January 12, 2012 -- A new report released January 5 by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), A National Review of Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Programs, documents the rapid growth of these types of programs across the U.S.
ACEEE found that 40 states have such programs in place. The trend is for continued growth and expansion of these programs, particularly in response to state policies that have set high savings goals for customer energy efficiency programs. These programs offer a variety of services to all classes of customers, including rebates and technical assistance. Of the 40 states, 39 have programs for low-income customers, and four of these have programs for low income only.
Nationwide the budgets for these programs reached $970 million in 2010, including $287.3 million for low-income programs. The programs saved 529 million therms-enough natural gas to take care of the needs of 695,000 average American homes. These programs have experienced rapid growth. In 2005 total budgets were $125 million nationwide.
The report provides state-by-state tables with details such as program funding, administration, budgets and energy saved.
Source: ACEEE
