Promoting energy efficiency in the utility sector through coordinated regulations and incentives

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Bulletin of the American Physical Society

OSTI ID:243562

Goldstein, D

Several recent studies have shown the realistic potential to reduce utility customers` energy use dramatically. One such effort projects reductions of thirty to fifty-five percent compared to a reference case (which already incorporates some efficiency improvements). These correspond to absolute reductions of about fifteen to twenty percent compared to current usage, even with projected growth of GDP by a factor of 2.4. Such a scenario covering all sectors of the economy can provide a seventy percent absolute reduction in US carbon dioxide emissions over the next forty years, at a net economic benefit of $2.3x10{sup 12}. In the past, the bulk of utility-sector energy savings have been obtained through state and federal efficiency standards for buildings, appliances, and other equipment. In recent years, the rapid growth of utility-run incentive programs allows the prediction that they will account for an increasing share of the savings. Incentives can promote increased efficiency among utility customers, and can interact synergistically with present and future standards. Retulation of utilities themselves can encourage or undermine such programs. Finally, the problem of promoting research, development, and commercialization of new energy efficiency technologies is described in the context of changing incentives at the utility customer level. Emerging mechanisms and institutions may be able to address this problem, resulting in more effective and less costly options for energy efficiency.

• OSTI ID: 243562
• Report Number(s): CONF-9304297--
• Journal Information: Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Journal Name: Bulletin of the American Physical Society Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 38; ISSN 0003-0503; ISSN BAPSA6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
CONTROL
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
POLLUTION REGULATIONS