On March 26, the Alliance to Save Energy announced that it formed a diverse group of thought leaders to identify the next generation of energy efficiency policies that will double U.S. energy productivity by 2030. The Alliance Commission on National Energy Efficiency Policy ("EE Commission") is co-chaired by U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tom King, National Grid USA president. 

EE Commission to Create a New Portfolio of National Energy Efficiency Policies

The EE Commission’s recommendations for new national policies, programs, practices and investments will cover all sectors of the economy (buildings, industry, transportation, power generation) and will be designed to invigorate the U.S. economy, increase global competitiveness, and achieve our country’s energy security and environmental goals – simultaneously.

The Alliance  to Save Energy will release the EE Commission’s final report and package of consensus policies before the end of 2012 so that it can serve as an energy efficiency blueprint for the 113th Congress and the next administration. Importantly, the EE Commission will focus its efforts on policies that can be embraced by conservatives and liberals alike to best ensure that they are enacted into law in a timely manner.

Diverse EE Commission Members Represent All Economic Sectors

The members of the EE Commission, collectively, have expertise across all sectors of the economy and represent different political perspectives as well as key stakeholders like the environmental and defense communities.  Commission co-chair Mark Warner hailed the EE Commission membership stating, “Securing enactment of energy policy hinges on creating proposals that can attract strong bipartisan support and that businesses and consumers alike recognize as ones that will help boost the economy and create good jobs.  Every member of the Commission is committed to creating a portfolio of new and innovative energy efficiency policies that meet these ‘must pass’ tests.”  He added, “the Commission is a group that is looking to get things done, not just proposed.”  

Commenting on his role as Warner’s co-chair, Tom King remarked, “National Grid is looking to develop ‘Energy Efficiency 2.0’ programs that go far beyond today’s efforts to increase the speed and scale at which energy efficiency is deployed.  By bringing our findings to the table, and learning from the insights of the other thought leaders in the Commission, I am confident that we will come forward with innovative solutions that will make a difference.”

International Advisory Counciil & Technical Advisers

To assist the EE Commission in its efforts, the Alliance to Save Energy organized an International Advisory Council that will share ideas, best practices and information on public policies and regulations that could be adapted in the United States. In addition, the Alliance to Save Energy organized a group of technical advisers who also will support the EE Commission with their expertise on new technologies, market trends and key energy challenges facing the buildings, utilities, manufacturing, finance and transportation sectors.

“During our inaugural meeting in February, Commission members evidenced that they have the knowledge, creativity and passion to bring forward innovative new energy efficiency policy proposals that can bridge political divides to become the law of the land, to the benefit of our economy and our global competitiveness,” said Alliance President Kateri Callahan.

Commissioners

• Dan Arvizu, Director and Chief Executive, National Renewable Energy Laboratory;
• Frances Beinecke, President, Natural Resources Defense Council;
• Jorge Carrasco, Superintendent, Seattle City Light;
• General Wesley Clark (ret.), Chairman & CEO Wesley K. Clark & Associates, Little Rock, Arkansas;
• Michael Eckhart, Managing Director, Citigroup;
• Anthony Eggert, Executive Director, Policy Institute, UC Davis;
• Carol Eicher, Group Business Vice President, Dow Buildings & Construction, Dow Chemical Company;
• Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund;
• Alex Laskey, President & Founder, Opower;
• Michael McQuade, Senior Vice President, Science & Technology, UTC;
• Michael Melaniphy, President & CEO, American Public Transportation Association;
• Governor George Pataki, Counsel, Chadbourne & Parke LLC;
• Susan Story, President & CEO, Southern Company Services; and
• Susan Tierney, Managing Principal, the Analysis Group.

Alliance to Save Energy Media Contacts

• Monique O’Grady: 202-530-2217; 703-582-8550; mogrady@ase.org
• Ronnie Kweller: 202-530-2203; 202-276-9327; rkweller@ase.org