Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Programs Top National Bests for Savings

Massachusetts’ energy efficiency programs produced remarkable consumer and environmental benefits in 2014 according to preliminary data released by the program administrators. The programs produced an estimated $3.14 billion in total savings for Massachusetts, achieving 110% and 121% of 2014 goals for electric and gas benefits, respectively.

“Massachusetts energy efficiency programs are delivering on their promise to create large energy savings for consumers, and move the Commonwealth toward a clean, affordable and secure energy future,” said Daniel L. Sosland, Acadia Center President.

2014 is the second year in the 2013-2015 three-year efficiency plans, which set top-in-the-nation targets for energy efficiency savings. With these results, the Commonwealth is far exceeding targets set forth in the plan. This also puts the state on track to meet targets in its Clean Energy Climate Plan. Massachusetts has been ranked number one on American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) national energy efficiency scorecard of state efficiency efforts for four years. The Energy Efficiency Advisory Council, a stakeholder board that guides efficiency implementation won an ACEEE Champion of Energy Efficiency award last year.

Much of the expansion of energy efficiency during 2014 has brought benefits to Massachusetts homes, with significant growth of programs in the residential sector, including widespread adoption of increasingly affordable LED lights, home insulation and installation of highly efficient heating equipment.

The programs bring major benefits to the Commonwealth, beyond the direct savings for those who implement these services in their homes and businesses. This year’s efficiency investments yielded an estimated:

  • electric demand savings equivalent to a 172 MW power plant
  • 1,305 GWh of annual electric savings (enough to power over 171,770 homes for a year)
  • 28.2 million therms of annual gas savings (enough to heat over 29,500 homes for a year)
  • 476,531 MMBtu of oil saved in 2014
  • annual GHG reductions of 1.56 million tons, which is equivalent to removing over 326,000 cars from the road

As a member of the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Advisory Council, Acadia Center looks forward to working with fellow members, program administrators and other stakeholders to make sure that the Commonwealth continues to set and achieve ambitious goals for energy efficiency.

“With the drafting of the 2016-2018 plan beginning soon,” said Amy Boyd, Acadia Center Senior Attorney who serves on the EEAC, “Massachusetts has an opportunity to build on the progress we’ve seen to-date and bring even more benefits for homes and businesses.”

For more information, see Year-End/Q4 Results in  Program Administrators Q4 Report and EEAC Consultant Initial Review presentations.

###

Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low-carbon and consumer-friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.

Contact:
Amy Boyd, Senior Attorney, Acadia Center, 617-742-0054 x102, aboyd@acadiacenter.org
Emily Avery-Miller, Director External Relations, Acadia Center, 617-742-0054 x100, eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org

 

UtilityVision: Empowering Consumers to for a Clean Energy Future

Today, Acadia Center, a leading non-profit organization that researches and advocates innovative approaches to advance the clean energy future, released, “UtilityVision: Reforming the Energy System to Work for Consumers and the Environment.” The publication presents an ambitious but realistic energy future that puts the consumer firmly in the center. UtilityVision outlines the specific steps needed to create a new energy system that both meets our needs and supports a fair, healthy economy and environment.

“The interests of consumers and a sustainable energy system are merged now more than ever before,” said Daniel Sosland, Acadia Center President. “UtilityVision offers a comprehensive pathway to a smart and dynamic electric system focused on giving consumers and communities greater freedom and control over their energy costs. This new system would be managed with the cooperation of utilities, governed by updated regulations that honor energy technology change, and provide a fair and safe system to protect consumers.”

The need for a comprehensive, new look at the energy system is urgent. “Decisions are being made today in state proceedings that will influence whether we steer towards a cleaner, more efficient and consumer friendly system,” Sosland said. “UtilityVision shows how we can embrace that future.”

