We’ve been hearing for years about smart energy appliances that ‘talk’ to the grid. Here’s one better. How about cars that talk to each other to save energy? Known as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), it is one of the fascinating intelligent efficiency technologies described in a new report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient … [Read more...]
When Homeowners Don't Couple Energy Efficiency and Solar
November 15, 2014 By 1 Comment
How can programs motivate homeowners to make their homes energy-efficient before installing solar panels? And how can incentives support a whole-house retrofit approach that will optimize energy savings and prevent solar systems from being oversized? California, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Austin Energy have been grappling with this challenge for … [Read more...]
Are Microgrids Energy Efficiency…or Some Other Animal?
October 30, 2014 By 3 Comments
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy does not consider microgrids when it ranks states each year on energy efficiency polices. Microgrids would benefit from being included. State leaders exhibit quite a bit of pride in a high ranking on the scorecard; it’s a good motivational tool to encourage effective energy efficiency policy … [Read more...]
AC Efficiency Standards Would Top All Others for Savings
September 19, 2014 By 2 Comments
Air conditioner standards proposed this week would achieve the greatest national energy savings of any Department of Energy standard yet, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The federal standards would reduce commercial rooftop air conditioner energy use by about 30 percent, ACEEE said. "DOE's new standards are a … [Read more...]
No Place to Hide: Top and Bottom in Utility Energy Efficiency Ranking
July 30, 2014 By 1 Comment
If you’re a country, state, city or utility that’s wasting energy, there is no hiding it any longer. Energy efficiency advocates are increasingly slicing and dicing performance of these entities and producing rankings. The scorecards make public how well one does against the other, which serves as a powerful motivator to do better. What governor … [Read more...]
International Energy Efficiency Ranking Shows How the US Shortchanges its Economy
July 30, 2014 By 3 Comments
A new international energy efficiency ranking by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy places the United States at a lowly 13 out of 16 leading world economies. There are many reasons to bemoan the finding. The US is throwing away a lot of economic opportunity. Energy is a basic economic input. Using more, where less suffices, is … [Read more...]
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance Starts Financing Network
July 7, 2014 By 1 Comment
The Southeast lacks energy efficiency financing opportunities. But the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance is out to turn things around. Kat Friedrich explains. Building relationships is one of the essential ingredients of developing a nationwide framework of energy efficiency programs. On May 13, the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) … [Read more...]
Microgrids and Utilities: Friend or Foe?
June 18, 2014 By 4 Comments
'Microgrids and Utilities' is the latest excerpt from our Think Microgrid guide. Microgrids face the same kind of risk as other energy projects – permitting issues, market penetration, financing, and fuel supply management. But one of the greatest and most talked about risks for a microgrid involves its relationship with the local … [Read more...]
What the New Federal Carbon Dioxide Rule Means for Energy Efficiency
June 2, 2014 By 11 Comments
Energy efficiency advocates have argued for years that energy efficiency should be a first fuel – considered before others in portfolio planning. Today, they appear victorious with the release of the US' first-ever carbon dioxide restrictions for existing power plants. The draft rule places energy efficiency in good position to be a top choice as … [Read more...]
