The first energy agency in Iceland was formally opened in the end of 2006 and is located in the town of Akureyri in North-Iceland. The main role of the agency is to increase awareness about energy efficiency in households and industry. Creation and introduction of education material about different energy issues does also fall under the main agenda of the agency. The agency is fully autonomous and works as a link between the public, private companies, institutions and the authorities.

During a start period of 3 years the activity was partially financed by the IEE. Intelligent Energy – Europe’ (IEE) is a main means of converting EU policy for smart energy use and more renewables into action on the ground, addressing today’s energy challenges and promoting business opportunities and new technologies.

The agency is managed by the management board and politically supervised by the Icelandic Government.  The five representatives of the management board are appointed by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, the Association of Local Authorities in Iceland and The Federation of Icelandic Energy and Water Works.

The main objectives of the agency:

• To provide consumers and public authorities with information in the fields of energy.
• To promote rational use of energy for space heating and place emphasis on areas where geothermal energy is limited.
• To create and introduce an education material for schools and consumers.
• To help small and medium sized companies and each municipality to plan strategies for facilitating energy efficiency.
• To promote a reduction in the intensive use of fossil fuel in the transport section.