ACEEE Commits to National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency

Washington, D.C. — The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) today announced its commitment to the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, developed by a Leadership Committee under the sponsorship of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The Plan seeks to assist states, utilities, and others to renew and expand energy efficiency programs for customers of gas and electric utilities.

"ACEEE commits our staff expertise and our analytical resources to making the Plan a success," said Executive Director Steven Nadel. "We are encouraged by the commitments shown by EPA, DOE and the members of the Leadership Committee, and pledge to expand our efforts to support states and utilities in reaping the benefits of energy efficiency."

ACEEE's commitments to supporting implementation of the plan include:

1. Making available ACEEE resources free via the Web, including
   • ACEEE's state scorecard on utility programs
   • ACEEE's report on energy efficiency resource standards
   • ACEEE's best-practice review of electricity efficiency programs
   • ACEEE's best-practice review of natural gas efficiency programs
   • ACEEE's best-practice review of low-income efficiency programs
2. Making available ACEEE staff to work with utilities, utility commissions, state energy offices, and other stakeholders in processes to advance efficiency programs and related policies.
3. Following up the issuance of the Plan by attending future Leadership Committee meetings, and by engaging committee members and allied organizations in taking additional steps toward improving efficiency policies and programs.

Bill Prindle, ACEEE's Deputy Director and member of the Leadership Committee, commented: "The Action Plan is particularly timely in light of several states' experience with rising energy prices, concerns about global warming, and the downside risks of deregulation. It is more urgent than ever that we devise a new set of energy policies that use energy efficiency as a resource for lower energy bills, a cleaner environment, and stronger economy."