UtilityVision is a comprehensive regulatory framework which shows how the parts of a modern energy system can be aligned to put the consumer at the system’s center.  This integrated vision enables us to attain our climate, economic, and consumer goals. UtilityVision is organized around five key areas for reform:

  • Empowering the consumer: Consumers are the most important constituent of our energy system. The modern grid should meet their full energy needs: provide affordable and reliable energy, give them real control over their energy use and costs, help them enjoy the benefits of innovation, and treat all consumers fairly.
  • Planning a consumer-focused power grid: Grid planning must merge the traditional world of “poles and wires” with available new technologies and modern strategies.
  • Aligning utility incentives with consumer and environmental goals: Regulation of the power grid needs to change to provide utilities with the financial incentives that will achieve the goals of increased consumer control and decreased GHG emissions.
  • Helping consumers pay for power they use: Electric bills should be designed to empower consumers to make smart energy and economic decisions to save money and energy.
  • Paying consumers for power they produce: Consumers using local renewable energy resources—through distributed generation like rooftop solar—should be charged based on the costs of staying connected to the grid and credited for the full range of benefits they provide

“Acadia Center’s UtilityVision demonstrates that consumer interests today include a broad span of energy-related issues, from the bedrock consumer concern of affordability to newer considerations like improved energy control, more sustainable energy, clear and accessible energy information, and the opportunity to generate their own local energy and sell it back to the grid,” said Abigail Anthony, Director of Acadia Center’s Grid Modernization and Utility Reform Initiative.

“UtilityVision provides an opportunity for regulators and key stakeholders to view consumer interests in this broader context far beyond the outdated lens of the centralized, one-way power grid of the past,” Anthony said.

Background: UtilityVision addresses one core part of a vision for how to move to a clean energy system and drive down carbon emissions.  It outlines a pathway for stakeholders and regulators to modernize the way we plan, manage and invest in the power grid and ties utility business models, rate-making and customer-side energy resources all together. The illustrated publication outlines the full range of relevant issues and includes detailed policy recommendations. It will serve as a starting point for conversations with policy makers, constituent groups, media and other public forums.

UtilityVision builds on Acadia Center’s EnergyVision (http://acadiacenter.org/document/energyvision/) —released in 2014—which charts out reforms in four interconnected areas to produce a cleaner, lower cost energy system and reach the necessary 80 percent carbon emission reductions by 2050.

UtilityVision is available online: http://acadiacenter.org/document/utilityvision

 

Contacts

Abigail Anthony, Director, Grid Modernization and Utility Reform Initiative, 401-276-0600, aanthony@acadiacenter.org
Emily Avery-Miller, Director External Relations, Acadia Center, 617-742-0054 x100, eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org

New Appointees to DPU Will Face Key Decisions for MA’s Energy Future

Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton today announced Robert Hayden will serve as Commissioner of the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), Angela O’Connor will serve as Chair of the DPU, and Ronald Gerwatowski will serve as Assistant Secretary for Energy.

“These appointments are coming at a critical time in the Commonwealth’s approach to energy policy,” said Daniel L. Sosland, Acadia Center President. “With major changes in technology making clean energy and energy efficiency more affordable, and big questions on the horizon about how we will plan and use energy resources, the DPU and energy administrative leadership will play an important role in shaping Massachusetts’s economic and energy future.”

Massachusetts has been a national leader in forging clean energy policies, but there is still important work to be done. The DPU is facing decisions on an array of complex and critical issues related to energy procurement, planning and infrastructure that will require input from and consideration of perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders. Key decisions this year will have long-term effects throughout the Commonwealth.

Acadia Center looks forward to working with the DPU and energy policy leaders and stakeholders to advance solutions that will meet environmental targets and challenges, grow a strong economy, protect consumer choice and build a strong energy future for Massachusetts.

###

Contact:

Emily Avery-Miller, Director External Relations, Acadia Center, 617-742-0054 x100, eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org

Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low-carbon and consumer-friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.

