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November 4, 2013 OTHER VOICES

It’s time to move ahead on energy efficiency

By Richard Chasse

Energy efficiency is in the air. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy declared October to be “Energize Connecticut Month” and the White House has declared it to be “Energy Action Month.” So what better time to highlight steps that Connecticut is taking to encourage smarter energy choices across our state.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is taking public comment on a draft decision that calls for the electricity Connecticut uses to be cut by 2 percent, and natural gas use to be cut by 0.6 percent. DEEP’s 2013-15 Conservation & Load Management Plan would increase gas and electric energy efficiency funds for companies, families, and institutions across the state.

According to the nonprofit Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), investing in energy efficiency benefits everyone by reducing the need for additional power plants and transmission lines, and avoiding the higher charges the state — and ultimately ratepayers — incur during peak electric demand. That’s important, because our utility rates are among the highest in the nation. Trimming power bills also increases buying power for residents, businesses, and institutions alike. And it helps state and local governments stretch taxpayer dollars.

Connecticut residents and businesses currently spend about $400 million more than they should on electricity each year—and waste even more on unnecessary natural gas and heating oil purchases caused by inefficiency.

Investing in efficiency saves energy, saves money, helps the bottom line, and puts more local people to work. Repeat those effects again and again throughout the state’s economy, and you not only strengthen individual businesses, you boost the state’s entire economic output. 

Our company has benefitted from the state efficiency programs that are due to get a boost under DEEP’S draft decision. Advanced Energy Management LLC, founded in 2004, is a small, family-owned and operated business that partners with local utilities to help small businesses in Connecticut access energy efficiency incentives, financing and bonuses. We then implement the efficiency improvements such as lighting, refrigeration and more. For example, we helped Temple Beth Tivkah in Madison save an estimated $388.80 on their electric bills every month - money they were then able to redeploy to their social service programs. In nine years we have helped over 300 businesses complete energy efficiency projects resulting in both energy and money savings to our customers.

By ratcheting back demand, strong, consistent energy efficiency programs also help make the electric grid more resilient.

That’s especially important to keep in mind with the recent anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. Being without power is bad for companies and families. In fact, our existing programs cut energy costs by $650 million between 1998 and 2011, according to the Energy Efficiency Fund. During those years, businesses have been able to save money, retain jobs and create new ones, expand enterprises, and invest in growth. Families have had an easier time balancing budgets. Schools, hospitals, and other important institutions have been able to spend less on power bills and more on doing the important work of educating and caring for the people of Connecticut.

Let’s keep the momentum going by approving DEEP’s plan to invest further in energy efficiency programs for Connecticut businesses and homeowners.  Let’s launch the next stage of Connecticut’s pioneering journey toward a more energy-efficient, resilient, and prosperous future.g

Richard Chasse is the owner of Burlington-based Advanced Energy Management.

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