I don't think the article was about pointing out that the original predictions were wrong. It was about the need to adjust them according to actual developments

I don't think the article was about pointing out that the original predictions were wrong. It was about the need to adjust them according to actual developments. About the other points, it is possible that politics had some effect, but I personally rather doubt it. The general assumption that businesses would just waste away energy is incorrect imo. There is always an incentive to become more efficient.