 

Boston, MA / Hartford, CT / New York, NY / Providence, RI / Rockport, ME / Ottawa, ON, Canada

admin@acadiacenter.org / www.acadiacenter.org / Daniel L. Sosland, President

 

 

Reducing New England’s Overreliance on Natural Gas: Massachusetts Study a First Step toward an Integrated Regional Alternatives Plan

Boston, MA – On January 8, 2015 Massachusetts released a “Low Demand Analysis” evaluating means to reduce overreliance on natural gas through investments in clean energy. The analysis found that prioritizing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and imports of Canadian hydroelectricity would reduce Massachusetts’s exposure to wintertime price spikes that result from our growing dependence on natural gas for heating and electricity generation. However, constraints placed on the study limit its applicability to current energy challenges facing New England; this initial analysis should not be interpreted to support a new subsidy that would shift multi-billion dollar risks from private corporations to the public.

 

“Massachusetts has taken an important but preliminary step toward thorough analysis of viable supply- and demand-side solutions to meet our energy needs,” said Acadia Center President Dan Sosland. “Because electric ratepayers across New England are being asked to subsidize the construction of a pipeline that could take decades to pay off, alternatives need to be examined in all New England states to ensure that we have an accurate, up-to-date picture of how to power the region while reducing risks to consumers and bringing down greenhouse gas emissions.”

 

A number of key limitations make the need for updated, regional analysis clear:

  • Limitation to Massachusetts – Taken together, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont account for the majority of energy use in New England and offer significant clean energy opportunities but the study evaluated alternatives to natural gas pipeline capacity only for Massachusetts.
  • Outdated assumptions – Key assumptions underpinning the model no longer reflect economic and political realities on the ground. Examples include:
    • Fuel prices – Prices for oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) have dropped significantly since the study was launched, affecting the economics of pipeline gas versus alternatives that do not require new infrastructure.
    • Electricity imports – Recently-proposed projects to import a mix of Canadian hydroelectricity and wind from northern New England are not reflected in the analysis.
    • Offshore wind – Forthcoming legislation in Massachusetts will feature significant procurement of offshore wind – which reduces gas demand and prices during winter peaks – yet offshore wind was not included in any of the scenarios.

 

Proposals to expand natural gas pipeline capacity rely on an unprecedented region-wide electricity tariff requiring federal approval. It is critical for policymakers both to demonstrate that they have fully examined and exhausted alternatives across the region and also to minimize risks to consumers. These risks include natural gas price increases due expanded exports, which the Department of Energy has concluded could raise prices by almost 50%, or a repeat of last year’s cold weather, which caused natural gas prices in Pennsylvania to skyrocket, undermining the argument that imported shale gas would reduce price spikes.

“This report begins to show a way to break our addiction to natural gas,” said Peter Shattuck, Massachusetts Director for Acadia Center. “Now we need a full assessment of alternatives to a multi-billion dollar pipeline ‘fix’ that would increase our addiction, transfer risk from private corporations to the public, and undermine efforts to reduce climate pollution most cost-effectively.”

It is important to note that New England states’ mere consideration of subsidizing new pipeline capacity has likely had a chilling effect on the market and undermined potential private sector financing for energy infrastructure. In contrast to the proposed pipeline tariff in New England, private producers are bearing the financial risks associated with the Constitution Pipeline running from Pennsylvania to New York. Since New England Governors initially proposed supporting new pipeline capacity in 2013, similar private financing proposals have failed to materialize as developers wait to see if the public will take on project risks.

###

Contact: Peter Shattuck, Massachusetts Director, 857-636-2502, pshattuck@acadiacenter.org
Emily Avery-Miller, Director External Relations, Acadia Center, 617-742-0054 x100, eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org

Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low-carbon and consumer-friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.

