The CAE Delegate is one of the key figures in the Energy Saving Certificate System (CAE), a mechanism created to promote energy efficiency in Spain and meet the commitments made to the European Union in terms of energy saving. The main function of CAE Delegated Entities within the CAE System is to assume, in whole or in part, the achievement of new annual energy savings on behalf of obligated entities, thereby facilitating compliance with their legal obligations within the National Energy Efficiency Obligations System (SNOEE).
The CAE system introduces a significant change with respect to previous models, as it allows savings obligations to be met not only through financial contributions to the National Energy Efficiency Fund, but also through real, measurable, and certified energy savings. In this context, the CAE delegate plays an essential role as an operational and specialized agent, capable of stimulating the certificate market and promoting effective investments in energy efficiency.
A CAE delegate is an entity that, through a formal delegation agreement, assumes responsibility for generating energy savings on behalf of one or more obligated parties. This delegation is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the CAE System regulatory framework and allows obligated parties to meet their energy saving commitments by using Energy Saving Certificates.
The delegated entity does not replace the obligated entity nor does it assume the legal obligation in the strict sense. Its role is to operate by delegation, providing technical expertise, knowledge of the system, and resources to identify, develop, and manage energy efficiency actions that generate certifiable savings.
This figure is particularly relevant in a system that seeks to shift the focus from purely economic compliance to the effective generation of energy savings, in line with sustainability and energy transition objectives.
The CAE System was created to respond to European energy efficiency requirements, creating a regulated market in which final energy savings can be converted into certificates with economic value.
Each CAE is equivalent to 1 kWh of final energy saved and can only be issued when the savings have been correctly calculated, justified, and verified.
This system introduces greater flexibility for obligated parties, who can choose between making financial contributions or fulfilling their obligations through CAE. In turn, it encourages companies and entities to develop energy efficiency projects, as the savings obtained can be monetized.
Within this ecosystem, the CAE delegate acts as a backbone, connecting the obligated parties with energy saving actions and ensuring that these are managed in accordance with the technical and administrative requirements of the system.
The role of the CAE delegate is primarily operational and strategic. Their main duties include the following:
The CAE System clearly distinguishes between two figures:
This relationship allows for greater system efficiency, as CAE system participants can rely on entities with technical and operational expertise, while the system as a whole encourages real investments in energy efficiency rather than purely compensatory solutions.
The appointment of a CAE delegate must be made expressly and in accordance with current regulations. It requires a formal agreement between the obligated party and the delegate, defining the responsibilities assumed in obtaining new energy savings.
In addition, the delegated entity must have sufficient technical and operational capacity to perform its function and operate within the framework of the CAE System, ensuring compliance with the required administrative and technical requirements.
This designation is key to ensuring the correct generation of certifiable savings.
The role of the CAE delegate brings significant benefits both for regulated entities and for the system itself:
For many organizations, the delegated entity becomes a strategic partner that enables them to fulfill their legal obligations more efficiently and in line with climate objectives.
An essential element of the system isthe independent verification of energy savings. Savings managed by a delegated entity can only become valid Energy Saving Certificates (CAE) if they have been verified by an ENAC-accredited entity, such as ACERTA.
Our CAE verification guarantees the reliability of calculations, the technical consistency of documentation, and the traceability of the file. Without this process, certificates cannot be registered or used to comply with energy saving obligations.
Beyond its operational function, the CAE delegate plays a strategic role in the transition to a more efficient energy model. By facilitating the generation of real and verifiable savings, it helps make the CAE system an effective tool for reducing energy consumption and advancing toward European sustainability goals.
In this sense, the figure of the delegated entity not only facilitates regulatory compliance, but also promotes a culture of energy efficiency, aligning economic, regulatory, and environmental interests within the same framework.
In order for energy savings to become a valid Energy Saving Certificate (CAE) and be registered in the official system, independent verification is an essential step. In this area, ACERTA, as an ENAC-accredited entity, plays a key role in the verification of standardized measures, providing technical rigor, traceability, and full reliability to certified savings.
Having an accredited verifier not only guarantees that savings meet the required technical criteria, but also reinforces the security and credibility of the entire process, both for obligated parties and CAE delegates. In this way, ACERTA helps the CAE system function as an effective tool for promoting energy efficiency and investment in real, verifiable savings.
If your organization participates in energy efficiency initiatives or needs to certify savings within the CAE system, it is essential to have a detailed understanding of the verification process.
Find out how we work in the Energy Saving Certificate (CAE) verification service or contact our technical team to analyze your case and move forward with confidence.
The obligated party has an annual legal obligation to save energy, while the delegated party assumes, by delegation, the responsibility of achieving these savings through certifiable energy efficiency measures.
Yes. Energy savings can only be converted into valid Energy Saving Certificates if they have been verified by an ENAC-accredited entity, such as ACERTA.
