The Regional “Energy Attribute Certificates” (CAE) Manager: The Unsung Hero of Corporate Sustainability

The Regional Manager: Cornerstone of the CAE System

The Regional CAE Manager is the vital link between companies requesting certificates and the national body that issues them. Their primary responsibility is to verify and validate CAE applications within their Region or Autonomous Community, ensuring that they comply with all legal and technical requirements before being processed at the national level.

Selection of the Regional Manager

The selection of the Regional Manager is not a trivial task. Each Region or Autonomous Community designates its own Manager, generally through a rigorous selection process that evaluates both experience in the energy sector and in-depth knowledge of regional and national sustainability legislation.

It is important to highlight that, contrary to what many people think, there is not a single Regional Manager per Community. Depending on the size and complexity of the business fabric of each region, there may be several Managers working in parallel to ensure efficient processing of applications.

The Regional Manager’s Workflow

When a company requests a CAE, a meticulous protocol is set in motion:

1. Receipt of the application: The Regional Manager receives the application directly from the company or through the electronic platform designated by the Region or Autonomous Community.
2. Initial verification: A first check is carried out to ensure that the documentation is complete and meets the formal requirements.
3. Technical analysis: The Manager examines in detail the technical information provided, verifying that the energy consumption and renewable production data are consistent and duly supported.
4. Consultation with experts: In complex cases, the Manager may consult with a panel of technical experts to evaluate specific aspects of the application.
5. Request for additional information: If necessary, the Manager contacts the company to request clarifications or additional documentation.
6. Decision: Based on all the information gathered, the Manager makes a decision on the validity of the application.
7. National processing: If the application is approved, the Manager forwards it to the competent national body for the final issuance of the CAE.
8. Communication: Regardless of the outcome, the Manager informs the applicant company of the status of their application and the next steps.

The challenge of uniformity in diversity

One of the biggest challenges facing Regional Managers is maintaining consistency in the application of criteria among the different Regions or Autonomous Communities. To address this, coordination mechanisms and continuous training have been established that allow Managers to share best practices and align criteria.

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Energy Saving Certificates (CAES): An Opportunity for Companies and Individuals

Energy Saving Certificates (ESCs) are a financial instrument that certifies the final energy savings obtained after the implementation of energy efficiency measures. Each EEC represents one kilowatt hour (kWh) saved and can be traded on the EEC market.

Nature of the position and hiring

The figure of the Regional CAE Manager deserves special attention in terms of its employment status and the conditions of its appointment:

• Nature of the contract: The Regional Manager is not a public official in the traditional sense. Their position is generally framed within what is known as “labor personnel at the service of the Public Administration”. This means that their relationship with the Administration is governed by labor law, although with certain particularities of the public sector.
• Duration of the position: The duration of the appointment as Regional CAE Manager is usually linked to specific periods, generally 4 to 6 years. This allows for continuity in management, while facilitating the renewal and adaptation of the position to the changing needs of the energy sector. At the end of this period, the position may be renewed, subject to a performance evaluation and the needs of the Administration.
• Remuneration and financing: The remuneration of the Regional Manager comes from the budgets of the corresponding Autonomous Community. Their salary is set according to the salary scales of highly qualified labor personnel in the Public Administration, and may include specific supplements related to the responsibility and specialization of the position.

The importance of independence and continuous training

A crucial aspect of the Regional Manager’s role is their ability to maintain independence in their decisions. Despite being appointed by the Autonomous Administration, their work requires a high degree of technical autonomy. To guarantee this independence and keep their knowledge up-to-date:

1. Continuous training: Regional Managers regularly participate in specialized training programs, both in technical aspects of the energy sector and in legislative developments.
2. Inter-regional exchanges: Meetings and workshops are encouraged between Managers from different Autonomous Communities to share experiences and unify criteria.
3. Periodic evaluation: The performance of Managers is evaluated regularly, not only in terms of efficiency in processing, but also in the quality and consistency of their decisions.
4. Code of ethics: There is a specific code of ethics for Regional Managers that reinforces their commitment to impartiality and integrity in their work.

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How Energy Saving Certificates (ESCs) work