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Electric & Gas Energy Efficiency Programs and Savings
The level of savings on utility sector efficiency programs is a major indicator of the level of investment in efficiency in a jurisdiction. Local jurisdictions have varying levels of control over utility savings on efficiency.
This sub-category includes information on three topics: Most recent year net incremental electric savings as a result of efficiency programs in energy units (MWh) and as a percentage of retail sales; Most recent year net incremental natural gas savings as a result of efficiency programs in energy units (MMTherms) and as a percentage of retail sales; Formal and/or information partnership of local jurisdiction of and/or with electric and/or natural gas utility on efficiency programs.
In 2017, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported Public Service Company of New Mexico had 63,234 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.72% of its retail sales across the utility's entire service jurisdiction, not only Albuquerque. In 2017, New Mexico Gas reported 1.15 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.35% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover both Public Service Company and New Mexico Gas's entire service jurisdiction, not just Albuquerque. PNM offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial customers. New Mexico Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residents and businesses.
While no formal partnership is in place, the City of Albuquerque is engaging on decoupling issues with PNM and other stakeholders to allow for greater incentives in moving toward energy efficiency. PNM, New Mexico Gas, and Water Authority all offer rebates on energy and water conservation measures implemented. The rebate program is available to everyone residential, commercial, government across their service areas. The City takes full advantage of these rebate opportunities and has received $500,000 in rebates for energy project implemented.
In 2015, according to VEP&L's demand side management report, they achieved 83,383 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.11% of retail sales. To achieve these savings, VEP&L spent $30,974,000 on electric efficiency programs in 2015, which equates to 0.46% of annual revenue. In 2015, Washington Gas reported reported savings of 94,000 Mcf from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.23% of its retail sales. To achieve these savings, Washington Gas spent $5,395,764 on natural gas efficiency programs, which are normalized to $11.10 per residential customer.
Arlington County does not partner with its energy utilities to jointly administer energy saving strategies, plans, or policies.
In 2017, Georgia Power reported 341,718 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.41% of its retail sales. These figures reported cover Georgia Power's entire service jurisdiction, not just Atlanta. In 2017, Atlanta Gas Light either did not spend or did not report spending on natural gas efficiency programs. Georgia Power offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Atlanta Gas Light similarly offers natural gas efficiency tips to residential and business customers.
Georgia Power informally partners with the City of Atlanta on efforts around city-level energy needs, including energy savings and renewable energy goals. For example, Georgia Power has worked closely with the City in connection with the Atlanta Better Buildings Challenge, which aims to reduce energy consumption in Atlanta by at least 20% by 2020. Georgia Power has also consulted with the City on its longer term clean energy goals. Atlanta Gas Light partners with the City of Atlanta to support the US DOE's Better Buildings Initiative Energy Data Accelerator.
Last Updated: April 2019
In 2017, Xcel Energy reported 386,710 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 1.35% of its retail sales across the utility's entire service jurisdiction, not only in Aurora. In 2017, Xcel reported 6.27 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.57% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover Xcel's entire service jurisdiction, not just Aurora. Xcel offers natural gas and electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
At this time, the City of Aurora does not have a formal partnership with Xcel Energy in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, Austin Energy reported 130,931 MWh in net electric savings at the meter, which represents 1.01% of its retail sales. In 2017, Texas Gas Service reported 0.31 MMTherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.11% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures represented in this section cover the entire Texas service territory, not just Austin. Austin Energy offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Texas Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential customers.
Texas Gas Service and Austin Energy have collaborated for over a decade to provide assistance to city residents who need energy efficiency improvements and energy-savings appliances. Texas Gas Service receives referrals from Austin Energy for shared customers who may need natural gas furnace, range, or water heater replacements. In addition, other City Departments including Austin Water, Neighborhood Housing and several not for profit organizations partner with Austin Energy to provide energy efficiency products and services to our community. The Climate Protection Plan reinforces the partnerships among City Departments by establishing shared goals.
In 2017, PG&E reported 1,343,224 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 1.63% of its retail sales across the utility's entire service jurisdiction, not only Bakersfield. In 2017, SoCal Gas reported 34.41 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 1.31% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover both PG&E and SoCal Gas's entire service jurisdiction, not just Bakersfield. PG&E offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. SoCal Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
The City of Bakersfield is a member of the Kern Energy Watch partnership program alongside ten other local governments. Kern Energy Watch is jointly funded by SoCal Gas, PG&E, and Southern California Edison. This partnership aims to improve energy efficiency throughout Kern County through efforts such as technical assistance for energy efficiency retrofits in municipal facilities, strategic planning and reach code support, and energy efficiency programs/services provided to local communities.
In 2017, BG&E reported 251,140 MWh in net incremental savings at the meter, amounting to 0.87% of its retail electric sales. In 2017, BG&E reported 0.87 Mmtherms in net gas savings, which equates to 0.24% of gas sales. These savings figures cover BG&E's entire service jurisdiction, most of which is within Baltimore proper. BG&E offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers.
BG&E offers a suite of programs under their Smart Energy Savers program. These programs are supported by a surcharge on the utility bill mandated under the State of Maryland's EmPower MD program. The City has been active on the Public Service Commission's EmPower working group which helps provide information, assistance and recommendations to PSC Commissioners on EmPower MD programs.
The Baltimore Energy Initiative and the Baltimore Energy Challenge actively promote the BG&E Smart Energy Savers programs to residents and businesses, and the City collaborates with BG&E on how the City's Energy Challenge and other programs can widen the marketing reach for BG&E programs. The Baltimore Energy Initiative Loan Program assists nonprofits and small businesses in increasing their energy efficiency through upgrades to their facilities.
According to EIA, in 2017 Alabama Power reported net incremental electricity savings of 9,939 MWh, representing 0.02% of its retail sales. In 2017, Alagasco either did not spend or did not report spending on natural gas efficiency programs. These savings figures represent the entire Alabama service territory, not just Birmingham. Alabama Power offers electric efficiency programs and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
In March 2018, the City of Birmingham was awarded a 2018 Smart Cities Readiness Challenge Grant, in partnership with Alabama Power and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to help Birmingham use technology and data to address local challenges and improve services and connectivity, such as energy and transportation efficiency.
In 2017, Eversource reported a net incremental electricity savings of 706,920 MWh, representing 3.46% of its retail sales. In the same year, National Grid reported 16.42 MMTherms in net incremental gas savings, representing 2.10% of its annual retail sales. These savings values are for the utilities' entire Massachusetts service territory, not just Boston. Eversource offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. National Grid similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers. Both utilities also sponsor whole-building programs, including multifamily buildings, through the state-wide Mass Save program. Their "whole facility" approach focuses on a facility's thermal envelope (shell insulation and air leakage conditions for units heated by natural gas or electricity) as well as lighting and mechanical systems.
The City of Boston partners with its energy utilities through the Renew Boston program. Renew Boston promotes energy efficient choices and informs Boston residents and businesses about utility-sponsored energy efficiency services. Through its community-centric outreach and education, Renew Boston helps ensure that the City's diverse homes and businesses are connected to available energy efficiency programs and incentives. Eversource continues to lend the City a manager that aids the City with energy efficiency project uptake and implementation. Moreover, the City and utilities are partnering on a joint marketing effort to increase residential home energy efficiency activities in Boston's low- and middle-income neighborhoods, with a focus on increasing home energy audits, weatherization, and heating system upgrades.
The City of Boston also takes an active role in advising the utility-sponsored energy efficiency programs through a seat on the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (EEAC). The Massachusetts Green Communities Act of 2008 created the EEAC to assist in the development and implementation of the statewide gas and electric utility energy efficiency plans. These plans set three-year targets for electricity and natural gas savings. The EEAC did not include representation from Massachusetts' municipal governments until Boston advocated for the addition of a voting seat for an individual representing "a city or town of the Commonwealth" through An Act Relative to Competitively Priced Electricity in the Commonwealth. That seat is currently represented by a City of Boston staff member.
