On February 6-7, 2014, the OECS Secretariat and the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Programme (CREDP-GIZ) convened the final workshop of the Eastern Caribbean Energy Labeling Project (ECELP). The event marked the conclusion of an effort orchestrated in collaboration with national bureau of standards, importers and retailers of electrical equipment, and other government agencies in Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The workshop allowed for a frank discussion on lessons learned and achieved outcomes. It also revealed the need for studies regarding the impact of subsidy schemes and tax incentives used for energy efficiency appliances in the region. Data collection is critical to understand the trends in energy supply and demand, and persuade policy makers of the need to enact policies that foster its rational use.

The dialogue ensuing from this workshop yielded an initial assessment for future support from the ECPA Energy Efficiency Working Group managed by the Department of Sustainable Development (DSD) of the Organization of American States (OAS) and chaired by the Government of Mexico. Initial discussions focused on seeking the support of this ECPA initiative to convene regional workshops on energy efficiency testing, energy management standards such as ISO 50001 and bilateral technical assistance from Mexico for quality infrastructure in the areas of metrology, accreditation and standardization.

The ECPA Energy Efficiency Working Group supports the efforts of the governments of the Americas to promote energy efficiency. The Working Group provides information and tools to countries in the region to promote energy efficiency and conservation. One of the main tenets of this ECPA initiative is to encourage regional cooperation on energy efficiency.