DOE, EPA Join Leadership Group to Boost Utility Efficiency Spending

December 7, 2005

DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on December 2nd that they have joined with more than 50 organizations to form a leadership group that will launch a new national commitment to energy efficiency. The joint effort will develop an Energy Efficiency Action Plan to substantially increase utility funding for energy efficiency, ultimately saving customers up to $300 billion on energy bills over the next 15 to 20 years. With a number of factors currently limiting utility investment in energy efficiency, the leadership group will look at policies and programs that are delivering results around the country, develop a common understanding of what works, and develop and follow through on recommendations for action. In addition to the federal agencies, the group is made up of seven state utility commissioners, plus representatives from leading gas and electric utilities, state agencies, energy service providers, large energy consumers, and environmental and energy efficiency organizations. See the EPA press release and the Energy Efficiency Action Plan Web page.