Greenovate Boston is a city-led initiative to involve all Bostonian's in Boston's Climate Action plan. Residents in one- to four-unit homes can connect through the program with Mass Save for program incentives. Greenovate staff host workshops with residents, offer energy efficiency tips, and sign households directly up for energy audits. They offer promotional materials in numerous languages and engage with renters. This project is sponsored by the electric and natural gas utilities and also partners with the Action for Boston Community Development group, which assists low-income households in fuel assistance, energy conservation, and weatherization.
According to EIA, in 2013, Xcel spent $63,485,000 on electric efficiency programs, representing 2.27% of its annual revenue. Due to these programs, Xcel reported a net incremental electricity savings of 357,245MWh, representing 1.24% of its retail sales. In the same year, Xcel reported spending $13,643,000 on gas efficiency programs according to the 2013 Annual report (Docket 11A-631EG). The expenditures normalize to $11.24 per residential customer. Spending on electricity and natural gas represented in this section covers the entire Colorado service territory, not just Boulder. Xcel offers natural gas and electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
The Colorado Energy Office partners with Xcel to provide additional rebates through the Recharge Colorado program. The City of Boulder advocates to the State PUC for additional spending and savings requirements by participating in the docket process for DSM programs.
In 2017, United Illuminating reported 94,629 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 1.86% of its retail sales across the utility's entire service jurisdiction, not only Bridgeport. In 2017, Southern Connecticut Gas reported 1.36 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.50% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover both United Illuminating and Southern Connecticut Gas's entire service jurisdiction, not just Bridgeport. United Illuminating offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Southern Connecticut Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
At this time, the City of Bridgeport does not have a formal partnership with United Illuminating or Southern Connecticut Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, according to Energy Information Administration, National Grid reported 335,563 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 1.00% of its retail sales across the utility's entire service jurisdiction, not only Buffalo. In 2017, according to its annual report, National Fuel Gas reported 1.51 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.37% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover both utilities' entire service jurisdiction, not just Buffalo. National Grid offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers. National Fuel Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential customers.
At this time, the City of Buffalo does not have a formal partnership with National Grid NY or National Fuel Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
According to EIA, in 2013, Burlington Electric spent $2,067,000 on electric efficiency programs, representing 4.23% of its annual revenue. Due to these programs, Burlington Electric reported a net incremental electricity savings of 7,007MWh, representing 2.04% of its retail sales. In 2013, Vermont Gas reported spending of $1,475,600 on natural gas efficiency programs which normalizes to $36.97 spent per residential customer. Spending on electricity represented in this section covers the entire Burlington Electric service territory, most of which covers Burlington. Burlington Electric offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Vermont Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
Burlington Electric and Vermont Gas partner to deliver the Efficiency Vermont (the statewide EEU) programs to its customers. The City of Burlington does promote natural gas efficiency through the newly launched Champ Energy Challenge.
According to EIA, in 2011, Duke spent $28,126,000 on electric efficiency programs, representing 0.5% of its annual revenue. Due to these programs, Duke reported a net incremental electricity savings of 349,896MWh, representing 0.46% of its retail sales. In 2011, PSNC Energy either did not spend or did not report spending on natural gas efficiency programs. Spending on electricity represented in this section covers the entire North Carolina service territory, not just Carrboro. Duke offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. PSNC similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to customers.
With Duke Energy and the City of Chapel Hill, the Town of Carrboro helped pilot an incentive to encourage the installation of insulation and air & duct sealing. The town has also been participating in a municipal workgroup organized by the North Carolina League of Municipalities that has been advocating for increased energy efficiency with Duke Energy and the Utilities Commission.
According to Duke Energy Carolinas, in 2017 they achieved 691,781 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.23% of total retail sales. In 2017, Piedmont Natural Gas either did not save or did not report savings from natural gas efficiency programs. These savings figures represent the entire North Carolina service territory, not just Charlotte. Duke offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
Duke Energy partnered with Charlotte on Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant projects, which brought energy efficiency programs to the residential and commercial sectors. The Mayor's Sustainability Office has monthly meetings with Duke Energy representatives to continue to explore opportunities.
According to EIA, in 2013, VEP&L spent $14,021,000 on electric efficiency programs, representing 0.22% of its annual revenue. Due to these programs, VEP&L reported a net incremental electricity savings of 20,266MWh, representing 0.27% of its retail sales. In the same year, Charlottesville Gas reported spending $604,060 on gas efficiency programs. The expenditures normalize to $309.01 per residential customer. Spending on electricity represented in this section covers the entire Virginia service territory, not just Charlottesville. VEP&L offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
Charlottesville has a funded partnership with the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) for program services. One of the services offered by LEAP is the Home Energy Check Up, one of the local electric utility's demand response management programs. The city is a member of groups such as Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) and has communication channels with the electric utility via their partnership with LEAP. The city supports additional energy efficiency spending through these partnerships, but the city has not yet begun advocating to the state for increased spending and savings requirements for the electric utility.
In 2017, according to ComEd, they achieved 2,372,922 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.72% of retail sales. In 2017, Peoples Gas reported savings of 9.88 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.78% of its retail sales. These savings figures cover the entire Illinois service territory, not just Chicago. ComEd offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Peoples Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
The city promotes energy efficiency programs and other rebate and incentives under Retrofit Chicago and the new Smart Grid Program in partnership with ComEd and Peoples Gas. Retrofit Chicago is marketed by city staff and non-profit partners through neighborhood outreach and engagement including community workshops, educational materials, and online resources. The Smart Grid Program is coordinating citywide outreach on smart meters and energy efficiency by visiting community service centers, community events, and holding workshops at Chicago Public Libraries, senior centers, and other locations to share information. Natural Gas programs also fall under Retrofit Chicago and are promoted in conjunction with electric utility incentives, engaging with both residential and commercial customers.
In 2017, San Diego Gas & Electric reported 440,258 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 2.32% of its retail sales across the utility's entire service jurisdiction, not only Chula Vista. In 2017, SDG&E reported 1.64 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.43% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover both utilities' entire service jurisdiction, not just Chula Vista. SDG&E offers natural gas and electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
Chula Vista and SDG&E do have a franchise agreement. In addition, the City has a long history with SDG&E in a series of Local Government Partnerships (LGP), which began in 2006. The City is currently wrapping up the third year of a five-year contract with SDG&E where they focus on energy efficiency services that reduce the amount of electricity consumed and help lower monthly utility costs. The program is designed to reduce amount of kilowatt hours consumed by the community in a range of sectors. Previous LGPs with SDG&E have had shorter-terms but similar goals and have allowed the City to have a broad reach in both its residential and business communities, as well as a focus on its municipal facilities, innovative outreach at its libraries, Recreation Department activities, and Development Services trainings and offerings, all directly related to energy efficiency.
In 2017, according to Duke Energy Ohio's demand side management report, they achieved 265,284 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.34% of retail sales. Duke Energy Ohio did not implement any natural gas efficiency programs in 2017. These figures represent the entire Ohio service territory, not just Cincinnati. Duke Energy Ohio offers electric efficiency incentives to residential and commercial customers.
At this time, the City of Cincinnati does not partner with Duke Energy Ohio to promote participation in their energy efficiency programs.
In 2017, according to EIA, CEI achieved 230,540 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.26% of retail sales. In 2017, Dominion Energy Ohio reported savings of 0.15 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0% of its retail sales. These figures represent the entire Ohio service territory, not just Cleveland. First Energy offers electric efficiency incentives to residential and commercial customers.
The City of Cleveland partners with CEI and Dominion Energy Ohio to promote participation in their energy efficiency programs. For example, the city's Council of Smaller Enterprises works with Dominion Energy Ohio to offer energy efficiency programs designed to save Ohio businesses money on their energy bills. In 2015, the City of Cleveland entered into an aggregation agreement with CEI, with the goal of providing lower electricity costs for Cleveland's citizens while at the same time using various configurations of energy efficiency, local renewable energy development, and renewable energy purchases to advance Cleveland's sustainable economy.
In 2017, AEP Ohio reported 456,625 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.07% of retail sales. In 2017, Columbia Gas of Ohio reported savings of 10.67 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.69% of its retail sales. These figures cover the entire Ohio service territory, not just Columbus. AEP Ohio offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Columbia Gas of Ohio similarly offers natural gas programs to residential and business customers.
