Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS)

An Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS) is similar in concept to a Renewable Energy Standard (RES). Where an RES dictates a certain percentage of energy generation from renewable sources, an EERS requires a percentage reduction in energy use from energy efficiency measures. Under the proposed federal EERS, retail electricity distributors would be required to attain 10% electricity savings by 2020.

Information about Energy Efficiency Resource Standards

EERS Toolkit Federal EERS Fact Sheet (PDF September 2009) EERS in Practice (basic) (PDF April 2009) EERS in Practice (detailed) (PDF April 2009) EERS Mechanics (PDF April 2009) Energy Savings from Codes and Standards (PDF April 2009) State EERS Summaries and Map (PDF November 2009) State EERS Success Stories (PDF January 2009) Presentations Presentation on EERS (PDF Steven Nadel, March 2009) Presentation on State Renewable Portfolio Standards and Energy Efficiency Resource Standards (PDF June 2009)

Reports, Articles, and Testimony Laying the Foundation for Implementing a Federal Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (PDF March 2009) Testimony of Steven Nadel before Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (PDF April 2009) Energy Efficiency in the Federal Stimulus Bill — A Useful Start but Not a Long-Term Strategy (PDF April 2009) The National EERS as an Energy Productivity Tool (PDF February 2009) A Comprehensive Approach to Setting Clean Energy Standards for the Electricity Sector (PDF April 2009) Energy Efficiency Holds Steady at 2.5 Cents per Kilowatt-Hour, Even as Costs of New Power Generation Rise (PDF September 2009)

With a national standard obligating every state to employ energy efficiency measures, carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced far beyond the level achievable by those states that currently act alone. Additionally, experience in numerous states shows that efficiency improvements on average cost about 4.55 cents per lifetime kilowatt-hour saved compared to about 7 cents to over 13 cents per kilowatt-hour for conventional electricity generation. The following fact sheets demonstrate potential energy, carbon dioxide, and financial savings achievable in various states through implementation of a 15% electricity and 10% natural gas federal EERS.

ACEEE Technical Reports

• Energy Policy Legislation
• Energy Efficiency Resource Standard
• Energy Efficiency as a Resource

Additional Resources and Links

• Other Potential Federal Legislation
• Additional information on Energy Efficiency as a Resource
• State-Level EERS Information — The State Energy Efficiency Policy Database

For more information contact:
Steven Nadel, Executive Director
Suzanne Watson, Policy Director
Laura Furrey, Research Associate

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