Skip to Content

Energy Efficiency Resource Standard

An Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS) is a policy to encourage more efficient use of electricity and natural gas. An EERS consists of electric and/or natural gas energy savings targets for …

boston

An Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS) is a policy to encourage more efficient use of electricity and natural gas. An EERS consists of electric and/or natural gas energy savings targets for utilities and other administrators. All EERS policies include end-user energy savings improvements that are aided and documented by utilities and other program administrators.

The resources we include in our Toolkit regarding EERS will assist stakeholders with its development and implementation. Energy systems are unique to each state, so one model will not necessarily work in multiple states. With that in mind, we include information on all existing EERS policies so that stakeholders can ascertain which model will work best in their state. These resources will also help to educate stakeholders on the benefits of and barriers to implementing an EERS, along with a detailed report on states’ progress in meeting these energy savings targets.

Next Generation Energy Efficiency Resource Standards (July 2019)

EERS in brief (May 2019)

 State EERS Summaries and Map (PDF) (Updated January 2017)

State EERS Progress Report (2014)

EERS Sample Language (Updated May 2016)

Energy Efficiency Resource Standards: A State Model (2009)

More information about utility-sector policies

Related Resources

Bridging the Equity Gap for Utility Energy Efficiency Programs
equity
  • Research Report
  • Affordability and Energy Equity
  • Energy Efficiency Policy
  • Homes and Buildings
  • Utilities and the Power Sector
  • 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.

    Jul 31, 2026

    Efficiency Saves: Cutting Energy Waste Can Save $31,000 per Household
    An Indian couple sitting on a couch looking at energy bills.
  • Research Report
  • Energy Efficiency Policy
  • Homes and Buildings
  • 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.

    Jul 27, 2026

    Support the Work That Makes Energy Go Further

    ACEEE’s independent research and advocacy depend on the support of foundations, businesses, and individuals committed to cutting energy bills, waste, and climate pollution.