WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released an updated version of the National Action Plan Vision for 2025: A Framework for Change, which lays out a proposed energy efficiency action plan for state policy makers. According to the DOE and EPA, the plan, if implemented by all states, could lower energy demand across the country by 50 percent, achieve more than $500 billion in net savings over the next 20 years, and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 90 million vehicles.

The report, which was released under the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency initiative, was produced by more than 60 energy, environmental, and state policy leaders from across the country. The updated action plan encourages investment in low-cost energy efficiency programs and shows the progress that the states are making toward their goals, while identifying areas for additional progress. The report is accompanied by two technical assistance documents that offer cost-effectiveness tests for energy efficiency programs and best practices for providing data to businesses.

The National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency initiative began in 2005, and is directed by a leadership group of 30 electric and gas utilities, 20 state agencies, and 12 other organizations. The initiative provides guidance to the states in order to help electric and natural gas ratepayers increase energy efficiency while saving money. More than 120 organizations have endorsed the original recommendations of the action plan. States, utilities, and other organizations are currently spending about $2 billion per year on energy efficiency programs, which have saved energy customers nearly $6 billion annually. In terms of policy, about one-third of states have established energy savings targets and addressed utility disincentives for energy efficiency, while about half have established energy efficiency programs for key classes of customers and have reviewed and updated their building codes.

For more information on the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, visit www.epa.gov/eeactionplan/.

Publication date: 12/08/2008