2008.12.24 RI 2009 Energy Efficiency Plans to Save Consumers $90M Press
For Immediate Release
December 24, 2008
Contacts:
Jeremy Marin, Communications Manager: (617) 947-2409
Sam Krasnow, Policy Advocate and Attorney: (401) 439-0041
www.env-ne.org
RI 2009 Energy Efficiency Plans to Save Consumers $90M
(Providence) The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) yesterday approved significantly expanded energy efficiency plans that will save consumers $90 million in 2009. The plans direct National Grid to increase investments in energy efficiency resources that are cheaper than supply in compliance with the “The Comprehensive Energy Conservation, Efficiency, and Affordability Act of 2006.” The plans represent the first step that Rhode Island is taking to reform its energy policy by investing in lower cost, cleaner energy efficiency that reduces consumer bills and builds jobs in state.
Over the course of the year, National Grid will invest nearly $23 million in electric efficiency programs that will yield a net savings of $83 million by saving over 900,000 megawatt hours at a low cost of 3.6¢ per lifetime kWh saved. The Plan calls for nearly $6 million to be invested in gas energy efficiency that will generate $19 million in total benefits. It will help consumers control escalating energy costs through the cheapest and most effective means possible - energy efficiency.
“Rhode Island is moving forward with a bold energy and money-saving opportunity,” said Sam Krasnow, policy advocate and attorney for ENE (Environment Northeast) and a member of the newly created Energy Efficiency and Resources Management Council which will help oversee the implementation of the Plan. “While individuals cannot control the cost of energy, today’s measure will help control the amount of energy Rhode Islanders use, saving consumers tens of millions of dollars.”
The 2009 Plan is part of a larger “Least Cost Procurement Plan,” that would save RI Consumer $280 million dollars over three years. It directs National Grid to significantly increase investments in energy efficiency measures for homeowners and businesses when they are cheaper than supply. These efficiency efforts are ‘least cost’ because investing in efficiency measures is one-third as expensive as buying power from generating plants – efficiency investments cost less than 4¢ per lifetime kWh whereas electric supply costs 12¢ per kWh.
“Given the current economic conditions, controlling energy costs is one of the single most important steps we can take,” said Dan Sosland, executive director of ENE. “Rhode Island is leading the way and setting a national example as it invests in lower cost and cleaner energy efficiency, expanding access to these programs by consumers on a broad level.”
A gauge of the appeal of the 2009 Efficiency Plan approved today, and the three-year Least Cost Procurement Efficiency Plan is the broad support it has received. Consumer and low income advocates, business groups, National Grid, and environmentalists were all involved in its development as members of the newly created Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council, and all gave the Plan their stamps of approval. In addition, the RI Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, and TEC-RI which advocates for electric consumers, endorsed the 2009 Efficiency Program Plan.
The Plan was developed by National Grid with interaction and approval by the Council and submitted to the PUC for approval. Council members include:
• Paul Ryan, chair of the Council, with expertise in energy regulation and law,
• Andy Dzykewicz, Commissioner of the Office of Energy Resources,
• Dan Justynski of Citizens Bank representing small commercial/industrial users,
• Chris Powell of Brown University representing large commercial/industrial users,
• Joe Newsome representing low income energy consumers,
• Joe Cirillo, former building commissioner with expertise in energy design and codes,
• Sam Krasnow of Environment Northeast representing environmental concerns.
