Public Statements and Commitments in Support of the Action Plan

Public Statements & Commitments

A key component of the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency is stakeholders committing to take action to advance the Recommendations in their spheres of influence. These web pages provide 97 public statements and commitments by 124 organizations as of August 2008, to advance energy efficiency. Those new in Year 2 and 3 are denoted as such with an asterisk. These stakeholders include utilities, state agencies, consumer advocates, large energy users, environmental groups, trade associations, and others. These web pages also include a list of updates accomplished in Year 2; additional organizations will provide updates in Year 3.

A complete listing of all companies and their public statements and commitments (PDF) (42 pp., 686K, About PDF) is also available.

Large Public Power Council

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.

*Louisville Metro Government, Kentucky

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
Louisville Metro Government recognizes that increased energy efficiency will assist us in conserving resources, in achieving the goal of the US Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement, and in providing a model for others in our community.
Louisville Metro Government commits to the following actions:
- Conduct energy benchmarking for all properties above 5000 sq. ft.
- Create and/or increase energy efficiency education and awareness within and outside each organization.
- Explore energy efficiency programs offered by federal, state, and local agencies and sector-based associations.

*Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Maryland Energy Administration

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations
The Governor's Proclamation for Energy Awareness Month on October 1, 2007, also stated the State of Maryland commits to:
- The EmPOWER Maryland Initiative, which sets an aggressive target for Maryland to reduce per capita electricity consumption 15 percent by 2015 and will encourage all cost-effective energy efficiency to be implemented. The least expensive kilowatt is the one not needed; and
- In the interest of the State, schools, businesses and citizens of Maryland, to reduce their consumption of energy to save money and reduce air and water pollution, thus providing for a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for future generations. All Marylanders can contribute through wise energy decisions, such as purchasing ENERGY STAR labeled products and participating in the ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Campaign.

*City of Medford, Massachusetts

Endorses Action Plan recommendations.
The City of Medford commits to:
- Conduct energy benchmarking for all properties above 5000 sq. ft. (completed and will continue to update)
- Implement all cost-effective strategies to improve energy efficiency
- Create and/or increase energy efficiency education and awareness within and outside each organization
- Explore energy efficiency programs offered by federal, state, and local agencies and sector-based associations

Mid-America Regulatory Conference

Passed Resolution that states:
- RESOLVED, That the Mid-America Regulatory Conference (“MARC”), convened at its 2006 Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio supports NARUC's July 2004 “Resolution on Gas and Electric Energy Efficiency”, as well as NARUC's continued efforts in this regard; and be it further
- RESOLVED, That MARC endorses the principal objectives and Recommendations of the 2006 National Action Plan on Energy Efficiency, and commends to its member commissions a state-specific review of the elements and potential applicability of the energy efficiency policy Recommendations outlined in the Plan, in an effort to identify potential improvements in energy efficiency policy in each of the MARC states.

MidAmerican Energy Company

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
MidAmerican Energy Company has had a longstanding strong commitment to energy efficiency and intends to continue that commitment. Since implementing its first energy efficiency plan in 1990, MidAmerican Energy Company has permanently deferred construction of about 500 megawatts of new electric generating capacity and enough electricity to power about 75,000 homes annually. Through its natural gas energy efficiency programs, MidAmerican Energy and its customers have saved enough natural gas to heat about 30,000 homes annually. From an environmental perspective, the cumulative reduction in greenhouse gas emissions attributable to MidAmerican’s energy savings since 1990 is equivalent to removing the annual emissions from over 115,000 automobiles or planting over 175,000 acres of trees.
Energy efficiency achievements by MidAmerican Energy Company and its customers include major increases in funding for all programs including low-income weatherization; state, regional and national awards for energy-efficient new construction and promotion of compact fluorescent light bulbs; innovative programs leading to increased program participation by large commercial and industrial customers; responding to customer needs in the face of unprecedented increases in natural gas prices during the winter of 2005-2006; and enhanced customer satisfaction.
In summary, MidAmerican Energy Company is firmly committed to energy efficiency, assisting the State of Iowa in meeting its commitment to the Midwest Natural Gas Initiative led by NARUC president Diane Munns and implementing the principles of the Action Plan.

