Energy Saving News
Energy Efficiency The Way To Go
Distributed Energy magazine has published a very interesting editorial that recognized the importance of new energy generation and distribution but admitted that energy efficiency is the way ahead.
Editor, Elizabeth Cutright, stated:
The smart grid and renewables capture our imagination, but it’s energy efficiency that’s affecting real change, right now—and the public (and investors) have taken notice. As far as I’m concerned, this new emphasis on—and interest in—efficiency is a longtime coming.
She also refers to a study by Peachtree Green, a New York-based investment bank that provides expert advice on “valuing technology assets,” and they reported that 2009 was the year energy efficiency came into its own.
In fact, Peachtree Green reports stated that energy efficiency saw an increase in value from $164 million to $1.3 billion. The report also revealed that, “The clear break-out category was Energy Efficiency, with a more-than-sevenfold increase in reported transaction value for 2009.”
Energy efficiency is also winning over public option.
In a recent poll conducted by the Environmental Defense Fund and NRG energy, respondents indicate that they are most interested in energy efficiency: 47% in particular stating that the number one environmental issue that companies should focus on is energy efficiency.
Cutright commented: “With the future of government funding on shaky ground, public support of energy efficiency projects and protocols could make all the difference.”
With a nod to her readers Cutright concluded:
“As I’ve stated before, distributed energy is the ultimate form of energy efficiency and reliability.
“But in the end, it’s a “boots on the ground” efficiency effort that will make the difference. “
The Peachtree study explains,
“The reason many utilities and energy companies are undertaking certain projects, carbon capture being the best example, is because the government is financing these initiatives. Once the money dries up, many of these projects will be shelved.”
Hence, if the public (voters) demand funding for energy efficiency, it can make all the difference.
Friday 26th February 2010
