The public sector is an important energy consumer. Implementation of Energy Management Systems by public authorities is one of the policy measures used to reach energy saving target of the National Energy and Climate Action Plan. The goal of this study is to evaluate the impact of this policy measure in Latvia between 2016 and 2020. The evaluation method combined the theory-based policy analysis method and evaluation criteria from the EU guidelines “The Better Regulation Agenda”. This approach allows assessment of all phases of the policy implementation process, success and failure factors, as well as end-effects. Information was obtained from official data sources, web sources, and interviews with stakeholders. Results show that although the objectives of the policy measure are in line with society's current needs and challenges, the challenges associated with its implementation reduced the policy implementation rate. Only 2.2% of the planned savings were achieved. There are a number of reasons for this, i.e. lack of legal sanctions for non-compliance with the law (the broken stick), low capacity of the national supervisory body, lack of motivation and knowledge of local energy managers and management, lack of mandatory targets, the possibility of double counting of savings. As a result, only about 20% of the target group followed the policy measure as originally envisaged. Nevertheless, this policy measure has enhanced public awareness of energy efficiency, and added value via social pressure among municipalities. It is also likely that the effect of the measure is likely to continue beyond the policy end date.