Energy efficiency promotion under the conditions of Romania's transition towards a market economy

In Romania during the socialist economy model, industry was conducted by political decisions and not by performance criteria. The national economy's energy intensity was at a high level. State support of development in the energy field has given a false picture in most state industry enterprises. At the beginning of the new era in Romania - competitive market transition the concept of an increase in energy efficiency by single free market rules was accepted by our economists. This theory has not been translated into the real situation. Due to the economic crisis, internal demand is decreasing. Energy intensity is still at a high level (1.2 tep/k$ GNP in primary demand and 0.9tep/k$ GNP in final demand). In recession conditions, the state was unable to support a coherent energy efficiency governmental program. EU support (PHARE, SYNERGY, THERMIE, etc.) was partial. It is necessary for the state to lead in energy efficiency, if in Romania, the energy efficiency market has a low profile.