by Jbs112008 h3 — November 21, 2008—More than 60 energy, environmental, and state policy leaders from across the country have come together with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) to produce the updated National Action Plan Vision for 2025: A Framework for Change.
The action plan outlines strategies to help lower the growth in energy demand across the country by more than 50 percent, and shows ways to save more than $500 billion in net savings over the next 20 years. These actions may help to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 90 million vehicles, says EPA.
The action plan outlines critical steps for state policy makers to take toward the goal of increasing the nation’s investment in low-cost energy efficiency. The plan also shows the progress states are making toward these goals. States, utilities, and other organizations are spending about $2 billion per year on energy efficiency programs and thereby saving the equivalent of more than 30 power plants generating 500 MW of electricity, saving energy customers nearly $6 billion annually, according to EPA.
The updated action plan also identifies areas for additional progress. About one third of the states have established energy savings targets and addressed utility disincentives for energy efficiency. Moreover, about half of the states have established energy efficiency programs for key customer classes and reviewed and updated building codes.
Two technical assistance documents are also available to assist states in achieving the energy goals established under the action plan. The first document provides guidance on establishing cost-effectiveness tests for energy efficiency programs, while the second outlines best practices for providing business customers with energy-use and cost data.
Initiated in 2005, the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency is directed by a leadership group of 30 electric and gas utilities, 20 state agencies, and 12 other organizations. This state-driven initiative is designed to help electric and natural gas ratepayers increase energy efficiency while saving money. More than 120 organizations have endorsed the original recommendations of the action plan and have committed to making it a reality.
