Average gas-fired generation efficiencies in the region improved from 37% in 1990 to 49% in 2014, the highest globally. Electricity transmission and distribution losses declined from 8.2% in 1990 to 7.2% in 2014 (8.9% globally), the least among all world regions, while natural gas transmission and distribution losses fell from 1.2% to 0.6%. The reasons for this outcome include strong support mechanisms. In addition, the increased application of more flexible market-based support mechanisms such as auctions, the overall decrease of installation costs, and increased awareness of the feasibility of renewable energy projects across most of the region all contributed.