California hopes to reap $3 billion in benefits from demand
response over the next 20 years. Maximizing the potential may
require the California Energy Commission to exert its statutory
authority... Setting the stage for conservation. The stage is
set for energy efficiency to take the starring role in
addressing the nation’s energy, economic, and environmental
goals. Electric utility budgets for energy efficiency programs
have jumped 60 percent over the past two years, reaching $4
billion in 2009––up from $2.5 billion in 2007. Last year’s
stimulus package created the largest federal investment in
energy efficiency in our nation’s history, with over $16 billion
in funding and incentives for energy efficiency and smart-grid
programs. And the president’s call this year for another $6
billion in incentives to create the HOMESTAR program continues
the emphasis on energy efficiency to save money, stimulate the
economy, and protect the environment. The electric power
industry welcomes this spotlight on energy effici