Northwest Power Industry Commits $100 Million for Efficiency

March 2, 2005

The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance announced on February 22nd that it will receive $20 million each year over the next five years to support its efforts to increase energy efficiency in the region. The funds will come from the Bonneville Power Administration, electric utilities, and public benefit funds—state funds generated through a fee on electricity to support public benefits such as renewable energy and energy efficiency. The $100 million investment will support market-based energy efficiency programs throughout Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

Since the Alliance began in late 1996, energy efficiency efforts in the Northwest have saved the region an estimated 130 megawatts of electricity through 2003. The Alliance programs encourage appliance manufacturers and retailers to make and sell more efficient products, encourage commercial building designers to adopt practices that yield high-performance buildings, and promote new and innovative energy-saving technologies to industries in the Northwest. By 2010, the Alliance and related efforts are expected to save enough electricity to offset the need for two new power plants in the region, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 2 million tons. See the Alliance press release.

Among the many useful services provided by the Alliance is a systematic review of energy efficiency products and technologies. Currently, five "Product Technology and Review Sheets" are posted on the Alliance Web site.