The City of Columbus promotes utility energy efficiency rebate programs through the GreenSpot program, the Get Green Columbus website, as well as the Columbus Energy Challenge. In addition, the city regularly speaks to groups about the utility rebate programs available. Additionally, AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas of Ohio participate in the City of Columbus' Energy Working Group, which aims to help the City meet its energy objectives described in Green Memo III. Through the Energy Working Group, Columbia Gas of Ohio and AEP Ohio helped develop an Energy Efficiency Roadmap for Columbus Businesses and Organizations, which provides information on incentives for which customers may be eligible.
In 2017, Oncor reported 158,603 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.13% of retail sales. In 2017, Atmos Energy did not run natural gas efficiency programs in Dallas. These figures cover the entire Texas service territory, not just Dallas. Oncor offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
At this time, the City of Dallas does not have a formal partnership with Oncor or Atmos Energy in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, according to Xcel Energy, they achieved 386,710 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.35% of retail sales. In 2017, Xcel Energy reported savings of 6.27 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.57% of its retail sales. These savings figures cover the entire Colorado service territory, not just Denver. Xcel offers natural gas and electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
The City of Denver partners with Xcel through several programs. The Denver Energy Challenge cross promotes programs through mailings and customer service. The Denver Benchmarking Ordinance helps large commercial and multifamily buildings track energy consumption to enable the market to better value energy efficiency. The Denver Green Roof Initiative aims to help reduce cooling loads, among other goals, through reduced urban heat island effects and reduced roof heat-flow through on commercial buildings.
In 2017, according to DTE, they achieved 761,630 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.62% of retail sales. In 2017, MichCon Gas also reported savings of 16.73 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 1.51% of its retail sales. These savings figures cover the entire Michigan service territory, not just Detroit. DTE offers natural gas and electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
At this time, the City of Detroit does not have a formal partnership with DTE and MichCon Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
According to EIA, in 2011, Interstate spent $5,155,000 on electric efficiency programs, representing 0.39% of its annual revenue. Due to these programs, Interstate reported a net incremental electricity savings of 187,458MWh, representing 1.22% of its retail sales. In the same year, Black Hills either did not spend or did not report spending on natural gas efficiency programs. Spending on electricity represented in this section covers the entire Iowa service territory, not just Dubuque. IPL offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Black Hills Energy similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
At this time, the city of Dubuque does not partner with the Interstate or Black Hills to promote participation in energy efficiency programs. Dubuque has also not yet begun advocating to the state for increased spending and savings requirements for the utilities.
In 2017, according to EPE, they achieved 19,955 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.32% of retail sales. In 2017, Texas Gas Service reported savings of 0.31 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.11% of its retail sales. These figures cover the entire Texas service territory, not just El Paso. El Paso Electric offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
The City of El Paso partners with EPE through the Green Business Challenge, which provides energy efficiency workshops and resources to the community. EPE also participates in numerous community events where they present information to the public on energy efficiency.
In 2017, according to Oncor, they achieved 158,603 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.13% of retail sales. In 2017, Atmos Energy reported 0.47 MMTherms in net savings from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.04% of retail sales. These figures cover the entire Texas service territory, not just Fort Worth. Oncor offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Atmos Energy offers natural gas efficiency incentives to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
Fort Worth partners with Oncor and Atmos Energy to promote participation in efficiency the Fort Worth Better Buildings Challenge. Fort Worth's Housing and Economic Development department partners with Oncor for the weatherization program. Other programs include the Business Smart program, and Sustainable Energy Round Table – two working groups which aim to transform the local energy efficiency markets.
In 2017, Consumers Energy reported 562,121 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 1.56% of its retail sales. In 2017, DTE reported 16.73 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 1.51% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover both utilities' entire service jurisdiction, not just Grand Rapids. Consumers Energy offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers. DTE similarly offers natural gas incentives to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
While the City of Grand Rapids does not have an official partnership with its utilities, both the electricity and natural gas utilities sit on the City's Energy Advisory Committee, which is charged with challenging the city to stay at the forefront of energy work. The City is also working collaboratively with the utilities on reducing the city's municipal energy use and developing a program for low income residents.
In 2017, Eversource reported 329,842 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.57% of retail sales. In 2017, Connecticut Natural Gas reported savings of 2.21 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.79% of its retail sales. These figures cover the entire Connecticut service territory, not just Hartford. Eversource offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial customers. Connecticut Natural Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
Although the City of Hartford does not have a formal partnership with Eversource or Connecticut Natural Gas, City staff meet regularly with the utilities through the Energy Opportunities program, which involves tracking projects and monthly meetings with energy project stakeholders. The City of Hartford also has a series of letters of agreement with Eversource, reflecting anticipated incentives that will offset project costs related to energy efficiency measures. In addition, the City's Energy Improvement District Board and the Climate Stewardship Council also have representatives from Eversource. As a member of the Clean Energy Communities program, the City of Hartford has pledged to promote energy efficiency programs (gas and electric) to residents, small businesses, educational group, local organizations and large C&I companies to increase program participation.
In 2017, according to Energy Information Administration, NV Energy achieved 143,004 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.44% of its retail sales. In 2017, Southwest Gas did not run or did not report natural gas efficiency programs in Henderson. These savings figures cover both utilities' entire service jurisdiction, not just Henderson. NV Energy offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industry customers. Southwest Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
At this time, the City of Henderson does not have a formal partnership with NV Energy or Southwest Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, Hawai'i Electric reported 92,253 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 1.41% of its retail sales. In 2017, Hawai'i Gas did not run any natural gas programs in Honolulu. These savings figures cover the utility's entire service jurisdiction, not just Honolulu. Hawai'i Electric offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers.
Hawai'i Energy continued its partnership with local county governments in 2017, forming a formal agreement with the County of Hawai'i through its Continuous Energy Improvement (CEI) program. This initiative identifies key areas of partnership for county agencies to work with Hawai'i Energy on comprehensive energy reduction solutions that engage employees, optimize systems, and prioritize capital improvements for County facilities. Hawai'i Energy partnered with the State Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) to successfully advocate for the State adoption of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which was adopted in March 2017.
In partnership with the City and County of Honolulu, the utility implemented its Energy Smart 4 Homes program with over 1,000 city-owned units. Through the program, professionals installed energy-efficient showerheads and faucets, along with ENERGY STAR® LED bulbs at no cost that will allow residents to save up to $160 a year. The utility is also heavily integrated with the City & County of Honolulu's Office of Climate Change, Sustainability, and Resiliency. The utility regularly participates in Honolulu's various Climate Action and Resiliency stakeholder meetings, ensuring energy efficiency is cornerstone in the conversations of reduced fossil fuel usage and equity in access to clean energy.
In 2017, according Energy Information Administration, CenterPoint Energy achieved 151,278 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.21% of retail sales. CenterPoint did not spend or did not report spending or savings on natural gas efficiency programs. These savings figures cover the entire Texas service territory, not just Houston. CenterPoint Energy offers natural gas and electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
At this time, the City of Houston does not have a formal partnership with CenterPoint Energy in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, according to IPL, they achieved 136,843 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.04% of retail sales. In 2017, Citizens Energy Group did not run any natural gas programs in Indianapolis. These savings figures cover the entire Indiana service territory, not just Indianapolis. IPL offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
Indianapolis partners with IPL and Citizens Energy in the promotion and implementation of its income-qualified weatherization program, administered by the statewide third-party administrator. IPL is also supporting a significant roll-out of electric vehicles in the City of Indianapolis, called the BlueIndy project.
In 2017, according to JEA, they achieved 37,330 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.32% of retail sales. In 2017, TECO Peoples Gas did not report savings on natural gas efficiency programs. These figures cover the entire Florida service territory, not just Jacksonville. JEA offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. TECO Peoples Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
JEA works with the City of Jacksonville's Department of Housing and Neighborhoods to implement a low-income program called the Neighborhood Energy Efficiency program, which assists customers in making energy and water efficiency upgrades to their homes.
