Although many states have been making notable progress on combined heat and power (CHP) policies, significant barriers continue to hinder the realization of CHP’s nationwide potential.; In pa…
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Although many states have been making notable progress on combined heat and power (CHP) policies, significant barriers continue to hinder the realization of CHP’s nationwide potential.; In particular, individual utility policies and practices, especially relating to interconnection and tariffs, have long been identified by ACEEE and others as a major barrier to the expanded adoption of CHP. The main driving force behind this project was to examine utility policies across the nation relating to CHP and distributed generation (DG) in order to identify utility barriers to entry for proposed CHP facilities. We also wanted to identify the hierarchy that currently exists with regards to the progressivism of CHP policies on a state-by-state and regional basis. Additionally, we wanted to highlight the most appropriate policy options that might help the CHP industry move forward.
Expanded utility-funded energy efficiency programs can significantly slow rising electricity demand and reduce electricity bills; this report explains how.
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.
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.
ACEEE’s independent research and advocacy depend on the support of foundations, businesses, and individuals committed to cutting energy bills, waste, and climate pollution.