Brussels – There has long been a question mark over the recording of energy performance contracts (EPCs) in government accounts which has often been cited as restricting investment in these services for schools, hospitals and other public buildings. The guidance note published yesterday by Eurostat, the EC’s Statistical Office, clarifies and extends the circumstances under which energy performance contracts can be treated off the balance sheet. This is expected to “significantly increase” the possibilities for public authorities to use energy performance contracts to access private finance and make major energy efficiency investments in a cash neutral or cash positive format. After considerable pressure from industry bodies such as the Energy Efficiency Financial Institutions Group (EEFIG) on this matter it is regarded by many as something of a breakthrough.