In 2017, according to EIA, KCP&L achieved 147,818 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.78% of retail sales. In 2017, Spire Missouri reported savings of 1.75 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.18% of its retail sales. These savings figures cover the entire Missouri service territory, not just Kansas City. KCP&L offers electric efficiency incentives to residential and commercial customers. Spire Missouri Energy similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and commercial customers.
KUB reported 19,717 MWh of net incremental savings in 2013. This accounts for 0.37% of retail sales. In 2013, KUB either did not spend or did not report spending on natural gas efficiency programs. KUB offers natural gas and electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
Last Updated: January 2017
In 2017, according to KUB and TVA, KUB achieved 10,590 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.20% of its retail sales. In 2017, KUB did not report savings on natural gas efficiency programs. These savings figures cover the utility's entire service jurisdiction, not just Knoxville. KUB offers electric and natural gas efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers.
TVA and the City of Knoxville partnered to provide low income weatherization from 2015-2017 through the Extreme Energy Makeover. In 2017, 444 homes were upgraded with a savings of 2,061 MWh savings. Participants were qualified using 80% AMI income limits.
In 2017, according to Energy Information Administration, NV Energy achieved 143,004 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.44% of retail sales. In 2017, Southwest Gas did not report any savings from natural gas efficiency programs. NV Energy offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industry customers. Southwest Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
At this time, the City of Las Vegas does not have a formal partnership with NV Energy or Southwest Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement. Even so, Southwest Gas, NV Energy, and the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) work with the Desert Research Institute (DRI) to help fund and promote their GreenPower Outreach programs. Through GreenPower Outreach, DRI offers Teacher Trainings and Workshops focused on STEM subjects including energy conservation and management. Additional resources are also offered to Nevada students in the form of Green Boxes, speakers, and field trips.
According to EIA, in 2011, Westar spent $2,435,000 on electric efficiency programs, representing 0.28% of its annual revenue. Due to these programs, Westar reported a net incremental electricity savings of 1,428MWh, representing 0.01% of its retail sales. In 2011, Black Hills Energy either did not spend or did not report spending on natural gas efficiency programs. Spending on electricity represented in this section covers the entire Kansas service territory, not just Lawrence. Westar offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Black Hills Energy similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
To help promote Westar's programs and garner participation, Lawrence partners through the Green Business Leaders Program. Lawrence does marketing and provides recognition to the businesses selected by Westar as business energy leaders. The City of Lawrence has not yet begun advocating on the state level for additional spending or savings requirements on part of the utilities.
In 2017, SCE reported 540,757 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.64% of its retail sales. In 2017, Long Beach Energy Resources reported no savings from natural gas efficiency programs. These savings figures cover the utility's entire service jurisdiction, not just Long Beach. SCE offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers. Long Beach Energy Resources similarly offers natural gas efficiency tips to customers.
Through the Energy Leader Partnerships Program, SCE provides support to the City of Long Beach to identify and address energy efficiency opportunities in city-owned facilities, take actions supporting the California Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, and increase community awareness of demand side management (DSM) opportunities. Through this Partnership, SCE has supported the City in meeting long term sustainability goals in climate action planning, code compliance, reach codes, and other strategic plan initiatives. The City has also leveraged the full range of demand side management programs and services, including energy efficiency rebates for residential and business customers, demand response programs, and information provided to their community for Income Qualified programs and services. Through the Partnership, the City has co-branded messaging with SCE to distribute through local communication channels. Long Beach also partners with SoCal Edison on the Energy Upgrade CA Program, which is funded from its operating budget and not by ratepayers.
In 2017, according to LADWP, they achieved 409,927 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.81% of retail sales. In 2017, SoCal Gas reported 34.41 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 1.31% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. Electricity savings cover all of the city of Los Angeles. Natural gas savings cover the entire SoCal Gas service territory, not just Los Angeles. LADWP offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. SoCal Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
In 2013, SoCal Gas and LADWP began offering several combined natural gas and electric energy-saving programs, some of which save water as well, to residential and business customers in their joint service territory. This allows them to reap the co-benefits of their energy efficiency programs for all their joint customers. As of June 2016, the LADWP-SoCal Gas partnership incorporated 18 joint programs.
The City of Los Angeles works with the Mayor's office and other City departments and utilities, as well as local academic institutions and non-profit coalitions, to advocate to the state for increased spending and energy savings requirements. These include the Southern California Public Power Authority and the statewide (IOU) Codes and Standards group, as well as other coordination.
In 2017, according to EIA, LG&E achieved 64,311 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.56% of retail sales. In 2017, LG&E either did not spend or did not report spending on natural gas efficiency programs. Louisville Gas & Electric offers natural gas and electric efficiency tools and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
At this time, the City of Louisville does not have a formal partnership with LG&E in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
According to EIA, in 2011, MGE spent $1,717,000 on electric efficiency programs, representing 0.45% of its annual revenue. Due to these programs, MGE reported a net incremental electricity savings of 35,349MWh, representing 1.05% of its retail sales. MGE either did not spend or did not publish spending figures specific to natural gas sales. Spending on electricity represented in this section covers the entire Wisconsin service territory, not just Madison. MGE offers natural gas and electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
To promote energy efficiency programs, the City of Madison includes MGE flyers in Water Utility Billings, as well as partnered on Green Madison through October 2013 and currently partners with Mpower, a community-wide effort to be more energy efficient.
In 2017, AEP reported 64,971 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.25% of its retail sales. In 2017, Texas Gas reported 0.31 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.11% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover both utilities' entire service jurisdiction, not just McAllen. AEP offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers. Texas Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential customers.
At this time, the City of McAllen does not have a formal partnership with AEP or Texas Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, according to TVA and MLGW, MLGW achieved 1,441 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.01% of retail sales. In 2017, MLGW did not report savings on natural gas efficiency programs. MLGW offers natural gas and electric efficiency tools and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
The city and county have partnered with MLGW and TVA to develop the Mayor's Energy Challenge, which established a $10 million low-interest loan fund for commercial energy efficiency projects, promoted the My Account tool through MLGW, and prompted many assessment programs, calculators, and other tools to bring energy efficiency to Memphis.
In 2017, according to Energy Information Administration, SRP reported 520,546 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 1.84% of its retail sales. In 2017, Southwest Gas reported 2.87 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.68% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover both utilities' entire service jurisdiction, not just Mesa. SRP offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers. Southwest Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
At this time, the City of Mesa does not have a formal partnership with Salt River Project or Southwest Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, according to Energy Information Administration, Florida Power & Light achieved 58,052 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.05% of retail sales. In 2017, Florida City Gas either did not spend or did not report spending on natural gas efficiency programs. Savings on electricity efficiency represented in this section covers the entire Florida service territory, not just Miami. FPL offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
At this time, the City of Miami does not have a formal partnership with FPL or Florida City Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement. Community Action and Human Services of Miami has an established partnership with Florida Power & Light as well as other community organizations to provide bill assistance to qualifying customers, but does not partner on efficiency programs.
In 2017, according to Focus on Energy, We Energies achieved 169,205 MWh in net incremental savings from We Energies' ratepayer funded efficiency programs, representing 0.72% of retail sales. In 2017, We Energies and Focus on Energy reported savings of 8.60 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.81% of its retail sales. Savings on electricity represented in this section cover the entire Wisconsin service territory, not just Milwaukee.
Milwaukee signed a MOU with the Focus on Energy small business program to market the program as part of its Me2 outreach efforts, and the city has submitted comments to the Public Service Commission expressing its support for strong energy efficiency spending.
In 2017, according to Xcel Energy, they achieved 537,642 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.81% of retail sales. In 2017, CenterPoint Energy reported savings of 23.61 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs in their demand side management report, representing 2.20% of its retail sales. These savings figures cover the entire Minnesota service territory, not just Minneapolis. Xcel offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. CenterPoint Energy similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
In 2014, the City of Minneapolis entered a unique partnership with Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, the city's two largest utilities. The Memorandum of Understanding, referred to as the Clean Energy Partnership, expanded the conditions of the franchise agreement to include an active role for the utilities in the city's achievement of its energy goals. This agreement follows the city's adoption of its Climate Action Plan which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2015, 30% by 2025, and 80% by 2050. The first Annual Report on the Clean Energy Partnership's activities was released in June 2016 and is available on the Partnership's website, as is the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and its utility partners.
