Enigin Update - Two States set Example for U.S.
IN THE U.S. the prospect of a comprehensive national energy policy seems uncertain, but two states reminded the whole country that bold energy efficiency policies can win bipartisan support.
It is generally accepted that energy efficiency would save businesses and consumers millions in wasted energy costs, but national energy efficiency policies may seem unlikely to come to fruition, but earlier this month Arkansas set an example by becoming the first state in the Southeast U.S. to adopt a comprehensive set of policies on utility energy efficiency programs. Arkansas’ policies include an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS).
Shortly afterwards in the state of Wisconsin, the Joint Committee on Finance approved recommendations set in an Order given by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) to increase funding to Focus on Energy.
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) Executive Director Steven Nadel commended the states’ efforts:
“The actions taken in Arkansas and Wisconsin should signal to policymakers at the state and federal level that moderate and even conservative constituencies can rally behind the cause of creating an energy-efficient economy. Energy efficiency is an abundant resource that reduces waste across all sectors and improves economic productivity.”
Max Neubauer, ACEEE Research Associate, authored an energy efficiency potential study for Arkansas early in 2010 that recommended the adoption of an EERS and was pleased with the result.
He said:
“The orders given by the Arkansas Public Service Commission signify a break from the commonly voiced doctrine in the Southeast (U.S.) that any expense on utility bills is a bane of business and economic growth.
“In fact, it is quite the opposite with regards to energy efficiency. It costs far less to save a kWh than to generate one, so energy efficiency encourages economic growth by creating a robust, sustainable energy market that offers new business opportunities, generates jobs, saves consumers money, and curbs the strain on our environment.”
The Arkansas targets are moderate, rising from an annual reduction of 0.25 percent of total electric kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales to 0.75 percent of total electric kWh sales over the next three years (and slightly less for natural gas sales), but require a high level of verification to ensure that utility companies are fairly rewarded, and that consumers get solid cost benefits.
The Wisconsin electricity goals, as a percentage of peak load and electric sales, amounts to 0.75 percent in 2011, ramping up to 1.5 percent in 2014. The PSCW also approved natural gas goals of 0.5 percent in 2011, ramping up to 1 percent in 2013.
Twenty-six U.S. states now have an EERS, accounting for 65 percent of the country’s electricity demand. The policies currently on the books will provide electricity savings equal to 6 percent of nationwide retail sales by 2020.
Dan York, Deputy Director, ACEEE Utilities Program, explained further:
“The EERS will ensure that Wisconsin continues to reap the significant cost savings that result from investments in more energy-efficient businesses, industries and homes.”
A native Wisconsinite, he was glad to see his home state adopt such a strong policy.
“For years, Wisconsin has been a leader in its energy efficiency programs serving electric and natural gas customers. This policy demonstrates Wisconsin’s strong commitment and vision to invest in energy efficiency—a resource that lowers energy costs, creates local jobs, and improves the environment. It’s a big win for Wisconsin.”
Enigin Distributors across the United States, and worldwide, are helping commerce, industry and the public sector to become energy efficient through installation of energy saving technology from Enigin, including Eniscope Real-time and Analytics which monitors and manages energy use.
Picture by Daniel Schwen
