ACEEE | American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Jul 28, 2021
Energy Efficiency in a Clean Electricity Standard: Managing Demand Is Key to a Cheaper and More Equitable Carbon-Free Electric Grid
Rapidly decarbonizing the power sector is fundamental to confronting the climate crisis. Since fossil fuels still account for roughly three-fifths of utility-scale electricity generation in the Uni…
Rapidly decarbonizing the power sector is fundamental to confronting the climate crisis. Since fossil fuels still account for roughly three-fifths of utility-scale electricity generation in the United States, ramping up energy savings is a critical component of any plan to achieve a carbon-free grid. This policy brief explains why energy efficiency is important for a carbon-free grid, describes why an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS) or similar performance standard for efficiency programs is essential for a low-cost, equitable clean energy transition, and summarizes what we can learn from the many states that already have such a policy. It describes the options we have to embed an EERS in a federal Energy Efficiency and Clean Electricity Standard (EECES), with separate savings and supply targets (or how to set a joint target) to achieve clean electricity goals.
Bridging the Equity Gap for Utility Energy Efficiency Programs
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.
This report identifies pathways for India’s cement industry to decarbonise at a pace compatible with the national climate goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.
Home Energy Reports and Beyond: Meeting the Moment with Behavior-Based Energy Efficiency
Home energy report programs, in which utilities provide households with personalized insights into their energy use and tips to lower their bills, are a…
Strategies for Enhancing Resilience and Minimizing Vulnerabilities to Extreme Heat Events
Extreme heat is one of the fastest-growing climate-related hazards in the United States, increasing mortality, straining buildings and energy systems, and amplifying risks for households with limit…
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