In 2017, according to Nashville Electric Service and TVA, NES achieved 3,391 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.03% of retail sales. In 2017, Piedmont Natural Gas either did not spend or did not report spending on natural gas efficiency programs. NES offers natural gas and electric efficiency tools and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
At this time, the City of Nashville does not have a formal partnership with NES or Piedmont Natural Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, United Illuminating reported 94,629 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 1.86% of its retail sales. In 2017, Southern Connecticut Gas reported 1.36 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.50% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover both utilities' entire service jurisdiction, not just New Haven. United Illuminating offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Southern Connecticut Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
At this time, the City of New Haven does not have a formal partnership with United Illuminating or Southern Connecticut Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, Entergy New Orleans achieved 19,061 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.44% of retail sales. Entergy New Orleans reported no natural gas savings from efficiency programs. Savings from electricity efficiency represented in this section covers New Orleans Parish, not just New Orleans. Entergy New Orleans offers electric efficiency incentives to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
In 2017, according to ConEd, they achieved 564,854 MWh in net incremental savings for ConEd's service territory, representing 1.02% of retail sales. In 2017, we could not find natural gas savings from efficiency programs in the National Grid Service territory. These savings figures cover the entire New York service territory, not just New York City. ConEd offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. National Grid similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
New York City actively partners with NYSERDA, ConEd, and National Grid to increase participation in their programs. To implement these programs, the New York City Energy Efficiency Corporation was established. This non-profit is funded through $37 Million of NYC's ARRA funding. NYSERDA-implemented programs are funded through rate-payer income from the utilities as well as approximately $250 Million of New York State grants yearly. ConEd and National Grid also collaborate with New York City on their Retrofit Accelerator, which offers free, personalized advisory services to streamline building retrofits in the city. ConEd and National Grid also work with the NYC Mayor's office of Sustainability on efficiency projects. In April 2019, the New York State Utilities issued a joint filing with the Public Service Commission to establish energy efficiency targets and budgets for 2021 through 2025. These targets and budgets facilitate the achievement of New York's 2025 goals.
In 2017, according to NJ BPU and PSE&G, PSE&G achieved 339,765 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.83% of its retail sales. In 2017, PSE&G reported 3.82 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.23% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover PSE&G's entire service jurisdiction, not just Newark. PSE&G offers electric and natural gas efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential customers.
At this time, the City of Newark does not have a formal partnership with PSE&G in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, PG&E reported 1,343,224 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 1.63% of its retail sales. In 2017, PG&E reported 28.00 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 1.45% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover PG&E's entire service jurisdiction, not just Oakland. PG&E offers electric and natural gas efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
Oakland City Staff have been involved in the East Bay Energy Watch (EBEW), a PG&E Local Government Partnership since 2003 (originally called the Oakland Energy Partnership). Oakland City Staff served as co-chair to EBEW's Strategic Advisory Committee (2016-17). The Oakland Clean Energy Initiative is a direct partnership with PG&E and East Bay Community Energy that will use local resources to replace an aging electricity generator in Oakland's Jack London Square area, which runs on jet fuel, with newer, reliable sources of clean energy. The City of Oakland is also a founding member of East Bay Community Energy, a local government CCA with strong targets for local renewable energy systems (previously referenced).
In 2017, OG&E achieved 147,479 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.62% of retail sales. In 2017, Oklahoma Natural Gas reported savings of 3.78 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs in their demand side management report, representing 0.70% of its retail sales. Savings from electricity efficiency represented in this section cover the entire Oklahoma service territory, not just Oklahoma City. OG&E offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
At this time, Oklahoma City does not have a formal partnership with OG&E or Oklahoma Natural Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, OPPD reported 26,696 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.25% of its retail sales. In 2017, Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha reported no natural gas savings at the meter. These savings figures cover both utilities' entire service jurisdiction, not just Omaha. OPPD offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers. Metropolitan Utilities District similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential customers.
At this time, the City of Omaha does not have a formal partnership with Metropolitan Utilities District in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, according to OUC, they achieved 42,476 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.65% of retail sales. In 2017, TECO Peoples Gas did not report savings from gas efficiency programs. These savings figures cover the entire Florida service territory, not just Tampa. OUC offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. TECO Peoples Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
The City of Orlando is actively working with OUC on developing more efficiency programs through the City Energy Project, including data access platform for whole-building energy use data and additional services, including benchmarking and retro-commissioning. Through the City Energy Project and the Central Florida Energy Efficiency Alliance (CFEEA), the City of Orlando is actively promoting OUC and efficiency rebates and incentives, along with organizing various summits and workshops including the efficiency and conservation managers for each company to participate. OUC also partners with the City on energy efficiency workshops for multifamily and Housing Authority communities.
At this time, the City of Orlando does not have a formal partnership with TECO Peoples Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
According to EIA, in 2014, PacifiCorp spent $45,438,000 on electric efficiency programs, representing 2.28% of its annual revenue. Due to these programs, PacifiCorp reported a net incremental electricity savings of 243,343MWh, representing 0.99% of its retail sales. We did not find spending figures for 2014 natural gas efficiency programs. Spending on electricity and natural gas represented in this section covers the entire Utah service territory, not just Park City. Rocky Mountain Power offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
Park City partners with Rocky Mountain Power and Questar to increase participation in its energy efficiency programs through the Low Carbon Diet program, a community-wide effort to reduce the carbon footprint of each household in Park City. The City provides direct funding and staff time. To advocate on the state level for increased spending and savings requirements for the utilities, Park City submits formal comments to the Public Service Commission. Park City also advocated for legislative changes to allow Commercial PACE programs.
In 2017, according to PECO, they achieved 281,939 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.75% of retail sales. In 2017, PGW reported savings of 0.64 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.17% of its retail sales. These savings figures cover the utilities' entire service jurisdiction, most of which is within Philadelphia proper. PECO offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. PGW similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
PECO has partnered with the City of Philadelphia to help meet the goal of reducing citywide building energy usage. As part of this effort, PECO is developing an online tool which will enable building managers to electronically transfer their electrical energy usage into the Portfolio Manager benchmarking tool. PGW is the nation's largest municipally-owned gas utility and is partnering with the Office of Sustainability on a business diversification strategy that may include expanding the scope of its EnergySense efficiency program.
In 2017, according to APS, they achieved 627,348 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 2.24% of retail sales. In 2017, Southwest Gas reported savings of 2.87 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.68% of its retail sales. These savings figures cover the entire Arizona service territory, not just Phoenix. APS offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Southwest Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
The City of Phoenix partners with APS through The Energize Phoenix Program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, by marketing and leveraging energy efficiency incentives and funding in targeted Phoenix neighborhoods. This $25 million program is projected to achieve annual energy reductions of 12% and 17% in residential and commercial sectors respectively, resulting in 135,000 MWh and $12.6 million annual savings. In 2017, the City partnered with both utilities, APS and SRP, to launch a free home energy audit program. The City is sponsoring up to 1000 of the audits for free, after which the price will be $99. The City is also partnering with Pearl Home Certification, Utilities, HomeSmart International, and RESNET to pilot a home labelling program in 2019.
In 2017, Duquesne Light achieved 57,584 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.45% of retail sales. In 2017, Peoples Natural Gas either did not spend or did not report spending on natural gas efficiency programs. These savings figures cover the entire Pennsylvania service territory, not just Pittsburgh. Duquesne offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers.
The City of Pittsburgh partners with Duquesne Light and PNG through efforts to support energy efficiency throughout the community, including Penn Future, Black and Gold Goes Green, and GTECH's ReEnergize Network. The ReEnergize Network brings stakeholders in energy together to progress local energy efficiency concerns, such as energy providers, local government officials, real estate stakeholders, nonprofit partners, and energy auditors. These programs share information, advice and awareness about ENERGY STAR, retrofits, upgrades and utility incentives with residential customers, small businesses and corporations.
