Aiming to guarantee the financial return of energy efficiency projects and the installation of photovoltaic systems, the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank) is promoting the ESI Program (Energy Savings Insurance) aimed at SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Companies).
This type of insurance, known as “energy performance insurance”, already exists in Europe, but in Brazil it is still something new.
Currently, SMEs represent 99,5% of companies and 58% of formal jobs in Brazil and can gain space in the budget by optimizing their electricity costs.
The insurance provides for the payment of the amount corresponding to the reduction in energy consumption (for energy efficiency projects) or electrical generation (for photovoltaic installations) provided for in the contract, if these indicators are not reached due to performance problems of the project or the equipment involved. .
According to the IDB, SMEs were listed as a priority for the program due to their importance in the country's economy. “Often, relevant projects, for example, installing solar panels, are postponed for fear that investments will not generate savings. By guaranteeing the performance of these projects, we want to encourage the growth of a market with obvious potential in environmental and economic terms, especially for small and medium-sized companies”, explains Morgan Doyle, representative of the IDB Group in Brazil.
how to hire
Insurance is contracted with insurance companies affiliated with the program. Currently, there is one company in Brazil, Invest. Insurance may also be offered in partnership with private banks.
The policyholder is the supplier of energy solutions and the beneficiary is the SME, which can be, for example, a store or an inn, which contracts efficiency services or installation of a photovoltaic system.
ABNT support
The program also includes pre-project monitoring, equipment installation and performance measurement over a period of up to five years. Support is provided in partnership with ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards).
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