April 6, 2009—Ohio could save over $19 billion by using energy efficiency strategies that are available right now, according to a new study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), an independent, D.C.-based nonprofit research group.
Ohio could also create more than 32,000 net new jobs by 2025, including well-paying trade and professional jobs needed to design, install and operate energy efficiency measures, says the report.
ACEEE suggests a suite of programs and policies in addition to approaches that are already beginning to be implemented by the state’s utilities. Together, says ACEEE, they will allow Ohio’s investor-owner utilities to meet the State’s Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS) savings targets (as required by SB 221), which require at least 22% of electricity consumption savings by 2025.
For commercial facilities, the policies include implementing such strategies as:
- Installing energy-efficient windows, using compact fluorescent light bulbs, and purchasing ENERGY STAR appliances;
- Going beyond simple equipment upgrades to identify opportunities in system design, equipment interaction, and building operations;
- Establishing Manufacturing Centers of Excellence;
- Expanding Combined Heat and Power (CHP) through continued regulatory reform;
- Employing energy efficiency measures in Ohio’s state and local government facilities, which make up 31% of Ohio’s commercial electricity consumption;
- Developing state-level appliance and equipment efficiency standards that expand upon the federal appliance standards;
- Implementing building energy codes that align with federal recommendations; and
- Expanding utility demand response programs to help shift energy use to off-peak periods.
The study, Shaping Ohio’s Energy Future: Energy Efficiency Works, was conducted by ACEEE researchers with support from a team of national experts in energy use. The 183-page report outlines policies to reduce electricity demand through improved energy efficiency, combined heat and power, and demand-response recommendations. The energy efficiency policies would reduce peak demand by 18% by 2025, while the demand response policies would reduce conventionally generated electricity by an additional 11%, for a total reduction of 29%.
