ROSSLYN, VA — The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) told the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources recently that the use of energy-efficient products and systems could result in significant savings in both the public and private sectors. The association encouraged the federal government to promote the use of such technology.

The Senate committee held hearings to consider the pros and cons of several pieces of legislation in that chamber of Congress. NEMA president Malcolm O’Hagan told the committee, “A comprehensive electrical energy policy should rely on affordable, proven technologies to address energy supply and demand. It is critical to understand that energy efficiency and conservation doesn’t mean sacrifice and reduced access, but rather doing more with existing capacity by achieving reduction in energy usage through the use of more efficient products and systems.” O’Hagan also pointed out several energy efficiency examples to the committee, including a recent study in Energy User News, which found that upgrades and retrofits of lighting, hvac, motors and drives, and building automation can achieve energy savings of between $1.00 and $1.50/sq ft of floor space.