Energy efficiency improvements in the U.S. electric power sector could reduce the need for new electric generation by an additional 7 to 11% more than currently projected over the next two decades if key barriers can be addressed, according to a new analysis.
The findings come at a time when utilities, regulators, and policymakers are aggressively seeking ways to meet growing electricity demand, while reducing the carbon footprint of the U.S. economy. The key challenge is to maximize potential gains in energy efficiency, while ensuring adequate new electric generation to maintain reliability and meet future demand.
The draft findings were presented by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) during an Edison Foundation conference, Keeping the Lights On: Our National Challenge, which examines strategies to meet the growing demand for electricity which is expected to soar 30% by 2030, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
That demand growth projection would be even higher without the implementation of existing building codes, appliance standards and market-driven consumer incentives, which will shave electricity consumption by 23%, according to the EPRI-EEI study. However, additional efficiency gains could be achieved only by overcoming major market, regulatory and consumer barriers, the analysis found.
"This study demonstrates the potential of energy efficiency to offset some of the projected need for new electric generation as cutting-edge technologies become available and are adopted," said Dr. Michael Howard, senior vice president at EPRI. "We think a 7% efficiency improvement is realistic–and gains of 11% or more are technologically feasible–depending on the degree to which various obstacles can be overcome."
Essential steps include:
- increased consumer education
- adoption and enforcement of aggressive building codes and appliance standards
- creation of utility business models that promote increased efficiency within the power sector
- and adoption of electricity pricing policies that more accurately reflect the cost of providing electricity to consumers.
Diane Munns, executive director at EEI, said "To maximize utility investment in efficiency programs, energy efficiency must be treated as an energy resource on par with new generation."
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