Tartu Regional Energy Agency

Tartu Regional Energy Agency (TREA) was established in 2009 by the Tartu City Government and the Tartu Science Park to implement efficient energy management methodologies and practices in the Tartu region of Estonia. The area of TREA’s operation encompasses all counties of Southern Estonia (Tartu, Jõgeva, Põlva, Valga, Viljandi, Võru). TREA is also able to operate throughout other areas of Estonia if needed.   

The agency is focused on sustainable energy development and works in three main areas of modern energy management: energy efficiency, efficient mobility and renewable energy resources. TREA’s services are aimed towards energy consumers and small to medium-sized energy producers. Clients of the agency include apartment associations, property owners and managers, local governments, companies, residents, companies engaged in district heating networks, and local energy producers. 

EISEA was the first energy management agency in Estonia and uses a modern European approach for local energy management. The agency also represents local energy developments at the national, EU, and international levels. Part of this work includes representing the region in cooperation networks and relevant projects.  

Activities 

TREA plays a strategic role in developing the regional energy agenda and providing an impetus for change. The main area of its activity is consulting. As part of their services, the agency gathers data about the region, analyses it, and provides the outputs to relevant policymakers and other stakeholders. TREA also supports local stakeholders by offering independent and objective advice about local energy management issues. Additional activities from the agency include:  

• Preparing energy performance certificates.  

• Supporting the management of renovation projects through consultations and selecting service providers for the projects.  

• Supporting building energy management by monitoring and analysing energy consumption in buildings. TREA is also able to calculate costs and the profitability of possible solutions.  

• Assist local governments in energy management by analysing energy consumption, proposing ways to save energy, and calculating the profitability of local energy production systems and district heating networks.  

• Preparing Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs) and CO2 emission reduction plans for local governments. 

• Offering advice on establishing energy cooperatives. 

• Organising study trips, energy management training, and information days.