Boston, MA / Providence, RI / Hartford, CT / Ottawa, ON, Canada /

admin@acadiacenter.org / www.acadiacenter.org / Daniel L. Sosland, President

RI Public Utilities Commission Votes to Expand Cost-Saving Energy Efficiency Programs in 2015

PROVIDENCE, RI – On December 23, 2014, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved the 2015 Energy Efficiency Program Plan for Rhode Island, which will enable cost-effective energy efficiency programs to generate economic savings for electric and natural gas consumers in the state.

The 2015 Energy Efficiency Plan was developed collaboratively by key stakeholders representing a wide range of consumer and environmental interests, including Acadia Center, the Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council, the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, the Office of Energy Resources, and National Grid. The plan is also supported by the National Consumer Law Center on behalf of the George Wiley Center and National Housing Trust, Green and Healthy Homes Providence, Peoples Power & Light, and the Rhode Island Builders Association.

“Energy efficiency is a powerful tool to help chart Rhode Island’s pathway to a sustainable economy and clean energy future,” said Acadia Center President Dan Sosland.

“Efficiency is the best near-term energy strategy for reducing Rhode Islanders’ energy bills, particularly in the face of higher electric commodity prices this winter. Investing in energy efficiency produces immediate bill savings that persist for years to come,” said Sosland.

The 2015 Energy Efficiency Program Plan is designed to generate $2.35 in benefits for every $1 invested in cost-effective energy efficiency. When fully implemented, Rhode Island’s 2015 energy efficiency programs will:

  • Produce over $336 million in net economic benefits to Rhode Island homes and businesses.
  • Save 1.9 million MWh of electricity and 4.8 million MMBTU of natural gas.
  • Boost Rhode Island’s economy by adding over $417 million to Gross State Product.
  • Create over 4,500 job-years of employment economy-wide.

The Division of Public Utilities–the state agency charged with watching out for consumer interests– recently commissioned the research firm Synapse Energy Economics to see what efficiency is really doing for our electric bills. The analysis finds that a homeowner who gets a home energy assessment can save between 11% and 15% on her electric bill by replacing inefficient lighting and appliances, and upgrading home insulation and weatherization.  Factoring in savings on natural gas or fuel oil use would boost these saving percentages even higher. And small business customers save as much as 37% to 47% by installing high efficiency equipment and retrofits. The analysis also shows that even customers who do nothing to their own houses or offices benefit from others’ energy efficiency actions. Reducing the state’s demand for power helps lower the costs of the whole energy system—savings that are passed on to all electric customers.

“Energy efficiency is an energy resource just like power from the coal and natural gas-fired power plants at Salem Harbor, Brayton Point, or Manchester Street. But energy efficiency is much cheaper, cleaner, and lower risk. In fact, the Public Utilities Commission’s decision to approve this plan is the best way to help customers save money,” said Acadia Center Rhode Island Director Abigail Anthony. Dr. Anthony represents environmental interests on the state’s Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council (EERMC), which provides independent input and oversight to National Grid’s electric and natural gas efficiency programs.

The 2015 Energy Efficiency Plan is part of a larger three-year Least Cost Procurement Plan for 2015, 2016, and 2017 that was approved by the PUC in October. The plan can be found at: http://www.ripuc.ri.gov/eventsactions/docket/4527-NGrid-2015-EEPP(10-31-14).pdf

 

Contact:
Emily Avery-Miller, Dir. External Relations, Acadia Center**
(617) 742-0054×100, eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org

Abigail Anthony, Dir. Rhode Island Office, Acadia Center**
(401) 474-8876, aanthony@acadiacenter.org

###

Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low carbon and consumer friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.

**ENE (Environment Northeast) is now Acadia Center. To more accurately reflect the organization’s geographic scope and evolving approach, we adopted a new name, logo and website
http://www.acadiacenter.org on October 30, 2014. Our team, goals and commitment to results have not changed, and we look forward to continuing our work and partnership with you and all of our networks.

67 Signers Call for EV Action in Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

BOSTON, MA- A broad coalition of sixty-seven businesses and organizations, including utilities, other private companies, business groups, electric vehicle advocacy groups, and environmental groups, urges the Governors and Governors-Elect in the eleven Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states to make policies that support electric vehicles (EVs) a top priority for their administrations going forward.