In Year Two, MidAmerican Energy Company accomplished:

MidAmerican Energy Company continues to be firmly committed to energy efficiency, meeting its commitment to the Midwest Natural Gas Initiative and implementing the principles of the Action Plan. MidAmerican recognizes the valuable role energy efficiency plays in meeting the energy needs of its customers.
MidAmerican Energy Company is committed to meeting the growing customer demand for energy efficiency programs and services via the Company's current five-year energy efficiency plan for 2004-2008. During 2006, the Company's electric energy efficiency programs saved an additional 36 MW of capacity and about 160,000 MWh of energy. The Company's natural gas energy efficiency programs saved an additional 457,000 MCF. Total energy saved in 2006 by MidAmerican Energy Company's customers was equivalent to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by about 168,000 pounds. MidAmerican Energy Company is in the early stages of developing a new five-year energy efficiency plan for 2009-2013. The assessment of energy and capacity savings potential being conducted for the new plan may not only lead to enhancements to existing energy efficiency programs but also assist MidAmerican Energy Company in identifying opportunities for developing new energy efficiency programs and services.

Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.

*Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
The Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (“Midwest ISO”) commits to engage the states in its Region, as well as additional stakeholders, to determine appropriate ways to achieve the benefits of EE.

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Department of Commerce

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.

*Town of Mountain Village, Colorado

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
The Town of Mountain Village, Colorado agrees to take on the following commitments that will lead to wise use of energy for our planet. Through our Sustainability Coordinator we will undertake the following:
- Conduct energy benchmarking for all properties
- Implement all cost-effective strategies to improve energy efficiency
- Create and/or increase energy efficiency education and awareness within and outside of our government
- Explore energy efficiency programs offered by federal, state and local agencies and sector-based associations.

National Association of Energy Service Companies

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO) commits to:
- Work with member companies across the country to help utilities and state regulators implement the Action Plan Recommendations and get proven cost-effective energy efficiency programs into the field.
- Help pull together various organizations, including environmentalist, consumer and energy efficiency industry organizations, in states that are organizing energy efficiency programs.
- Meet the challenge of helping to design and implement energy efficiency programs across the country.

In Year Two, the National Association of Energy Service Companies accomplished:

NAESCO is an active participant in broad-based coalitions in several states (California, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Massachusetts) that have ongoing proceedings to establish and/or expand energy efficiency programs. NAESCO is also a member of the national coalition that is trying to pass federal legislation mandating a utility Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS).
NAESCO has been active in energy efficiency program design proceedings in California, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Massachusetts.
NAESCO member companies participate in proceedings in California, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Massachusetts. NAESCO provides member companies with regular written briefings and holds bi-monthly meetings of its Advocacy Steering Committee to get members more involved in proceedings.

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
National Rural Electric Cooperative Association highlights its commitment to continue to increase efficiency and create savings through:
- Fostering the construction of more energy efficient buildings.
- Promoting the development and use of more energy-efficient appliances.
- Accelerating the development and use of advanced electric meters.
- Helping to commercialize fuel efficient, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

In Year Two, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association accomplished:

