November 17, 2003—As a result of their energy efficiency programs, the top 15%-performing investor-owned utilities save at least 5.5% of their total electricity sales and spend no more than $3 per MWh to achieve these results, according to a new Chartwell report, “Utility Energy Efficiency Programs and Benchmarking Data.”
Utilities in the Western Electricity Coordinating Council save an average of 1.42% of electricity sales. But WECC utilities in the 90th percentile save 7.47% of total electricity sales. While utilities in the region spend an average of $118 to save one MWh, the top performing utilities spend only $3 per MWh saved.
Included in Utility Energy Efficiency Programs and Benchmarking Data are more than a dozen charts and graphs providing details—by utility type and NERC location—on the MWh savings that the top 10%, top 15%, and top 25% of performers achieve. To develop this data, Chartwell analyzed information that more than 950 utilities submitted to the Department of Energy.
Chartwell’s best practices research features case studies and spotlights important initiatives within the industry. Among the seven case studies in the report are:
- Seattle City Light’s wide-ranging and award-winning energy efficiency program that is marketed neighborhood-by-neighborhood;
- Southern California Edison’s efforts to reach small business owners with energy efficiency programs;
- Florida Power & Light’s innovative energy efficiency advertising campaign;
- Plumas-Sierra Electric Cooperative’s geothermal heat pump program;
- Anaheim Public Utilities’ community outreach-based energy efficiency efforts.
The 50-page report, available from Chartwell for $295, is part of The Chartwell New Products and Services Research Series, an ongoing information service that provides utility case studies; topical analysis and research centered around specific products or services in the utility and energy services marketplace; and a database of 86 utilities and the products and services they offer or are planning to offer.
For more information about the ongoing Research Series, the Report on Utility Energy Efficiency Programs and Benchmarking Data, or the products/services database, call 800/432-5879.
