The United States has had a variety of programs to encourage improved energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings for about 40 years, going all the way back to the 1973 oil embargo. T…
Complete the form to access this resource.
The United States has had a variety of programs to encourage improved energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings for about 40 years, going all the way back to the 1973 oil embargo. These programs are operated by the federal government as well as states, utilities, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations. Some of these programs are decades old; others are more recent.
This report recaps many of the major efforts, with an emphasis on federal programs and summaries of other efforts. This study was written with two audiences in mind. First, it is designed to serve as a “Building Efficiency Policy 101” introduction for Americans who are new to the energy efficiency field and could benefit from a quick tutorial on many of the major programs. Second, it was commissioned by the Energy Foundation China Sustainable Energy Program so that Chinese policymakers and energy efficiency practitioners can learn more about U.S. energy efficiency programs and policies, allowing them to learn from what the United States has been doing, which will help to inform discussions about appropriate programs and policies for China. To serve this objective, both English and Chinese Mandarin versions of this report are available.
The commonwealth spends almost $11 billion a year buying energy from out of state. Mass Save lowers bills and keeps money at home.
Utility energy efficiency programs have increased investment in low-income households, but significant gaps remain. This report examines spending and savings trends across 48 major U.S. utilities, identifies barriers to expanding low-income programs and highlights policies and program strategies that can improve energy affordability and equitable access to efficiency upgrades.
The United States faces interlocking energy challenges: rising home energy bills and gasoline prices; new demand for electricity from data centers and other loads; high greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Now, a new era of energy efficiency progress in our buildings, transportation, and industry is needed to meet this moment. This wide-ranging study finds a massive opportunity.
Home energy report programs, in which utilities provide households with personalized insights into their energy use and tips to lower their bills, are a…
ACEEE’s independent research and advocacy depend on the support of foundations, businesses, and individuals committed to cutting energy bills, waste, and climate pollution.