State and Local Climate and Energy Program Energy Efficiency
(EE) - Benefits of Energy Efficiency - Local Opportunities to
Improve Energy Efficiency Benefits of Energy Efficiency
Improving energy efficiency is one of the most constructive and
cost-effective ways to address the challenges of high energy
prices, energy security and independence, air pollution, and
global climate change. The many benefits of energy efficiency
include: - Environmental: Increased efficiency can lower
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other pollutants, as well as
decrease water use. - Economic: Improving energy efficiency
costs significantly less than investing in new generation and
transmission. Energy efficiency can also boost the local economy
and create downward pressure on natural gas prices and
volatility. - Utility System Benefits: When integrated into
energy resource plans, energy efficiency can provide long-term
benefits by lowering baseload and peak demand and reducing the
need for additional generation and transmission