March 12, 2007—A new study shows that a combination of energy efficiency and onsite renewable energy resources, coupled with expanded demand response programs, can meet Texas’s growing electricity needs and save consumers money at the same time.
The study, “Potential for Energy Efficiency, Demand Response, and Onsite Renewable Energy to Meet Texas’s Growing Electricity Needs,” was commissioned by Environmental Defense and conducted by researchers at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
The study outlines nine policies to moderate electricity demand through energy efficiency and develop onsite renewable energy resources such as solar and biomass. The expanded efficiency policies would meet 17.5% of forecasted 2023 electricity demand, while the onsite renewable policies would displace future conventionally generated electricity by an additional 4.9% for a total reduction of 22.4%, meeting the projected increases in demand over the next 15 years.
The recommended policies include:
- Expand Texas’s existing Energy Efficiency Improvement Program (EEIP) from the current 10% of load growth to 50% of load growth;
- Tighten building energy codes;
- Increase demand response programs that can reduce electricity demand during peak load periods;
- Set a target for expanded installation of combined heat and power (CHP) capacity in Texas;
- Provide incentives for expanded installation of onsite renewable energy;
- Set new state-level appliance and equipment standards;
- Develop advanced energy-efficient building program;
- Implement energy-efficient state and municipal buildings program; and
- Implement short-term public education and rate incentives.
The report is available for free download from ACEEE.
