Las Vegas and Reno, July 20, 2017 — Today, Advanced Energy Economy Institute (AEE Institute) and state partner Clean Energy Project convened roundtable meetings in Reno and Las Vegas with Nevada’s Public Utilities Commission (PUCN) and energy management companies following recent enactment of legislation that prioritizes energy-saving resources for utility grid management and sets annual energy savings goals. These conversations allow stakeholders to provide valuable input regarding the successful implementation of demand-side management (DSM) programs that could enhance Nevada’s competitiveness and accelerate economic growth.
For these roundtables, AEE Institute brought together numerous energy businesses along with the Governor’s Energy Office, City of Reno, and NV Energy to discuss the opportunities and challenges that exist with implementing the new responsibilities charged to PUCN. Participating companies included Oracle, EnerNOC, Johns Manville, and CLEAResult Consulting, among others.
“Efficiency plays a critical role in expanding economic opportunity in Nevada. Investment that allows the state to lower energy costs for households and businesses is good for long-term growth,” said J.R. Tolbert, vice president of state policy, Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), a national business group affiliated with AEE Institute. “If implemented successfully, these programs can allow all Nevadans to take full advantage of cost-effective energy resources to keep the lights on. We are happy to help Nevada achieve success.”
The day’s discussions highlighted successful DSM programs throughout the state, requirements for effective program implementation, and financial benefits to pursuing these investments throughout Nevada. Efficiency programs that NV Energy offers, such as residential lighting upgrades, low-income retrofits, energy assessments, and free smart thermostat installations to name a few, have helped customers use less energy and save millions on their energy costs.
“In an active and productive session, the Nevada legislature approved a suite of policies that will reduce energy consumption, diversify our state’s resources, and save consumers money,” said Jennifer Taylor, policy advisor for the Clean Energy Project, AEE’s state partner in Nevada. “With these technologies, consumers are able to reduce their energy costs by actively managing their consumption, putting more money in their pockets. We need to make sure Nevada consumers and businesses have the opportunity to benefit from these resources.”
A wide range of available technologies and services, including demand response, automated building controls, access to energy consumption data, and combined heat and power, give customers tools to manage their energy use, allowing them to be more efficient and save money.
Energy efficiency in buildings represents nearly one-third of the $200 billion U.S. advanced energy industry, which is equal to pharmaceutical manufacturing in revenue and approaching that of consumer electronics, and today employs more than 3 million people across the nation. For more information on the role and size of the energy efficiency sector in the United States, download Advanced Energy Economy’s Advanced Energy Now 2017 Market Report. To learn more about energy efficiency technologies, download This Is Advanced Energy, a comprehensive technology catalogue with descriptions, photos, and case study examples.
About Advanced Energy Economy and AEE Institute
The Advanced Energy Economy Institute is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to raise awareness of the public benefits and opportunities of advanced energy. AEE Institute provides critical data to drive the policy discussion on key issues through commissioned research and reports, data aggregation and analytic tools. AEE Institute also provides a forum where leaders can address energy challenges and opportunities facing the United States. AEE Institute is affiliated with Advanced Energy Economy (AEE), a 501(c)(6) business association, whose purpose is to advance and promote the common business interests of its members and the advanced energy industry as a whole. AEE and its State and Regional Partner organizations are active in 27 states across the country, representing more than 1,000 companies and organizations in the advanced energy industry. Visit AEE Institute here and AEE here.