NRECA’s resolutions, approved by the membership at our annual meetings, supporting energy efficiency, form the basis for our activities respecting energy efficiency. The primary resolution specifically encourages member co-ops to promote energy efficiency by providing appropriate tools and information.
NRECA has recruited a number of its members to participate in the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency Leadership Group as well as related Action Plan projects such as development of the vision plan, regional meetings, sector collaborative and various energy efficiency documents. NRECA has also separately participated in these efforts.
NRECA has educated members about and promoted energy efficiency at meetings for our member directors, CEOs, and other staff and at NRECA’s Annual and Regional Meetings. We have also included energy efficiency as a subject at other cooperative member meetings. These programs have reached thousands of directors and employees at nearly all of NRECA’s 930 members.
NRECA’s research arm, the Cooperative Research Network, engaged in extensive research and education activities on energy efficiency for its members. In particular, it has conducted member focus groups, published a white paper on new residential construction, conducted many energy efficiency research projects, published numerous energy efficiency tools and guides, and included the topic at its annual meeting in July 2007.
NRECA has added an energy efficiency page to its members-only web page (Cooperative.com), providing information on lowering energy bills through energy efficiency and other means. This section of the web page also includes numerous energy efficiency tools such as online energy audits and workshops, communication resources, financing guides and information on Energy Star and appliance efficiencies.
Cooperatives’ national branding campaign, Touchstone Energy, features energy efficiency as one of its major programs, providing home and commercial energy savings guides, an online energy audit tool, and a number of energy manager resources.
NRECA frequently includes information on energy efficiency in our publications (Electric Co-op Today and Rural Electric Magazine) as well as printing a brochure entitled, “Energy Efficiency,” which we sent to our members.
We have embraced the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI’s) Prism approach, showing how to lower CO2 by including nuclear, conservation, clean coal technologies and energy efficiency in power supply portfolios. We have had EPRI representatives speak at most of our meetings on this PRISM approach.
We have taken a leadership role in the “25 x 25” project, whose goal is to achieve 25 percent renewables use by 2025. 25 x 25 also aggressively promotes energy efficiency.
NRECA has joined the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) campaign. CRN has modified four hybrid vehicles into PHEVs and is conducting one of the first, and largest, tests of PHEVs in the nation. Three more hybrids will be converted in 2008. We are also participating in a coalition of electric utilities meeting with car manufacturers to ensure that the design of commercial PHEVs will allow seamless and safe connection to the utility grid, while studying the potential impacts of PHEVs on power quality and smart metering.
We are participants in other national efforts to promote energy efficiency, such as the NAESB DSM-EE Measurement and Verification project.

National Association of State Energy Officials

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
State energy offices stand ready to work with utilities and public service commissions to help implement the Action Plan Recommendations.
On November 6, 2007, NASEO commits to a new state energy office collaborative with the overall goal to improve energy efficiency across the country by 10% or more over the coming years. To achieve this, NASEO will continue to work with all its member states, territories and the District of Columbia to pursue one or more of the following initiatives:
- Strive to benchmark the energy efficiency of all properties
- Work to implement all low-cost strategies to improve energy efficiency in all properties
- Increase energy efficiency education and awareness in the states
- Continue to pursue bulk purchasing of energy efficient products and services
- Work with utility company leaders and regulators to increase consistency in both data reporting and program offerings and help prove the benefits of these programs, projects and policies to encourage more utility companies to offer critical energy efficiency programs
- Encourage businesses and other organizations in the states to pursue each of these initiatives
- Take all practical steps to encourage energy efficiency in all sectors of the economy.

Natural Resources Defense Council

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) commits with Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and American Gas Association (AGA) to redoubled joint efforts in support of the National Action Plan’s worthy goals and Recommendations.
NRDC commits to:
- Working with state regulators, stakeholders and utilities to model best practices and policies identified in the Action Plan, including pursuit of energy efficiency resources under a long-term resource planning and procurement framework.
- Continuing working with state regulators, stakeholders and utilities to model best practices and policies identified in the Action Plan, including adoption of targets for energy efficiency.
- Working with state regulators, stakeholders and utilities to model best practices and policies identified in the Action Plan, including institution of a regulatory framework that encourages utility investment in energy efficiency.
- Working with state regulators, stakeholders and utilities to model best practices and policies identified in the Action Plan, including pursuit of energy efficiency resources under a long-term resource planning and procurement framework.
- Working with state regulators, stakeholders and utilities to model best practices and policies identified in the Action Plan, including: pursuit of energy efficiency resources under a long-term resource planning and procurement framework; adoption of targets for energy efficiency; and institution of a regulatory framework that encourages utility investment in energy efficiency.

In Year Two, the Natural Resources Defense Council accomplished:

NRDC continues to work with EEI and AGA and their individual members around the country on addressing incentives/disincentives regulation and on expanding energy savings activities.

New England Conference of Public Utilities Commissioners

Passed Resolution that states:
- RESOLVED, That the New England Conference of Public Utilities Commissioners “NECPUC” supports NARUC's July 2004 “Resolution on Gas and Electric Energy Efficiency,” as well as NARUC's continued efforts in this regard; and be it further
- RESOLVED, That NECPUC endorses the principal objectives and Recommendations of the 2006 National Action Plan on Energy Efficiency , and commends to its member commissions a state-specific review of the elements and potential applicability of the energy efficiency policy Recommendations outlined in the Plan, in an effort to identify potential improvements in energy efficiency policy in each of the NECPUC states.

