Energy efficiency: think what the stragglers?

Why avoid some Member States create policies, the promotion of consumers and businesses to conserve energy? What is the psychology of the stragglers?

A new report by the American Council for an energy-efficiency economy throws behind a glimpse of how it investigated those States that consistently fall in the annual ranking energy efficiency organization.

The lower States are: Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming. The good news is that these stragglers also begin measures to save energy, according to the report "opportunity knocks: to investigate low - ranking countries in the State energy efficiency scorecard."

But they have still a lot of catching up to do. And why they fall behind in the first place?

The report authors, the 55 players interviewed, one reason found a general lack of awareness about the benefits of energy efficiency. Another reason is an aversion to the regulations. But one of the most fascinating obstacles is a misconception about energy costs.

Industry folklore says that in States with low electrical consumers no motivation, to save energy. This folklore advises decision-makers of time and put money in energy-efficiency programs. In fact, these States have economic reasons is to isolate consumers, to install better lighting, and perform other energy saving measures. It turns out that although electrical prices are low in these States, consumers pay high monthly bills.

That sounds intuitively. But consider these figures. Alabama energy companies free of charge pay 10,67 cents / kWh and households an average $147.69 / month for electricity. As well as in South Carolina, prices are 10.5 cents / kWh and monthly invoices $137.59 / month. Compare you, Alabama and South Carolina, Massachusetts and California, two States with aggressive energy efficiency efforts. Electrical prices are high averaging $14.59 cents / kWh, Massachusetts, but the monthly bills are low, only $97.34. California has also high rates of 14.75 cents / kWh and low monthly bills over $82.85.

So in Massachusetts and California electric prices higher are still numbers households in these two States of less per month for electricity than households in Alabama and South Carolina. This is because they consume less power. Households in the efficient States have an edge; You need to back up less power to each month the level of comfort and service in their homes in Alabama and South Carolina. It needs to keep track of much good motivation for households in the States so low-rate efficiency measures.

Another point of confusion includes the costs to society of investments in energy efficiency. Since it is categorized with other 'green' initiatives, energy efficiency is as a boutique and expensive. Contrary, it is use according to ACEEE of cheaper energy than to make new power to avoid. Measures on energy costs an average 2.5 cents/kWh in the construction of a new power plant costs 6, 15 cents / kWh. Due to this cost differential order several States now that utilities cost effective energy efficiency Institute before the construction of the new generation.

These arguments are, unfortunately, which could be lost an election year, one in the DIN, where energy is shaping up to an important issue. However, as often is the case, the States are leading and not rely on national politics. Even the latecomers are her pace picking, when it comes to energy efficiency, such as the ACEEE report describes. More here.

ELISA is a long-time energy writer is displayed their work in many publications in the industry. Find their articles under RealEnergyWriters.com

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