In a letter sent this week, the groups indicate that, “EVs provide major benefits for consumers, the regional economy, energy independence, public health, and the environment.” They urge the state leaders to use a new or existing high-level state task force to pursue the following:

1.    Providing financial and non-financial incentives for consumers, such as rebates and sales tax waivers for EV sales and leases and HOV lane access, and other categories of EV-related investment;
2.    Creating an electric utility framework to increase EV adoption and to achieve benefits to drivers and the electricity system, with programs to promote low-cost charging at night when overall electricity usage is low, grid planning, and targeted infrastructure investments;
3.    Facilitating the build-out of EV charging stations to effectively serve a growing EV base;
4.    Educating consumers, businesses, workplaces, dealerships, and municipalities on the benefits and opportunities of promoting EVs; and,
5.    Leading by example by purchasing EVs and installing charging stations for state fleets.

“Electric vehicles have established a solid foothold in the market over the last few years,” said Mark LeBel, Staff Attorney for Acadia Center.** “Even at current gas prices, an average driver can save over $400 per year in fuel costs by switching from gasoline to electricity. Each of these states has a wide range of steps that they can take to support progress on EVs and ultimately make them affordable for everyone.”

The signers are calling for policies that address the needs and concerns of current and would-be EV drivers. “To support the current and future growth of the EV industry, we need policies that make it even easier for drivers to get behind the wheel of an EV and when they do,  ensure they have access to charging wherever they go,” said Colleen Quinn, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy for ChargePoint. “ChargePoint is excited to join environmental groups, utilities and other stakeholders to support a collaborative approach to driving EV adoption and increasing the deployment of charging infrastructure.”

Electric utilities in the region will continue to build on the role that they are playing to help increase the adoption of EVs. “We support the development of the EV market, in order to help the region’s drivers reduce their fuel costs, to advance the Northeast’s carbon reduction goals, and to reduce reliance on imported fuel sources,” explained Ed White, National Grid’s Vice President of Customer Strategy and Environmental. “By helping expand the charging infrastructure for EVs and investing in our company EV fleet, National Grid is helping advance the market and meet the evolving needs of our customers and communities.”

Advancing EVs will support states’ long-term goals, including public health and climate protection. The letter states:

Since EVs have little or no conventional tailpipe emissions, they can be a key component to improving health outcomes and reducing costs to treat illnesses caused or worsened by this pollution. EVs also have significant climate benefits. With the current electricity generation mix in the region, a car that only uses electricity from the grid will be responsible for 50-70% less greenhouse gas pollution than a comparable gasoline-only vehicle. As we shift to cleaner sources of electricity, public health and environmental benefits of EVs will only increase over time.

EVs can be key part of a low-carbon, consumer-friendly energy future. This letter shows that many stakeholders are ready to support state leaders as they take the next important steps.

The letter can be found at http://acadiacenter.org/document/ev-letter-121814.

###

 

Contacts:
Mark LeBel, Staff Attorney, Acadia Center, 617-742-0054×104, mlebel@acadiacenter.org
Gina Coplon-Newfield, Director of Electric Vehicles Initiative, Sierra Club, 617-571-4523, gina.coplon-newfield@sierraclub.org
Kate Kiely, Natural Resources Defense Council, 212-727-4592, kkiely@nrdc.org
Jennifer Rushlow, Staff Attorney, Conservation Law Foundation, 617-850-1763, jrushlow@clf.org

**ENE (Environment Northeast) is now Acadia Center. To more accurately reflect the organization’s geographic scope and evolving approach, we are excited to announce the adoption of a new name, logo and website (http://www.acadiacenter.org). Our team, goals and commitment to results have not changed, and we look forward to continuing our work and partnership with you and all of our networks.

Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low carbon and consumer friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration.