New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities commits to supporting implementation of the Action Plan through New Jersey’s nationally recognized renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, a national model that:
- Provides low-income weatherization assistance.
- Increases energy efficiency and savings for New Jersey homeowners and businesses.
- Spurs market development for new technologies like solar photovoltaics.
- Improves environmental quality through a collective reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities commits to energy efficiency campaigns in concert with New Jersey Natural Gas.
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities commits highlights New Jersey’s commitment to reducing energy demand through our innovative energy efficiency programs. In 2005 alone, New Jersey’s programs saved enough electricity to provide the annual electricity requirements of approximately 50,000 homes. The savings achieved in 2004 and 2005 have reduced electric demand by 250 megawatts - eliminating the need to site, construct, and operate a mid-sized power plant.

In Year Two, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities accomplished:

New Jersey policy makers have developed a single, over-arching goal for the state as it completes the Energy Master Plan -reduce projected energy use by 20% by 2020 and meet 20% of the State's electricity needs with Class 1 renewable energy source by 2020 including a 2% solar set-aside. The combination of energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy resources, should allow New Jersey to meet any future increase in demand without increasing its reliance on non-renewable resources. NJ's Governor signed legislation to adopt proactive and ambitious goal for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey --to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and reduce them significantly by 2050.
NJ added back two efficiency initiatives in 2007, the Change-A-Light Program -which includes a CFL retail price markdown with select retailers & an ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer rebate. NJ has also added two new programs since 2005 -a Municipal Audit Program & Home Performance w/Energy Star. In addition NJ is in the process of developing its Energy Master Plan, new building codes and additional appliance standards. Measures to help accomplish this include upgrading building codes so that new housing will be at least 15% more efficient than code. In addition, on February 20, 2007, New Jersey adopted the 2006 IECC with amendments. As the new commercial code, ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2004 was adopted with minor amendments.

New Jersey Natural Gas

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
New Jersey Natural Gas commits to the following:
- Partner with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to promote the Action Plan.
- Support American Gas Association (AGA) in the promotion of the Action Plan.
- Support the promotion of the New Jersey Clean Energy Program.
- Raise customer awareness of new federal tax incentives for energy-efficient investments.
- Develop an enhanced conservation section on our Web site, www.njliving.com.
- Launch new customer programs designed to reduce customer usage upon approval of our Conservation and Usage Adjustment Filing.
- Support New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan process, which seeks to reduce projected energy use by 20% and meet 20% of the New Jersey’s electricity needs with renewable energy sources by 2020.
- Implement initiatives to help meet New Jersey Resources commitment to reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions 20% by 2020
- Implement new energy efficiency programs for residential and commercial customers
- Expand our customer outreach on energy efficiency, including its positive influence on climate change.

In Year Two, New Jersey Natural Gas accomplished:

New Jersey Natural Gas participated in stakeholder process and submission of several outreach related strategies to achieve energy efficiency goals.
New Jersey Natural Gas is purchasing 100% of electricity from New Jersey Clean Power Choice Program and implementing facilities improvements and fleet review
Several new programs already launched under the Conservation Incentive Program. Additional programs are in the implementation phase and will be launched later this year.
Provided every residential customer with customized booklet citing possible savings, conservation tips and resources, and program information. Similar resource sent to our small commercial customers. Launched new monthly E-tips service, to feature a monthly conservation program/tip/offer. Additional efforts are on-going.
Several new programs already launched under the Conservation Incentive Program. Additional programs are in the implementation phase and will be launched later this year.
Working to incorporate greenhouse gas impacts into all of our conservation messaging. Will conduct another direct mail campaign next winter, capturing new programs and the emissions impact of customer usage.

New York State Public Service Commission

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
The New York State Public Service Commission highlights its commitment of $875 million in funding over the next five years through the state's System Benefits Charge programs to support energy efficiency, research and development activities, and low-income assistance programs that will expand upon the program's success to date. Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), this program is already saving New Yorkers $275 million per year in energy costs, reducing energy use by nearly 2,000 GWh, and reducing peak demand throughout the state by 1,040 MW. The program is a critical component to the state's overall strategy of promoting energy efficiency as a resource, complementing other initiatives such as Governor Pataki's Executive Order 111, which was signed in 2001 and requires state agencies to reduce energy use within their facilities by 35%; tax credits for green building construction; and increased efficiency standards for appliances and equipment not already covered by federal standards.

