy managers to have a direct, open, continuous and intensive communication about news and educational networks of experts.

The management of energy policies on the local level is of particular significance for the implementation of strategies, laws and regulations in this area. In the implementation of the energy policy, the local administration has the ability and mechanisms to harmonize the public and other interests. As closest to the citizens, the local administration is positioned to understand their needs.

The Energy Law of the Republic of Serbia defines that the energy policy at the local level is implemented through the regular development of local energy development plans, which are setting out the need for energy and the conditions and manner of providing the required energy capacity. The program for implementation of the Energy Strategy of the Republic of Serbia by 2015, during the period 2007 until 2012, defines that those local governments should promote and implement energy efficiency measures at the local level. Increasing energy efficiency in production, distribution and use of energy is one of the five main priorities set out in the Energy Development Strategy of the Republic of Serbia by 2015.

In order to improve energy efficiency and encourage greater use of renewable energy sources at the local level and the industry, one of the priority areas is a further implementation of policies and legislation that ensure sustainable development, as well as to promote a better energy management more frequently.

Download the program and the founding documents of MEMS: