Efficient Reading: Monthly Digest of Insights Shared by Your Peers in the Energy Central Energy Efficiency Group – April 22, 2021

Programs promoting energy efficiency for utility customers, for grid infrastructure, and wherever it else applies in the utility business is one of the truest win-win operations in the sector. Customers always strive to find ways to reduce energy use and thus bills, and utilities see increased efficiency as a cost-efficient and quick pathway to ensuring supply and demand remain in striking distance of each other without the costly headache of new generation. New technological solutions and innovative leadership continues to open new energy efficiency doors, so the Energy Efficiency Group on Energy Central seeks to keep you fully and completely informed.

On Clean Energy Investment, USA is Falling Behind

Norbert Vasen

Link to original article:  https://energycentral.com/c/ee/clean-energy-investment-usa-falling-behind

This month’s digest starts with a brief but impactful piece from Norbert Vasen of Birdseye Energy Consulting GmbH where he points out the trends of the U.S. falling behind on proper energy investment. And what type of energy investment should be of a higher priority, he argues? Well, he points out that energy efficiency has inherent high ROI, steady predictability, and it can add value to all stakeholders. Do we need to focus as much on new clean energy generation if we can more efficiently use the existing sources? It’s a conversation worth having—so jump to this article and share your thoughts with Norbert.

EISA Update: DOE Preparing to Overturn General Service Lamps Final Rule

Matt Bowgren

Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/c/ee/eisa-update-doe-preparing-overturn-general-service-lamps-final-order

The U.S. energy policy landscape can be a frustrating pendulum, swinging back and forth depending on the administration in power, and with new leadership in charging this year we can see that in full swing as the Department of Energy under President Biden have prepared to put back on track the phaseout of inefficient halogen bulbs. Matt Bowgren explains (and welcomes your questions on) this development.

Overdue Comprehensive Weatherization Plan Shines Brightly

Dennis Roberts

Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/c/em/overdue-comprehensive-weatherization-plan-shines-brightly

Another area where conserving energy rather than focusing just on greater generation is in the residential space, and in this article Dennis Roberts of Energy Efficiency Done Right highlights the opportunities that massive weatherization plans bring to “Reduce Before You Produce.” And the topic has prompted some great conversation in the comments, so I encourage you to check those out as well and perhaps drop your two cents in for us to read.

Energy Efficiency Professionals: With Earth Day coming up this Thursday April 22, what are you working on to clean up the planet? Share your work with the community & seek out ideas/feedback!

Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/o/energy-central/energy-efficiency-professionals-earth-day-coming-thursday-april-22-what-are-you

Lastly, I can’t publish this digest today without acknowledging and celebrating Earth Day!

If there’s any community that embraces what the principles of Earth Day mean, surely it’s our Energy Efficiency Group. And to highlight that, I started this Q&A topic where I’d love to hear you share a note or two about what you’re doing at your company/organization or even in your personal life to use energy efficiency for the good of the planet and future generations. Please leave me a note there!

This wraps up another edition of ‘Efficient Reading.’ Check back in this spot in four weeks to see what submissions have captured the attention of our community. And if you think there are stories I’m missing—let me know in the comments, or better yet submit an article on those stories so it can be included in the next issue. Make sure you don’t miss out on these shared insights in the future.

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