In Year Two, the New York State Public Service Commission accomplished:

The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) remains committed to funding the state's System Benefits Charge programs to support energy efficiency, research and development activities, and low-income assistance programs. Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), this program, initiated in 1998, is saving New Yorkers $450 million per year in energy costs, lowering energy use by over 2,900 GWh, and reducing peak demand by about 1,140 MW. The annual funding level is currently $175 million.
In May 2007, the PSC instituted a proceeding to establish an Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EPS), which calls for a 15 percent reduction in electricity usage below the 2015 forecasted level. This is the most ambitious energy reduction goal, in terms of total energy savings, of any program in the nation. As part of the proceeding, the Commission will also establish an aggressive energy efficiency goal for natural gas and identify programs to achieve that goal.
- The EPS Proceeding is currently examining a variety of energy programs, strategies, and delivery mechanisms for optimally achieving its goals. The EPS Proceeding supplements other PSC actions designed to support more efficient energy use and a cleaner environment, including initiatives and proceedings involving advanced metering, the Regional Green House Gas Initiative (RGGI), and introduction of revenue decoupling mechanism.

North American Insulation Manufacturers Association

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
NAIMA and its members commit to the following activities to support the Action Plan Recommendations:
- NAIMA will conduct a seminar for Action Plan participants and appropriate legislators to share information from a series of research studies from the Harvard University School of Public Health that are among the first to quantify the public health benefits from improved energy efficiency in new and existing homes. This data is instrumental in helping legislators understand the broad benefits of energy efficiency and assists with funding advocacy.
- NAIMA will support efforts to implement energy efficiency in the industrial sector through sponsored training programs on NAIMA’s 3E Plusô Insulation Thickness software program, which calculates the energy, environmental and economic savings from adding the proper levels of pipe and vessel insulation in an industrial facility. NAIMA will work with interested parties to implement these trainings.
- NAIMA will continue sponsorship of the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) with the North Carolina Solar Center, which lists state and local incentives for consumers and businesses to implement energy efficiency measures and renewable energy. NAIMA will work closely with any utility involved in the Action Plan to promote its programs through this database.
- Further, NAIMA and its members will dedicate time to participate in appropriate stakeholder groups formed by members of this Action Plan and others.
- NAIMA will continue to communicate the benefits of energy efficiency to consumers, builders, contractors, designers, legislators, state and federal government representatives, and worldwide policy and advocacy groups working to further the causes of energy efficiency and sustainability. We do this today by serving as an information resource and being an active partner to the various stakeholder groups that make decisions affecting energy efficiency and sustainability. NAIMA will help bring the commitments and achievements from this Action Plan to a broad audience of influencers and potential funding sources.
- NAIMA will also work with utilities, state energy offices, regional energy efficiency alliances and others to deliver educational programs and materials that encourage the proper levels of thermal insulation in buildings and provide detailed information on proper installation of these materials.
- NAIMA and its members will continue to advocating for full funding of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 especially in the areas of tax incentives for builders and consumers to improve the efficiency of buildings, programs for building energy efficiency codes and standards and encouraging compliance with these codes and standards above the minimum levels, industrial energy use, state energy programs, and public information and education initiatives.
- NAIMA will work with utilities to align and harmonize utility incentives with the federal and state tax incentives for homes and buildings in order to maximize energy saving benefits to these incentives. NAIMA will also help align utility incentives by advocating improved energy codes and standards.

