Mass energy efficiency: Billions on top of billions in benefits

December 3, 2015 | By Barbara Vergetis Lundin

Massachusetts' utilities have proposed the nation's most ambitious energy-efficiency programs, which will produce almost $8 billion in benefits over the next three years, according to the nonprofit research and advocacy organization Acadia Center.

Zakim Bridge, Boston, Massachusetts. Credit: LUNAMARINA

Now in the hands of the Department of Public Utilities, a decision on the award-winning MassSave energy-efficiency programs -- the final proposed 2016-2018 Energy Efficiency Investment Plans -- is expected by the end of January.

If adopted, the programs will provide almost $8 billion in economic benefits and energy savings over the three year period -- on top of $12.5 billion in benefits that the programs have delivered since 2008. The plan also sets the highest savings goals in the nation -- annual reductions of 2.93 percent of electric retail sales and 1.24 percent of natural gas retail sales -- even higher than the 2015 savings goals that resulted in Massachusetts being ranked number one in energy efficiency by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy for the 5th year in a row.

Further, energy savings would deliver environmental benefits equivalent to removing more than 410,000 cars from the road.

"Massachusetts' energy-efficiency programs are delivering on their promise to create large energy savings for consumers, and move the Commonwealth toward a clean, affordable and secure energy future," said Daniel L. Sosland, Acadia Center president. "Efficiency is the best near-term energy strategy for reducing Massachusetts' residents' energy bills. Investing in energy efficiency produces immediate bill savings that persist for years to come."

The three-year plan was developed collaboratively with the state's utilities and key stakeholders representing a wide range of consumer and environmental interests, including Acadia Center, the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (EEAC), the Department of Energy Resources, and the Attorney General's Office. By making successful use of the EEAC as a stakeholder council, the proposed plan improved markedly since the original draft in April. Among other factors, annual electric savings goals increased 17 percent while the cost per unit of savings decreased 13 percent; and annual gas savings goals increased 15 percent while the cost per unit of savings decreased 6 percent compared to the April 30th draft.

"Energy efficiency is a resource just like energy from Brayton Point, Pilgrim Nuclear, or other centralized power plants" said Acadia Center senior attorney, and EEAC representative, Amy Boyd. "But energy efficiency is much cheaper, cleaner, and lower risk. Approving this plan would be the best way to help customers save money."

By investing in as much low-cost energy efficiency as possible, Massachusetts is reducing the cost of doing business in the state and, subsequently, saving customers money. Such consumer savings are often spent right in Massachusetts -- every dollar invested in cost-effective energy efficiency boosts the Massachusetts Gross State Product an estimated $6.40 and every $1 million invested in energy efficiency generates around 43 job-years of employment.

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