October 3, 2008—By investing in energy-efficient technologies, the Commonwealth of Virginia can reduce its electricity needs by one-fifth; deliver cleaner, less-expensive power to Virginia consumers; create thousands of new jobs; and better position the state to more cost effectively meet its future energy requirements, according to a new report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
The report, entitled Energizing Virginia: Efficiency First, concludes that the state can meet close to 20 percent of its electricity needs by 2025 through energy efficiency. This strategy would cut Virginians’ utilities bills by $15 billion by 2025 and create nearly 10,000 new jobs, claims ACEEE, as well as allow Virginia to do its part to reduce global warming and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
On a sector-by-sector basis, the report concluded that by 2025, Virginia can achieve more than 20 percent reductions in electricity consumption in the following ways:
- In commercial buildings: replace incandescent lamps, enhance fluorescent lighting, employ lighting control measures, and install new HVAC systems;
- In residential housing: utilize more efficient heating and air conditioning systems, improve insulation and windows, and make improvements in residential lighting; and
- In industrial facilities: employ more efficient electric motors and pumps, and improve duct and pipe insulation.
Energizing Virginia: Efficiency First can be downloaded for free from ACEEE or purchased for $65 plus $5 p&h from ACEEE Publications.
