The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a joint report outlining strategies to help lower the growth in energy demand across the country
by more than 50%.
The "National Action Plan Vision for 2025: A Framework for Change" shows ways to save more than $500 billion
in net savings over the next 20 years and potentially reduce
annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 90 million
vehicles.
The action plan outlines critical steps for state policy makers to
take toward the goal of increasing the nation’s investment in low cost
energy efficiency. The plan also shows the progress states are making
toward these goals.
States, utilities and other organizations are
spending about $2 billion per year on energy efficiency programs.
Through this investment, states, utilities and other organizations have
saved the energy equivalent of more than 30 power plants generating 500
megawatts (MW) of electricity, saving energy customers nearly $6 billion
annually.
"The significant action taken by states, utilities and energy customers advances low cost energy solutions," said Robert Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. "The plan is a big step toward a more energy-efficient future, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while growing the American economy.
The updated action plan also identifies areas for additional progress. About one third of the states have established energy savings targets and addressed utility disincentives for energy efficiency. Moreover, about half of the states have established energy efficiency programs for key customer classes and reviewed and updated building codes.
Two technical assistance documents are also available to assist states in achieving the energy goals established under the action plan. The first document provides guidance on establishing cost-effectiveness tests for energy efficiency programs, while the second outlines best practices for providing business customers with energy-use and cost data.
Initiated in 2005, the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency is directed by a leadership group of 30 electric and gas utilities, 20 state agencies and 12 other organizations. This state driven initiative is designed to help electric and natural gas ratepayers increase energy efficiency while saving money. More than 120 organizations have endorsed the original recommendations of the action plan and have committed to making it a reality.
Link to the documents and action plan below.
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