An empirical typology of energy services based on a well-developed market: France

The investigation is an attempt to apply a set of consistent and official definitions of energy services (ES), energy efficiency services (EES) and energy performance contracting (EPC) on a well-developed market: France. After defining the historical context of the French market the authors describe the types of offers that are presently made and that fall within the definition of energy services. There are many classic and novel factors for the success of energy services. For instance, the energy services market is now partly structured by the CEE scheme, the French 'white certificates' or 'energy certificates scheme'. Also the grid problems lead to new services. The companies active on the market are described as a result of an empirical survey of ES market in France. This empirical survey of ES market in France includes estimates of the number of companies and of their turnover both for ES and EES. Examples and case studies are developed as a background. - Highlights: ► We apply a consistent and official set of definitions of energy services (ES). ► French ES market is structured by historical ES and shaped by recent evolutions. ► French ES market is now partly structured by white certificates and grid management. ► We describe the companies active on French market through an empirical survey. ► We have estimated French market size (actors and turnover) both for ES and EES.