US Action Could Save Consumer Hundreds on Energy Bills

Wednesday, February 24, 2010
 
Report: U.S. action could save consumers hundreds in energy bills
 
A new report released moments ago shows that "robust" state and federal energy efficiency policies could dramatically reduce energy consumption and save Pennsylvanians $457on their energy bills every year. And New Jersey residents could save even more -- $561 a year.  The report, “Building on the Success of Energy Efficiency Programs to Ensure an Affordable Energy Future,” is said to be the first to look strictly at the effects of energy efficiency on home energy use and home utility bills since climate legislation began moving in Congress earlier this year.  It was released by Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture) and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA).
 
Following are excerpts from a press release the groups issued:
Based on an analysis of state programs and recent national studies, the report concludes that energy efficiency programs can dramatically cut energy waste and that strong federal energy efficiency policies could reduce overall energy use by 20 to 30 percent.
 
“Our research shows we’ve only begun to tap the energy efficiency potential that can create jobs, conserve energy, and save families hundreds of dollars each year,” said report author Dr. Mark Cooper, Research Director for the Consumer Federation of America. “Given its stellar record of success, it’s time for senators to view energy efficiency as a cornerstone of the nation’s climate and energy policy.”
 
The report outlines specific policies that would maximize the cost-saving potential of efficiency and create new jobs. These policies include a federal energy efficiency resource standard (EERS) that would require utility companies to encourage efficiency programs for customers; strengthened building codes and appliance efficiency improvements; and proper funding for retrofitting or improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings. Other efficiency proposals – including BuildingSTAR, a program that would provide tax credits for retrofitting commercial and apartment buildings – would help businesses cut costs and allow clean energy businesses to expand, putting more Americans into long-term quality jobs.
 
“In Pennsylvania, we’re already on track in saving energy, money, and the environment,” said Jan Jarrett, president and CEO of PennFuture. “Thanks to the Energy Savings legislation passed last year, we are already taking action. Across the state, our utilities are offering comprehensive energy savings programs and rebates to make our homes and businesses waste less energy."
 
“We know it works,” continued Jarrett. “It pays off for our families, with lower bills; for our economy, with green jobs created right here to help make our homes more energy efficient; and for our environment, with reduced pollution from our power plants. Our U.S. senators and representatives should pass a strong federal energy efficiency standard so Pennsylvanians can get an even bigger bang for our bucks.”
 
Ron Ruman, of Pennsylvania Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy, said encouraging energy efficiency among homeowners and businesses would mean more jobs. “Companies such as Serious Materials, which continues to hire workers to make energy efficient windows at its Vandergrift plant, and Appalachian Lighting, which manufactures energy efficient LED lighting fixtures in its Elwood City plant, are just examples of how this policy would mean more jobs for Pennsylvanians,” he said.