From one coast to the other, energy efficiency programs are saving energy and money. “Energy efficiency is one of New Jersey’s most cost-effective tools in reducing energy use and fighting climate change and we are proud of our continued role in providing programs, resources and strategies to help New Jersey and our customers achieve this goal,’’ said Karen Reif, vice president of PSE&G Renewables and Energy Solutions. In Texas, a study by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that the standards, over the next thirty years, would save consumers $4.3 billion and prevent 45 million tons of pollution.
Despite having some success, energy efficiency programs continue to face challenges. Texas Gov. Abbott vetoed a bill allowing the state to adopt strong energy efficiency standards for new buildings. However, Abbott made it clear he would review and reconsider the bill later.
“It’s pretty unprecedented because I don’t think anyone’s ever seen that on a veto message before,” Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, said during an interview on Capital Tonight Thursday.
In California, Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is encouraging customers to participate in energy efficiency with programs that aim to provide energy-saving measures and services at no cost. Improvements to energy-efficient appliances, weatherization materials, such as insulation and weatherstripping, and the repair or replacement of inefficient heating and cooling systems are all available.
PSE&G’s energy efficiency programs won over 25 awards in various categories and they’re consumers are expected to save $300 million on utility bills annually. "Helping customers become more energy efficient is key to our state's clean energy future and PSEG's vision to power a future where people use less energy and that energy is cleaner, safer and delivered more reliably than ever," said Karen Reif, vice president of PSE&G Renewables and Energy Solutions. How well is your utility maintaining its energy efficiency programs?