Utilities can play three key roles in industrial decarbonization. (1) They can offer programs to industrial customers related to energy efficiency, electrification, hydrogen, renewable energy, waste reduction/pollution prevention, and the circular economy. (2) They can decarbonize their operations, energy sources, and the grid. (3) They can help state and other policymakers to understand barriers to decarbonization and the savings opportunities it offers while offering technical support to industrial end-users pursuing decarbonization.
This handbook offers examples of existing programs at utilities, along with their goals, targets, and policy options in relation to financial incentives and regulatory requirements. It also outlines resources related to technical requirements, utility smart grids, and funding available through recently passed federal legislation.
Illustrative case studies (from Bonneville Power Authority, Washington; DTE Energy, Michigan; and Xcel Energy, Colorado) serve to further highlight various approaches to decarbonizing utility operations and their industrial customers, and ways to work with state policymakers to develop policies and programs that can accelerate the industrial transition to a lower-carbon future.
Toward Best Practices for Industrial Innovation: Lessons from the Department of Energy’s Industrial Demonstrations Program
This paper highlights a central lesson for policymakers: Industrial innovation requires alignment across government programs (grants, procurement), financing mechanisms (tax credits, loans), and institutional capacity. When these three are backed by sustained commitment from the public sector, private industry, and external stakeholders, the transition from demonstration to deployment becomes viable.
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.
Efficiency Saves: Cutting Energy Waste Can Save $31,000 per Household
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.
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Srinivasan, Pavitra, Andrew Hoffmeister, and Kristin Campbell. 2023. State Industrial Decarbonization Policy Handbook for Utilities. Washington, DC: ACEEE. aceee.org/resource/i2301
