Assessment of Energy Savings Potential of Products and Technologies

Robert Penney, Washington State University Extension Energy Program

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Abstract

Utilities and energy program planners across the country are investing millions of dollars in energy efficiency and market transformation programs based on products and technologies believed to offer long-term energy savings. One challenge in developing programs and answering customer inquiries is a lack of reliable, comprehensive information about the efficiency of new products and technologies. Due to increasing product complexity, the task of evaluating energy efficiency claims for new products and technologies is becoming more challenging. The cost efficiencies to be gained by implementing a regional service led to development of the “Product and Technology Review” service in the Pacific Northwest.

Through this service, electric utilities can more quickly learn about promising new products to consider supporting in their incentive programs, and are warned about products and technologies less likely to deliver reliable energy savings. This information can help electric utilities and their customers avoid unwise investments that could tarnish the reputation of conservation programs. Products that do save energy, and that are documented by independent testing, are likely to gain market share more quickly and attract investors (Stearns 2004). This service is not the only source of product energy savings assessment, but has a broader scope, a larger potential audience, and more public outreach than most others.