In 2017, according to Energy Trust of Oregon, PGE's efficiency programs achieved 325,304 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.83% of retail sales. In 2017, NW Natural Gas reported savings of 5.90 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.88% of its retail sales. These savings figures cover the entire Oregon service territory, not just Portland. PGE offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. NW Natural similarly offers natural gas efficiency incentives and programs to residential and business customers.
The City of Portland Clean Energy program leverages strong partnership relationships—including partnerships with PGE, NW Natural, and Energy Trust or Oregon—to deliver technical advice, outreach and marketing support to a variety of energy programs. Portland partners with its energy utilities through Sustainability at Work and Clean Energy Works Portland/Oregon. Sustainability at Work is a partnership between the City of Portland and the utilities. This program offers free assistance to organizations to create sustainable workplaces. Clean Energy Works Portland/Oregon is a whole-home retrofit financing program offering incentives, no-cost services, and on-bill loan products. This program is available to homeowners, renters, and new homes aimed primarily to underserved populations. This program is funded through ARRA, EECBG, DOE's Better Buildings Neighborhood Program, and a revolving loan fund.
In 2017, Narragansett Electric reported 232,023 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 3.17% of retail sales. In 2017, Narragansett Electric reported savings of 4.68 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 1.99% of its retail sales. These savings cover the entire Rhode Island service territory, not just Providence. Narragansett Electric offers both natural gas and electric efficiency incentives to residential and commercial customers.
The City has formed partnership with various organizations including Narragansett Electric, its electric and natural gas utility for its voluntary energy challenge program called RePowerPVD. Naragansett Electric has been providing automated energy usage data as well as energy benchmarking assistance to program participants at request. The City is an active new member of the RI Energy Efficiency Collaborative to inform the development, implementation, and evaluation of National Grid's energy efficiency plans.
In 2017, according to Duke Energy Progress, they achieved 338,876 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.92% of retail sales. In 2017, PSNC Energy did not report savings on natural gas efficiency programs. These savings figures cover the entire North Carolina service territory, not just Charlotte. Duke Energy Carolinas offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
At this time, the City of Raleigh does not have a formal partnership with Duke Energy Progress or Piedmont Natural Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, NV Energy reported 143,004 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 44% of its retail sales. In 2017, NV Energy did not report natural gas savings at the meter. These savings figures cover the utility's entire service jurisdiction, not just Reno. NV Energy offers electric and natural gas efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industry customers.
At this time, the City of Reno does not have a formal partnership with NV Energy in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, Dominion Energy reported 79,809 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.10% of retail sales. In 2017, DPU did not report savings on natural gas efficiency programs. These savings figures cover the entire Virginia service territory, not just Richmond. Dominion offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and small business customers.
At this time, the City of Richmond does not have a formal partnership with Dominion Energy in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, RPU reported 15,443 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.69% of retail sales. In 2017, SoCal Gas reported 34.41 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 1.31% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. The savings reported on natural gas represented in this section covers the entire SoCal Gas service territory, not just Riverside. Riverside Public Utilities offers electric efficiency rebates and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. SoCal Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
SoCal Gas continues to partner with local governments with its energy leader model providing technical assistance for energy efficiency retrofits, strategic planning and reach code support, and more. SoCal Gas operated 26 partnerships with cities or group of cities in 2015.
In 2017, RG&E reported 41,837 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.60% of its retail sales. In 2017, RG&E reported 0.28 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.12% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover RG&E's entire service jurisdiction, not just Rochester. RG&E offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. RG&E also offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and commercial customers.
RG&E has been working with the City of Rochester in an administrative capacity on a low-income energy efficiency program. RG&E also worked collaboratively on the ROC EV Accelerator program and provided support for their efforts to secure funding from NYPA on programs to support air source heat pumps and electric vehicle car share for residents.
In 2017, SMUD reported 164,200 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.52% of retail sales. In 2017, PG&E reported savings of 28.00 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 1.45% of its retail sales. These savings figures cover the entire California service territory, not just Sacramento. SMUD offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. PG&E similarly offers natural gas efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial customers.
At this time, the City of Sacramento does not have a formal partnership with PG&E in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, Xcel Energy reported 537,642 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 1.81% of its retail sales. In 2017, Xcel reported 7.99 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 1.53% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover the utility's entire service jurisdiction, not just St. Paul. Xcel offers natural gas and electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
Over the past year and a half, St. Paul has participated in Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy program where the city and utility partner to set energy efficiency targets and determine renewable energy strategies to work toward carbon neutrality by 2050 in the building sector. Developers complying with the Saint Paul Sustainable Building Ordinance must participate in the Xcel's Energy Design Assistance program. Those projects are then eligible to receive incentives from Xcel Energy.
In 2017, according to Rocky Mountain Power, they achieved 254,907 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.06% of retail sales. In 2017, Dominion Energy either did not report or had no natural gas efficiency savings. These savings figures cover the entire Utah service territory, not just Salt Lake City. Rocky Mountain Power offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Dominion Energy similarly offers natural gas efficiency tips and resources to residential and incentives to business customers.
Rocky Mountain Power has a strong and successful relationship with Salt Lake City. Much focus has recently been placed on benchmarking within the city to educate customers and seek energy efficiency as a direct educational result. Less than a year ago, Rocky Mountain Power launched a free service for all customers called Resource Advisor which will automatically transfer all energy usage in Energy Star Portfolio Manager for customers. The City of Salt Lake was a key stakeholder in this effort and subsequently gave the utility an award for their efforts. In addition Rocky Mountain Power is a key partner in the Mayor's Project Skyline Challenge and Elevate Buildings initiatives. The utility is also assisting the city in drafting energy efficiency policy initiatives. Questar Gas currently partners with the city on the DOE Better Buildings Energy Data Accelerator program. In 2018, Rocky Mountain Power formally consolidated, focused, and expanded its energy efficiency engagements with Salt Lake City, Park City, Summit County, and Moab City by launching the Wattsmart Communities Offering.
In 2017, according to EIA, CPS Energy achieved 149,767 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.69% of retail sales. In 2017, CPS Energy did not report savings for natural gas efficiency programs. These figures reported cover CPS's entire service jurisdiction, most of which is within San Antonio proper. CPS Energy offers natural gas and electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
The City of San Antonio has developed the Save for Tomorrow Energy Plan, or STEP. STEP pools funds from various sources to be applied to energy efficiency programs and projects. Additionally, CPS Energy is required to reduce electricity demand by 771 MW between 2009 and 2020.
In 2017, according to SDG&E, they achieved 440,258 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 2.32% of retail sales. In 2017, SDG&E reported savings of 1.64 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.43% of its retail sales. These savings figures cover SDG&E's entire service jurisdiction, not just San Diego. SDG&E offers natural gas and electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
The Local Government Partnership is a formal partnership formed between the City and SDG&E to jointly strategize, plan, and administer energy efficiency and other demand side management initiatives in the City. Energy efficiency projects target electricity, natural gas, and water savings. The City of San Diego partners with SDG&E in promoting many electric and gas efficiency programs available to all sectors of residences and businesses in the city.
In 2017, according to PG&E, they achieved 1,343,224 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.63% of retail sales. In 2017, PG&E reported savings of 28.00 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 1.45% of its retail sales. These figures cover the entire California service territory, not just San Francisco. PG&E offers electric and natural gas efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
The City of San Francisco partners with its energy utilities through the San Francisco Energy Watch program (SFEW). The partnership runs many energy efficiency upgrade, incentive, technical service, and quality control programs available to single-family residential as well as commercial customers. SFEW is PG&E's longest running local government partnership and has been offering technical services and financial incentives to qualifying commercial customers and multifamily building owners in San Francisco since 2006. The program reaches an average of 462 customers each year and performs over 400 audits per year and has saved over 180 million kWh since 2006 across over 7500 projects. In addition to SF Energy Watch, San Francisco is an active participant and partner in the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN), a regional collaboration of the 9 counties that comprise the San Francisco Bay Area.