Boston, MA | Hartford, CT | New York, NY | Providence, RI | Rockport, ME | Ottawa, ON, Canada
www.acadiacenter.org

Energy Efficiency Engine of Economic Growth for Canada

Acadia Center Releases Comprehensive Report – “Energy Efficiency: Engine of Economic Growth in Canada”

Detailed nation-wide modeling shows impressive economic growth and job creation potential from clean energy resource

Ottawa, ON November 18, 2014 – With the release of Acadia Center’s (formerly ENE)  latest report – Energy Efficiency: Engine of Economic Growth in Canada – policymakers and the public now have access to detailed analysis regarding the macroeconomic impacts of energy efficiency programs across Canada.
The release comes the day before the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance (CEEA) hosts Energy Efficiency Matters on the Hill; a day-long series of meetings between Members of Parliament, senior federal bureaucrats, and CEEA members.  The results of the “Engine Report” will be a key part of the discussion.
Other assessments of energy efficiency programs show large direct savings to consumers and growth in energy service jobs.  By looking at the broader, macroeconomic impacts of those savings, Acadia Center’s modeling study shows that the energy savings generated by efficiency programs frees up money for new spending (in the residential sector) and promotes increased competitiveness and output among businesses and industry.  This translates into significant economic growth and job creation potential.  Findings at the national level for a range of investment scenarios include:

  • A total net increase (over the base case economic forecast) in national GDP of $230 billion to $580 billion over the study period (2012-2040). Every $1 spent on energy efficiency programs results in an increase in GDP of $5 to $8.
  • A total net increase in national employment of 1.5 to 4.0 million job-years (one job-year is equivalent to one job for a period of one year).  Every $1 million invested in efficiency programs generates 30 to 52 job-years.
  • Across Canada, the peak annual increase in GDP is $19 billion to $48 billion, and the maximum annual increase is 121,000 to 304,000 jobs.
    This is a net benefit analysis.  The results also include the negative ratepayer effects, or costs, to fund programs and losses from avoided electricity generation

“Energy efficiency is a catalyst of economic growth,” said Dan Sosland, Acadia Center President.  “Households and businesses that participate in efficiency programs see lower bills.  Instead of spending billions on unnecessary energy supply, the dollars saved are put to work in the local economy, providing widespread benefits beyond those commonly acknowledged or measured.”
“Energy efficiency is an important and often undervalued energy resource,” said Leslie Malone, Acadia Center’s Canada Program Director.  “Efficiency delivers many benefits; it saves households money, improves industrial competitiveness, and drives economic growth and job creation throughout sectors and across Canada.  All Canadians will benefit from investments that reduce energy waste, empower consumers, and improve environmental performance.”
Acadia Center co-authored the report with Dunsky Energy Consulting and Economic Development Research Group.  A comprehensive, macroeconomic forecasting tool developed by Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI) was used to project the impacts of increased investment in cost-effective efficiency programs for electricity, natural gas and liquid fossil fuels across the ten provinces.  The study also assesses the resulting provincial and federal tax revenue impacts.  The work was supported by advisors from Natural Resources Canada, the National Energy Board, provincial departments of energy, utilities, and other experts in the field.
The study and supporting material are available at: http://www.acadiacenter.org/document/energy-efficiency-engine-of-economic-growth-in-canada
**************
ENE is now Acadia Center. Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low carbon and consumer friendly economies. Acadia Center’s approach is characterized by reliable information, comprehensive advocacy and problem solving through innovation and collaboration.
Boston, MA | Hartford, CT | New York, NY | Providence, RI | Rockport, ME | Ottawa, ON, Canada
www.acadiacenter.org

Dunsky Energy Consulting (DEC) is a Montreal-based firm that provides top-level research, analysis and strategic counsel to clients interested in energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities.  DEC’s clients include leading utilities, government agencies, non-profits, and private firms throughout North America.
DEC | 50 Ste-Catherine West, Suite 420 | Montreal, QC H2X 3V4 | (514) 504-9030 | www.dunsky.ca

