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The US Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have unveiled an updated energy efficiency action plan for state policy makers and utilities.

About a half of states have introduced energy efficiency programmes and about a third have set targets since the original action plan was launched in 2006, but many have still not taken action.

In the years since the DOE and EPA released the National Action Plan Vision for 2025: A Framework for Change, energy efficiency measures have saved 63 billion kWh of electricity and 135 million therms of natural gas.

However, the savings only represent a few per cent of total electricity and gas retail sales. Energy efficiency is still not realising its full potential, according to the latest action plan, which could amount to energy demand reductions of 50% and cost savings of $500 million over the next 20 years.

Through the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency initiative, the DOE and EPA have now detailed ten steps that should help implement energy efficiency policies and measures.

The implementation goals include encouraging utilities and state or other agencies to commit to energy efficiency, identify its potential, set targets and integrate it into existing energy plans. The plan also calls for energy efficiency measures to be promoted and the barriers that act as disincentives to be identified and addressed.

Perhaps crucially, the action plan also explicitly urges agencies to clarify who administers energy efficiency programmes and encourages them to undertake wide-ranging public education programmes.

While many states have already updated building codes, those who have not done so are encouraged to take the necessary measures now. Agencies are also encouraged to lead by example and ensure that new standards are enforced.

The plan also urges state agencies and utilities to develop smart grid infrastructures and encourage advanced technologies such as combined heat and power.

“The plan is a big step toward a more energy-efficient future,” says Robert Meyers of the EPA.

For further information:
www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-programs/napee/index.html
www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/documents/vision_execsumm.pdf
www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/documents/vision.pdf
www.doe.gov