Alliance to Save Energy Launches Targeted Ad Campaign To Support Energy Efficiency in Senate Bill
The Alliance to Save Energy will launch a newspaper advertising campaign this Sunday, April 7, highlighting consumer savings from a key energy-efficiency provision in the Senate's landmark energy bill. The provision, which would raise air conditioner efficiency by 30 percent, could be debated as soon as April 9, when the Senate resumes debate on the bill (S. 517).
The eye-catching ads feature a talking central air conditioning unit proclaiming the annual savings that consumers will see on their electric utility bills if the Senate resists pressure from special interests and retains the energy-saving provision: $30 million in Arizona; more than $70 million in Georgia; $9 million in Nevada; $3 million in Oregon; and $5 million in Utah. Nationwide, the savings would reach $1 billion annually by 2020 when use of the more-efficient units would be widespread.
In addition to lower utility bills, the more efficient units would reduce strain on the electric grid, particularly on peak summer cooling days, and reduce air pollution.
All manufacturers already make air conditioners that meet the higher standard, which would not go into effect until 2006. Most manufacturers offer even more efficient models. With lower electric bills, consumers would recoup the higher cost of a more efficient model within a few years.
"By advising consumers how much they will save on their electric bills, we are also raising awareness that a vote to strip the air conditioner efficiency provision from the energy bill will also strip them of substantial savings," said Alliance President David M. Nemtzow.
The Alliance ads are co-sponsored by one or more local partners in each state: Arizona (Southwest Energy Efficiency Project), Georgia (Georgians for Clean Energy, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, and Southface Energy Institute), Nevada (Southwest Energy Efficiency Project), Oregon (Northwest Energy Coalition and Citizens' Utility Board), and Utah (Utahns for an Energy Efficient Economy, Wasatch Clean Air Coalition, and Southwest Energy Efficiency Project).