Step Up and Power Down is a partnership between PG&E and the City of San Francisco that is helping local businesses take simple actions every day to reduce energy waste. The program has exceeded its enrollment goal with 698 businesses enrolled and its savings goal with 22 million kWh saved.
The Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program provides eligible households with free upgrades, providing a safe, comfortable and energy-efficient home. ESA has been provided by PG&E since 1983 and is funded through a public purpose charge on customer utility bills. ESA serves customers at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines, provides prescriptive measures through a direct install program targeting single family, multi-family and mobile homes, and is available to both owners and renters.
In 2017, according to PG&E, they achieved 1,343,224 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.63% of retail sales. In 2017, PG&E reported savings of 28.00 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 1.45% of its retail sales. These figures cover the entire California service territory, not just San Jose. PG&E offers electric and natural gas efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers.
San Jose partners with PG&E to promote and administer the Silicon Valley Energy Watch, which serves all of Santa Clara County with energy efficiency services, outreach, and training. Currently, the City of San Jose advocates to the state for additional energy efficiency program resources through the Local Government Sustainable Energy Coalition, on which the city maintains a board seat.
San Jose partners with PG&E to promote and administer the Silicon Valley Energy Watch (SVEW), which serves a total of fourteen jurisdictions located in Santa Clara County. The purpose of the program is to deliver innovative and comprehensive energy efficiency services and outreach to hard-to-reach customers, specifically local governments, nonprofits, small- and medium-sized businesses, and low-income residents. SVEW's overarching goal is to ensure that its targeted customers take advantage of the range of audits, rebates, and technical support that are offered. SVEW has helped to save over 35 million kWh of energy since its inception. In addition to helping to bring in direct, claimable energy savings, SVEW receives funding to conduct non-resource activities that align with the goals of the California Long-Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan adopted by the California Public Utilities Commission in 2008.
A recently launched non-resource project is the Energy Innovation Grant (EIG) Program, which will build the capacity of municipal governments in Santa Clara County to deliver innovative, effective, and replicable projects to encourage the adoption of energy efficient practices among targeted communities and sectors served by SVEW. A total of $180,000 is available for grants through this program in 2017.
In 2017, according to Seattle City Light, they achieved 116,957 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 1.24% of retail sales. In 2017, PSE reported savings of 3.61 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.39% of its retail sales. These figures cover the entire Washington service territory, not just Seattle. Seattle City Light offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. PSE similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
In 2017, according to Ameren Missouri, they achieved 272,125 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.86% of retail sales. In 2017, Spire Missouri reported savings of 1.75 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.18% of its retail sales. These figures cover the entire Missouri service territory, not just St. Louis. Ameren Missouri offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. Spire Missouri similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
The City of St. Louis participates in the City Energy Project, and in 2016, the City Energy Project recognized St. Louis with an award to promote energy efficiency in large buildings. The City also partners with Ameren Missouri and Spire Missouri through Set the PACE St. Louis, an innovative program that uses PACE financing to help homeowners and commercial, industrial and multifamily property owners access affordable, long-term financing for smart energy upgrades to their buildings. In doing so, it publishes utility incentives and rebates on its website. Spire Missouri also works with city officials on planning future programs that will include residential energy efficiency financing.
In 2017, Duke Energy Florida reported 66,081 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.17% of its retail sales. In 2017, TECO Peoples Gas reported no net natural gas savings. These savings figures cover both utilities' entire service jurisdiction, not just St. Petersburg. Duke Energy Florida offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers. TECO Peoples Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
At this time, the City of St. Petersburg does not have a formal partnership with Duke Energy Florida or TECO Peoples Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, according to TECO, they achieved 33,777 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.18% of retail sales. In 2017, TECO Peoples Gas did not report savings on natural gas efficiency programs. These figures cover the entire Florida service territory, not just Tampa. TECO offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. TECO Peoples Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
TECO and Hillsborough County School Board (HCSB) have joint energy efficiency goals. TECO and the HCSB have been collaborating to install thermal energy storage units, lighting retrofit upgrades, chiller units and solar window film. TECO and the HCSB meet monthly to discuss billing & usage patterns, potential energy projects, and conservation programs that could help support implementing energy projects and meeting their energy goals.
TECO and the City of Tampa also have shared energy efficiency goals. The City of Tampa has an internal computer-aided tool they use to monitor controls and optimize performance of their electric operations. TECO's Account Management team works closely with the City to ensure all their energy needs are addressed. The assigned account manager work as a liaison collaborating energy audits and promoting all conservation programs available.
In 2017, according to EIA, Tucson Electric Power reported 99,686 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 1.12% of its retail sales. In 2017, Southwest Gas reported no net natural gas savings. These savings figures cover the utility's entire service jurisdiction, not just Tucson. TEP offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers. Southwest Gas similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
At this time, the City of Tucson does not have a formal partnership with Tucson Electric Power or Southwest Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, Public Service Company of Oklahoma reported 104,661 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 0.58% of its retail sales. In 2017, Oklahoma Natural Gas reported 3.78 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 0.70% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover both utilities' entire service jurisdiction, not just Tulsa. PSO offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers. ONG similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to commercial customers.
At this time, the City of Tulsa does not have a formal partnership with PSO or ONG in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, Dominion Energy reported 79,809 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.10% of retail sales. In 2017, Virginia Natural Gas reported savings of 0.16 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 0.07% of its retail sales. These figures cover the entire Virginia service territory, not just Virginia Beach. Dominion offers electric efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and commercial/industrial customers. VNG similarly offers natural gas efficiency programs to residential and business customers.
The City of Virginia Beach does partner with Dominion or VNG to promote participation in electric or natural gas efficiency programs, especially at community-wide events such as Homearama, Earth Day, and Energy Star Information Night for Congregations. At this time, the City of Virginia Beach does not have a formal partnership with Dominion or Virginia Natural Gas in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
In 2017, according to PEPCO and DCSEU, together they achieved 73,027 MWh in net incremental savings, representing 0.67% of retail sales. In 2017, Washington Gas and DCSEU reported savings of 1.44 MMtherms from natural gas efficiency programs, representing 1.25% of its retail sales. The figures represented here cover all of the District of Columbia. DCSEU offers electric and natural gas efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential and business customers.
Green Energy DC is the District of Columbia's resource for information on energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, products and services in the District. Green Energy DC is a service of the DDOE. Authorized under the Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008 (CAEA), DDOE contracts with a private entity to conduct sustainable energy programs on behalf of the District government. The CAEA also established a DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) to be the one-stop resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy services for District residents and businesses. The DCSEU serves under a performance-based contract with DDOE, with input and recommendations from the DCSEU Advisory Board, and oversight from the Council of the District of Columbia.
The District partners with DCSEU, PEPCO, and Washington Gas to promote participation in the energy efficiency programs. The District's Department of the Environment (DDOE) conducts outreach on all of its sustainability programs on a regular basis. DDOE also works closely with the DC SEU to refer low-income customers who come in through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or the Weatherization ion Assistance Program to the DC SEU for additional energy efficiency services.
In addition, DDOE shares benchmarking data with the DCSEU. The DCSEU uses this raw data to highlight trends and identify customer segments with the greatest potential for cost-effective and significant energy savings. The DCSEU can then use the benchmarking data to target its services and incentives to customers with the greatest need. The DCSEU has been able to utilize the benchmarking data to improve the design of its Commercial & Institutional programs.
In 2017, National Grid MA reported 724,272 MWh of net electric savings at the meter, which represents 3.64% of its retail sales. In 2017, Eversource reported 6.90 MMtherms of net natural gas savings at the meter, which represents 2.09% of its retail sales across the utility's service territory. These savings figures cover both utilities' entire service jurisdiction, not just Worcester. Eversource offers natural gas efficiency incentives and technical assistance to residential customers. National Grid similarly offers electric efficiency programs to residential and business customers. Both utilities also sponsor whole-building programs, including multifamily buildings, through the state-wide Mass Save program. Their "whole facility" approach focuses on a facility's thermal envelope (shell insulation and air leakage conditions for units heated by natural gas or electricity) as well as lighting and mechanical systems.
