by AF0106 c3 — January 8, 2010—In order to achieve long-term sustainability goals, realize the promise of smart grid technology and capitalize on opportunities presented by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the nation must develop a collaborative, comprehensive energy management strategy. This was the strong opinion voiced by a panel of at a National Press Club Newsmakers panel in Washington, D.C.
“The spirit of collaboration exists, the federal government has provided the incentive, and proven technology is available. The time to act is now.”
Representatives of Eaton Corporation, the U.S. Department of Energy, University of Pittsburgh, and Bayer MaterialScience LLC outlined the case for moving toward a more strategic approach to improving the capability, reliability and safety of the nation’s electrical infrastructure.
A comprehensive approach to energy efficiency offers the potential to realize gross energy savings worth more than $1.2 trillion, well above the $520 billion needed through 2020 for upfront investment in efficiency measures (not including program costs), according to management consulting firm McKinsey and Company.
While the U.S. economy has demonstrated a broad commitment to energy reduction, the panel noted that the public and private sectors must now make strategic, long-term investments in their electrical infrastructure.
For more information, see the Eaton Web site.
