Skip to Content

Utility Regulation and Energy Efficiency Programs

Policies and programs that address customer end uses of energy, both electric and natural gas, are critical for achieving greater energy efficiency. The policies that underpin these programs includ…

yellow-pipes

Policies and programs that address customer end uses of energy, both electric and natural gas, are critical for achieving greater energy efficiency. The policies that underpin these programs include utility regulation and legislation that guides state efforts to advance energy efficiency. Regulation can provide utility incentives to pursue energy efficiency and compensate a utility’s lost revenue from energy efficiency measures. State legislatures can prod utility commissions to adopt these regulations with explicit legislation. Another major policy states can adopt is the Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS), which requires utilities to annually save a certain percentage of energy over a multi-year period.

The Toolkit pieces we include in this section were developed to inform stakeholders in states that are at various stages of developing their energy efficiency policies and program portfolios. Here stakeholders will find resources that run the gamut of regulatory policy as it relates to utility investment in energy efficiency, from developing foundational regulatory policy to advancing cost-effective utility-financed energy efficiency programs that aim to generate deep energy savings.

Topics

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.