Employment in energy efficiency is expected to increase in 2013, according to the Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP), led by growth in the commercial and industrial sector, an area which is ripe for energy efficiency improvements. AESP surveyed its members and conducted interviews with industry thought leaders who projected a 63 percent increase in the number of employees involved in energy efficiency and demand response activities in 2013.

The release of AESP's report comes shortly after last week's press release from the White House expanding upon President Obama's plan for the nation's energy future.

"When we conducted our survey in December, the measures proposed by the president -- such as $200 million dedicated to a 'Race to the Top' challenge, and making the renewable energy Production Tax Credit permanent and refundable -- were not public knowledge," said AESP President and CEO Meg Matt. "So it is exciting to see that energy efficiency is forecasted to move ahead, even without federal mandates."

In terms of energy efficiency and demand response, the commercial and industrial sector still remains largely untapped. There are both challenges and opportunities facing utilities when it comes to changing the sector's perception of how energy-efficiency programs can affect their business.

According to the report, "many in the commercial sector are looking for cost savings in the sluggish economy and energy can be a substantial percent of their operating costs. An increasing number of these customers are putting in place corporate sustainability or energy efficiency policies. They also tend to have relationships with their utilities, which can be leveraged into energy efficiency program participation."

"Consumers seem to fit in two general camps: they feel they've done enough, or they don't feel they can/want to spend the money on seemingly long-term returns from energy savings," according to the report.

"We are excited to see the growth opportunities evolve in the commercial sector; our industry needs to continue to focus on raising awareness at the consumer level of the inexpensive, low-risk strategies that consumers can employ, working with their utilities to lower energy usage and expense," said Matt.

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