Economic Development Research Group (EDR Group) is a Boston-based consulting firm that provides research and software related to the economic and development implications of transportation and infrastructure, energy programs and projects, and economic development programs.  Past and current clients of EDR Group span nearly every state in the US and provinces in Canada.
EDR Group | 155 Federal St, Suite 600 | Boston, MA 02110 | (617)-338-6775 | www.edrgroup.com

RI’s 2015-17 Energy Efficiency Plan to Save Energy and Benefit Consumers

PROVIDENCE, RI – On October 30, 2014, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved the 2015-2017 Energy Efficiency Program Plan for the Rhode Island. The plan features goals and strategies for saving energy and reducing bills that will allow Rhode Island to provide low-cost, clean energy to homes and businesses. The three-year energy efficiency plan was developed collaboratively by key stakeholders representing a wide range of consumer and environmental interests, including Acadia Center,** the Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council, the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, the Office of Energy Resources, The Energy Council of Rhode Island, Consumers’ Energy Alliance, and National Grid.

“Energy efficiency is a powerful tool to help chart Rhode Island’s pathway to a sustainable economy and clean energy future,” said Acadia Center President Dan Sosland.

Last week the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy announced that Rhode Island earned a 3rd place ranking in the annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. The Scorecard ranks states in six energy saving categories; in the category for utility energy efficiency programs and policies, Rhode Island tied for 1st with Massachusetts.

“The RI PUC’s approval of the plan is a big win for Rhode Island’s environment, economy, and energy consumers, because it means that energy dollars will go toward cost-effective programs and help customers save, instead of being sent out of state to pay for expensive and polluting energy supply,” said Acadia Center Rhode Island Director Abigail Anthony. Dr. Anthony represents environmental interests on the state’s Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council (EERMC), which provides independent input and oversight to National Grid’s electric and natural gas efficiency programs.

Energy efficiency is a proven strategy for boosting Rhode Island’s economy and saving consumers money. Between 2012 and 2014, Rhode Islanders’ investments in energy efficiency met 6,200 gigawatt hours of electric demand at a cost of approximately 4 cents per kilowatt hour instead of more than 8 cents per kWh if that demand had to be met through energy purchases. This is equal to $320 million in direct savings to Rhode Island consumers. Since 2008, Rhode Island has invested about $558 million in cost-effective energy efficiency and consumers have realized $1.9 billion in benefits.

By investing in as much low-cost energy efficiency as possible, RI is reducing the cost of doing business in the state and leaving consumers with more money in their pockets. Such consumer savings are often spent right in RI—where they can support our local markets, our students, our education and health facilities—while payments to fossil fuel providers head immediately out of state. Every dollar invested in cost-effective energy efficiency boosts the RI Gross State Product an estimated $3.60 and every $1 million invested in energy efficiency generates almost 40 job years of employment. If fully implemented, the 2015-2017 Energy Efficiency Procurement Plan will boost Rhode Island’s economy by $1.27 billion and create over 11,000 job-years economy-wide.

The Division of Public Utilities commissioned Synapse Energy Economics to analyze what RI’s energy efficiency investment is really doing to our electric bills. The analysis finds that a homeowner who gets a home energy assessment can save approximately 12% on her electric bill by replacing inefficient lighting and appliances, and upgrading home insulation and weatherization. Factor in savings on natural gas or fuel oil use and total spending on energy is even lower. Small business customers can save as much as 37% to 47% by installing high efficiency equipment and making recommended retrofits. Importantly, even customers who do nothing to their own houses or offices benefit from their neighbors’ energy efficiency actions. Reducing the state’s demand for power helps lower the costs of the whole energy system, and those savings are passed on to all electric consumers. The Division’s study finds that these bill savings significantly outweigh the amount-an average of just over 1%– that all consumers pay to finance low cost, low risk energy efficiency investments.

