How energy efficiency has survived restructuring in the US: a review and initial assessment of public benefits policies and programs in the United States

Panel: Panel 5: Energy Efficiency Markets & Financing Mechanisms

Author:
Martin Kushler, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy

Abstract

Since the era of electric restructuring (liberalisation) began in the U.S. in the mid-1990's, utility spending on energy efficiency has been cut dramatically, falling by over 50%. In response, the concept of state mandated "public benefits" funding has emerged as the primary new mechanism for supporting utility related societal benefits such as energy efficiency. A total of 19 states have enacted some type of public benefits policy to provide energy efficiency, including three-fourths of the states which have restructured to date. ACEEE has been directing a research project, jointly funded with the U.S. Department of Energy, to conduct the first comprehensive review and assessment of public benefit policies in restructured states. The purpose of this paper is to present some of the highlight results of that research.