The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States are experiencing unprecedented savings in electricity and natural gas use, thanks to a combined commitment to invest more than $2.5 billion dollars in energy efficiency through 2013, according to a report by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP). The report examines overall policy trends, provides snapshots on state progress and pitfalls, and gauges states’ progress toward capturing cost-effective energy efficiency as the region’s first-order resource to help meet energy demand as cleanly and cheaply as possible.
“Over the last year, we saw states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic continue making solid advances by putting more of their energy dollars towards cost-effective efficiency as a first order resource,” said Natalie Treat, NEEP policy outreach manager. “Leading states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York continued to set the bar higher.”
These states are reaching more customers with innovative, comprehensive efficiency programs while keeping more energy resources in-state and are implementing policy and program innovations like building energy ratings, new financing tools, improved program tracking and coordination, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
According to the research, the Northeast continues to lead the nation in innovative energy policy, public and private support and per capita investment in efficiency programs. In states like Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut and Rhode Island, important legislative and regulatory actions will allow their states to continue to expand investments in customer energy efficiency programs which will help drive down utility costs for all.
Even in a slow economy, much of the region continues to ramp up efficiency, with investment levels expected to reach beyond $2.5 billion in 2014, according to the research.
Source: Fierceenergy.com
