Energy Efficiency Standards
Energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, cleanest way to extend our energy supplies. States play an important role in encouraging energy efficiency on the part of consumers, businesses and through a state's own policies. Through energy efficiency programs and regulations states can drive down GHG emissions and save money. California's building efficiency standards (along with those for energy efficient appliances), for example, have saved more than $56 billion in electricity and natural gas costs since 1978.
It is estimated the standards will save an additional $23 billion by 2013. Following California’s example many states have implemented Energy Efficiency standards specifically for appliances which exceed national regulations and include standards for both federally-regulated appliances and non-federally-regulated appliances.
For the most recent state climate action news please visit the "Latest State News" section on the Climate Policy Program page: http://www.newamerica.net/programs/climate/latest_state_news
U.S. States with Energy Efficiency Standards (for Appliances)
California: The California Energy Commission set standards for 17 products and estimates these regulations will save consumers $3 billion over 15 years.
Washington: Efficiency standards apply to 13 appliances including ice machines, commercial clothes washers, commercial refrigerators and freezers, and commercial gas unit heaters. It is estimated that the standards will yield $425 million in energy savings through 2020.
Arizona: Efficiency standards for 12 appliances.
Maryland: It is estimated that Maryland will avoid 400 MW of power plant capacity and save $600 million by 2020 from its efficiency standards for 9 appliances.
New Jersey: Efficiency standards for 8 products, including commercial refrigerators and washing machines. New Jersey projects consumer savings of over $742 million by 2020 on their utility bills.
Connecticut: Efficiency standards for 9 appliances.
Rhode Island: Set minimum efficiency standards for 21 appliances. Some of these appliance standards are based on the voluntary U.S. EPA and DOE’s Energy Star standards and California’s existing appliance standards.
New York: Efficiency standards for appliances such as ceiling fan and light kits; commercial washing machines; commercial refrigerators, freezers, and icemakers; torchiere lighting fixtures; and other commercial and household items became law on July 229, 2005. New York estimates that the standards will save consumers up to 2,096 gigawatt hours of electricity a year -- enough energy to power 350,000 homes and up to $284 million savings, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 870,000 metric tons.