“By approving the 2015-2017 Energy Efficiency Procurement Plan, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commissions took another big step to ensure that RI continues its nation-leading levels of energy savings. Energy efficiency lowers the cost of doing business in Rhode Island and puts money back in the wallets of all consumers,” said Sosland.

For more on the 2015-2017 Energy Efficiency Procurement Plan for Rhode Island, see: http://www.ripuc.ri.gov/eventsactions/docket/4443page.html

**ENE is now Acadia Center. To more accurately reflect the organization’s geographic scope and evolving approach, we are excited to announce the adoption of a new name, logo and website (http://www.acadiacenter.org). Our team, goals and commitment to results have not changed, and we look forward to continuing our work and partnership with you and all of our networks.

Acadia Center is a non-profit, research and advocacy organization committed to advancing the clean energy future. Acadia Center is at the forefront of efforts to build clean, low carbon and consumer friendly economies. Acadia Center provides accurate and reliable information, and offers a real-world and comprehensive approach to problem solving through innovation and collaboration

# # #

CONTACT:
Emily Avery-Miller, Dir. External Relations, Acadia Center**
(617) 742-0054×100, eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org

Abigail Anthony, Dir. Rhode Island Office, Acadia Center**
(401) 276-0600, aanthony@acadiacenter.org

ENE is Now Acadia Center

A Fresh New Look Ushers in New Era for Environment Northeast (ENE) Now Acadia Center

Rebrand Builds on Over a Decade of Research and Advocacy Centered on Advancing the Clean Energy Future

Boston, October 30, 2014 – Over the past 15 years, Environment Northeast (ENE) has built a successful track record of providing solutions to advance state and regional efforts to promote effective clean energy and climate policy. To more accurately reflect its geographic scope and evolving approach, ENE announced the adoption of a new name, Acadia Center, which is reflected in its new website and visual identity.

Acadia Center’s emphasis on well-researched, information-focused solutions and its attention to economic and consumer benefits, has been instrumental in helping to shape a long-term vision of reform in the Northeast and beyond to create a cleaner, lower-cost energy future. The organization works across key sectors of the economy to empower consumers to lower their greenhouse gas emissions through tangible actions, and improve the economic productivity and livability of communities through effective solutions.

“Acadia Center has a fresh look, but its outlook and strategic direction build on the reputation for credible information and effective results we’ve developed for over a decade,” says Daniel Sosland, president of Acadia Center. “The new name and website will help Acadia Center extend its reach to advocates, consumers, policy leaders and stakeholders, who now will have better access to original research, policy analysis, and publications. With this stronger presence and new resources, Acadia Center will redouble its successful approaches to advance the clean energy future.”

“Acadia Center will continue to do what it does best – promote positive solutions to complex problems, and use trustworthy analysis and skilled advocacy to reframe entrenched debates and achieve greater support for important reforms,” said Elizabeth Carroll, chair of Acadia Center’s Board of Directors.

To support its mission, Acadia Center is pursuing reforms in multiple sectors of the economy:

  • EnergyVision targets four key sectors that will work simultaneously to achieve a clean-energy future.
  • To support clean energy solutions like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Acadia Center produces trackers and economic analysis resources for stakeholders.
  • The forthcoming UtilityVision maps a new, consumer-friendly method for planning and delivering energy to homes and businesses.

Acadia Center has a regional presence with offices and staff in Boston; Hartford, Conn.; New York; Providence, R.I.; Rockport, Maine; and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

# # # 

About Acadia Center

Acadia Center is a nonprofit organization that advances the clean energy future, with research, skilled advocacy and innovative policy designs. The organization is built on a foundation of clean energy policy advances that have improved health, environment and economy for local, regional and national communities. For more information on Acadia Center, please visit http://www.acadiacenter.org or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@AcadiaCtr).

Contact

Emily Avery-Miller
Acadia Center
eavery-miller@acadiacenter.org
617-742-0054×100