At this time, the City of Worcester does not have a formal partnership with National Grid or Eversource in the form of a jointly-developed or administered energy saving strategy, plan, or agreement.
© American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Local Energy Efficiency Policy
State Energy Efficiency Policy


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Doron Polak
Annual programming
Individual Exhibitions
Art au quotidien
Information on Joyce Yahouda
Biography - Doron Polak
Doron Polak is an artist and curator who lives and works in Tel Aviv (Israel). He studied Fine Arts at Tel Aviv University and also Talma Yalin (Tel Aviv), and completed advanced studies in creative drama in Berlin and London. Doron Polak is the founder of Projective, an organization whose mission is to help artists itegrate themselves in the art market and Artura, which is committed to promoting public and community art. He has organized to date, more than 300 exhibits.
Exhibitions at the gallery
Earth and Bodies
Extra muros exhibitions
POP-UP Lower East Side, New York

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein Khanim Ibrahimova gave an interview to SWI swissinfo.ch, an international service of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), on the occasion of the launch of Baku-Geneva direct flights.
Q: What do you think of the current state of political relations between Azerbaijan and Switzerland?
A: Relations between Azerbaijan and Switzerland are based on friendship and mutual trust. The two countries enjoy serious partnership relations determined by the high dynamics of development. There is a high-level political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Switzerland, which is of a regular nature.
This dialogue is conducted through regular meetings of the heads of state in the framework of the annual meetings on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, inter-parliamentary relations, bilateral contacts at the level of the ministries of foreign affairs and other relevant bodies of both countries. In order to portray the current state of bilateral political relations between Azerbaijan and Switzerland, it is important to note the high-level visits and meetings held over the past year.
Of these, I would single out the meeting of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev with Swiss President Alain Berset within the framework of the World Economic Forum and Federal Councillor Johann Schneider-Amman's visit to Azerbaijan in this summer. During the visit to Baku, the federal councilor chaired the Azerbaijani-Swiss business forum. In addition, the transit potential of Azerbaijan was presented in Zurich in September this year at an event, entitled "New Silk Road". The event was organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Switzerland in cooperation with the Swiss-CIS Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking about political relations between the two countries, it is interesting to look at the development of bilateral inter-parliamentary relations. I would like to note that there are only 18 inter-parliamentary friendship groups in the Swiss Federal Parliament, and we are very pleased that one of them is the inter-parliamentary friendship group between Azerbaijan and Switzerland.
The main task lying ahead our Embassy is to maintain the intensity and subsequent development of relations between the two countries.
Q: What about the development of trade, economic and humanitarian relations between the two countries?
A: Political relations between Azerbaijan and Switzerland have created favorable conditions for cooperation in the economic and humanitarian spheres. Azerbaijan's economic achievements make the country attractive for Swiss businessmen.
Holcim, a Swiss-based global building materials and aggregates company, occupied one of the first places in terms of investments in Azerbaijan's non-oil sector. Moreover, another Swiss company Stadler Rail cooperates with Azerbaijan Railways CJSC. At present, the trains built by Stadler Rail are used on the Baku-Sumgayit railway line, and it is also planned to carry out passenger transportation via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway by Stadler trains. The Swiss companies ABB Global Marketing and Trub Trading International enjoy successful cooperation with Azerbaijani companies, as well.
Sixty-seven Swiss companies are currently operating in the service, trade, construction, industry, transport, banking and insurance sectors in Azerbaijan.
In 1995-2017, the volume of foreign investments from Switzerland to Azerbaijan amounted to $851.9 million, while the volume of investments from Azerbaijan to Switzerland reached $1.1 billion.
As for the economic relations between the two countries, one cannot fail to note the exceptional role of the Azerbaijani-Swiss Joint Intergovernmental Economic Commission. It is planned to hold another regular meeting of the Commission in Bern in early 2019.
Both countries closely cooperate in the financial sphere. Azerbaijan is a member of the Election Group of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, and praises the activities of Switzerland in this group.
With regard to humanitarian cooperation, we pay special attention to education. Given the peculiarity of the Swiss education system, Azerbaijan is interested in further expanding cooperation with this country.
Q: A SOCAR enterprise has been operating in Switzerland for several years. What do you think about other areas in which Azerbaijani companies can work and invest in Switzerland?
A: Thanks to the economic achievements in recent years, Azerbaijan has turned from a country that receives investments into an investing country. Several years ago, the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) entered the Swiss energy market by acquitting ESSO filling stations owned by Exxon Mobil in this country. Following major investments in Switzerland, now 172 filling stations are successfully operating under the SOCAR brand.
Q: What are the priorities of bilateral economic relations between Azerbaijan and Switzerland in the near future?
A: Thanks to the serious economic reforms implemented by the Azerbaijani government in recent years, now the country is producing high-quality competitive products, and the Made in Azerbaijan brand can be met with great interest in the Swiss market. In this regard, our priority is to work on the promotion of Azerbaijani products in the Swiss market.
For example, nuts. Switzerland, as one of the world's leading manufacturers of chocolate, currently imports about 20,000 tons of nuts per year, mainly for use in the production of chocolate. The Embassy held meetings with leading Swiss importers of nuts and discussed the possibility of exporting these products from Azerbaijan.
In 2017, exports of non-oil products from Azerbaijan to Switzerland amounted to $143 million, so Switzerland is the third largest importer of non-oil products from Azerbaijan after Turkey and Russia. Our embassy received a preliminary agreement on the sale of Azerbaijani products in the chain store Migrolino, a subsidiary of the Swiss concern Migros.
Q: Are the Swiss cantons interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan, and if so, in what areas?
A: Azerbaijan is interested in establishing relations with Switzerland at the cantonal level. During meetings with representatives of some Swiss cantons, an exchange of views were held on holding business forums, establishing direct contacts between the cantons and districts of Azerbaijan and other issues. Following these meetings, a preliminary agreement has already been reached on holding business forums in several cantons of Switzerland.
Q: Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has recently begun to implement Baku-Geneva direct flights. How will this affect business ties between the two countries?
A: Switzerland is one of the leading countries worldwide in terms of tourist arrivals. Given the fact that beautiful nature, historical monuments and other factors attract tourist, Azerbaijan can also benefit from its tourism potential. The high living standard of the Swiss population and the desire to spend holidays in foreign countries have created an additional incentive for organizing direct flights from Switzerland to Azerbaijan.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of tourists from Azerbaijan to Switzerland, especially to Geneva, which is one of the largest banking and industrial centers in Europe. So we welcome AZAL's decision to open Baku-Geneva direct flights.
Q: How do you feel as the only female ambassador to Switzerland from a Muslim country?
A: I grew up in a country where interfaith dialogue remains the basis of state policy, where representatives of all religions feel absolutely comfortable and enjoy all rights. Our country is secular, and social relations are government by secular norms.
The first success of Azerbaijani women in diplomacy, as we know from history, dates back to the Middle Ages. He is associated with the name of the first woman diplomat of the East – Sara Khatun.
Throughout the country's history, women in Azerbaijan have contributed to the solution of important problems of the people. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established in 1918, equally enfranchised men and women residing in the country. Thus, Azerbaijan became the first country in the East to grant suffrage to woman.
In recent years, the position and significance of women in Azerbaijani society have changed, and women, who have equal rights with men, are actively involved in social and political life. In this regard, special attention should be paid to the activities of Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO. I would like to note that at present 52 percent of the staff of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry are women.


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The exhausted ECB dove insists it can still fly
Mario Draghi's signal achievement may turn out to be binding his successor to an accommodative monetary policy – at least for a while
Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images
Pierre Briançon
Updated: June 18, 2019 3:54 pm GMT
The European Central Bank pushed the boundaries of its long-standing loose monetary policy a little further on June 6, trying to deal both with expectations that it needs to do more and scepticism that it can.
As the goal set in its only official mandate — keep inflation "below but close" to 2% — has seemed more distant month after month, the ECB had to justify its current, prudent course of action while claiming that its "tool box" is still furnished enough that it could deal with a major economic downturn.


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