Regulatory impact assessment for implementing energy efficient lighting standards in the small island developing state of Antigua & Barbuda

Abstract

A regulatory impact assessment (RIA) was conducted to provide information and analyses to support government decision-making on policy and conformity assessment options for adoption of proposed energy efficient lighting standards in the Caribbean island nation of Antigua and Barbuda. The methodology comprised of a multi-criteria assessment methodology coupled with perceptual cost effectiveness assessment, based on primary data obtained from an expert panel. Findings suggest that a voluntary incentive policy with intervention in the consumer market such as a product subsidy possibly coupled with a product exchange scheme in phased approach towards a mandatory obligation to energy efficient lighting products could be the way forward. Findings also suggest suitability of a third-party conformity assessment approach whereby manufacturers/suppliers/importers will require certification for energy efficient lighting products by an approved, accredited entity before or upon local market entry. The RIA is useful to government policy makers seeking to justify and prioritize their available options for efficient and effective adoption of the proposed lighting standards. This study also introduces the RIA as an approach that should be institutionalized in the Caribbean region as a tool for data driven and evidence based policy decisions.