On September 15, 2015, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) released a report that concludes “next generation” energy efficiency can meet 22% of total projected electricity sales in 2030.

Key Details

• Implementation of a few existing measures, such as stronger building codes and lighting standards, are projected to have a significant impact on projected electricity usage through 2030
• With much of this “low-hanging fruit” now baked into the new 2030 baseline, utilities and other program administrators will be challenged to find a new set of measures that will yield further savings
• The report identifies energy efficiency measures not presently in widespread use that could cost-effectively produce substantial energy savings
  • Substantial energy savings was defined as saving at least 1% of total annual electricity sales in 2030 from the cumulative impact of programs from 2015 to 2030
  • Most energy efficiency measures had a levelized cost of saved energy of 7.5 cents per kWh or less, based on a total resource perspective
• ACEEE reports the implementation of a set of 18 measures can collectively save 22% of total projected electricity sales in 2030 (see table below for select measures and savings)

Implications

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is encouraging states to incorporate energy efficiency as a compliance strategy to meet Clean Power Plan targets. However, traditional measures seem to be in a period of diminishing returns. Utilities and other program administrators may need to transition from implementing a limited number of high-impact efficiency measures (e.g., lighting) to developing portfolios that include a variety of program types and end uses in order to achieve high aggregate savings.

More Information

ACEEE: The Next Generation of Energy Efficiency Programs Could Save 22% of Electricity Use in 2030

This report is part of the Clean Tech & Sustainability Minute series. To view all featured Minutes, please click here.