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Leaders from the utility sector have convened with state and federal agencies, regulators, energy consumers, as well as energy-efficiency and environmental organizations to establish a unified Energy Efficiency Action Plan. The plan will identify issues and develop strategies toward a national commitment to energy efficiency, which, according to the EPA, could save customers $200-300 billion on energy bills over the next 15 to 20 years. Representative from 50 leading gas and electric utility organizations met in Washington, DC on December 2, 2005 with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S Department of Energy and a consortium of energy professionals to discuss energy efficiency as a solution to rising energy costs. "Improving energy efficiency is not just a responsibility that falls to consumers, but the private sector and the government too," Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman said. "By working together and sharing the best information and efficiency technologies, all Americans will benefit from an increased energy supply, and hopefully, lower costs." One of the criticisms leveled at the viability of broader, industry-wide investment in energy efficiency is the lack of standard policies and procedures for instituting technologies and practices. The Leadership Group of the newly formed Energy Efficiency Action Plan will identify barriers limiting investments in energy efficiency, establish a series of ‘best practices’ for utilities to incorporate into energy-efficiency programs, and promote the feasibility of energy efficiency as a long term solution. Alliance to Save Energy President Kateri Callahan was among the representatives named to the Leadership Group. “Hopefully, this unique initiative will result in increased awareness of and a greater investment in energy-efficient technologies and practices by consumers, utilities and the government,” said Callahan. |
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