In Year Two, North American Insulation Manufacturers Association accomplished:

NAIMA has joined the Energy Efficient Codes Coalition. To fulfill commitments made during the Action Plan process, members of this coalition have introduced a package of code change proposals to the International Code Council to achieve a 30% energy efficiency improvement in the International Energy Conservation Code for residential buildings. This effort is a companion to the 30% improvement in energy efficiency in the commercial building code being pursued by ASHRAE and the U.S. Department of Energy.
The 3EPlus program is included in the U.S. Department of Energy’s best practices toolkit, which was used in the Save Energy Now campaign in 2006. NAIMA conducted an 8-hour training course on 3EPlus for the ASHRAE Learning Institute in 2007 and plans two such courses for 2008. An on-line training for ASHRAE is also planned for 2008. 3EPlus has been updated to Windows and now includes greenhouse gas reduction calculations. The next step will be the refinement of the economic thickness calculation. NAIMA continues to sponsor the of the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) with the North Carolina Solar Center, promoting the energy efficiency incentives offered by Action Plan member utilities. This is an ongoing activity and will continue in the year ahead. . NAIMA is sponsoring building energy code trainings in Texas, Georgia, North and South Carolina. Also, NAIMA sponsors educational programs through the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, and the Southface Energy Institute. NAIMA delivered educational materials on building energy codes to all state energy offices, state home builders associations and state code official associations this year. NAIMA is also sponsoring educational sessions and displays at building energy efficiency events throughout the country this year.
NAIMA has conducted educational briefings on this topic for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee staff and for the Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus and the Climate Change Caucus. These are part of an ongoing series of seminars that will continue in 2008. NAIMA worked with energy efficiency allies and successfully advocated for a $25 million increase in building energy code program funding for 2008. NAIMA also continues to advocate for extension of the tax credits for builders and consumers to improve energy efficiency in new and existing homes.
NAIMA is working with utilities in Texas, Georgia and Illinois on specific program designs that will match utility incentives to the federal tax credits for energy efficient new homes. Also, NAIMA has teamed with the Edison Electric Institute in the Energy Efficient Codes Coalition to advocate for a 30% energy efficiency improvement in the International Energy Conservation Code.

Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP) commits to work with policymakers, energy efficiency program administrators and other stakeholders to promote the Action Plan Recommendations.
NEEP commits to promoting energy efficiency in homes, buildings and industry in the Northeast U.S. through regionally coordinated programs and policies that increase the use of energy efficient products, services and practices, and that help achieve a cleaner environment and a more reliable and affordable energy system.
Specifically, NEEP commits to continuing its efforts to:
- Increase the commitment of Northeast states to energy efficiency policies and programs for the building sector.
- Increase the marketplace availability and adoption of quality energy efficient practices and technologies, and
- Increase the availability and use of effective training and education services regarding best practices to design, build and maintain buildings in an energy and resource efficient manner.
NEEP pledges to work with states to develop common protocols to measure and value energy efficiency savings on a consistent basis as a means of advancing regional and national energy efficiency solutions.
NEEP commits to working with other regions of the country, with the EPA, DOE and other organizations to most effectively advance energy efficiency as a key policy solution to our nation's energy needs.

In Year Two, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships accomplished:

NEEP has worked, and continue to work, with ISO-New England and other stakeholders to develop guidelines for measuring and valuing energy efficiency and other demand resources in the new Forward Capacity Market (FCM), including leading the development of the M&V manual ISO is using in the FCM.
NEEP continues to work regionally with utilities and other EE program administrators, and regulators to promote the development of common protocols for measuring and verifying energy savings from efficiency programs and policies, including securing commitment from New England Conference of Public Utility Commissioners (NECPUC).
NEEP participated in numerous regional and state stakeholder meetings for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and provided written testimony in support of energy efficiency as a means of meeting regional carbon cap goals and for utilizing most effectively carbon cap-and-trade system revenues.
NEEP is working regionally to develop the Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) guidelines, working with school districts to educate them on how to build High Performance Schools, and working with state policymakers to set CHPS as state standard for K-12 school construction.
NEEP weighed in on policies in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Maine to procure all cost effective energy efficiency in state-based ratepayer funded programs.
NEEP is working in New Hampshire and Massachusetts to educate regulators and others of need to better align utility incentives to promote greater amounts of energy efficiency.
NEEP has been working with states to pursue “beyond code” activities to increase the building energy performance of new building stock.

Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel commits to:
- Work in the Midwest Natural Gas Initiative to work towards a 1 percent reduction in demand for gas usage per year by each of the major gas companies.
- Support the use of smart meters as an option for residential customers.
- Work with electric companies to design and implement cost-effective energy efficiency programs.

In Year Two, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel accomplished:

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) entered into a settlement for $4.67 million of cost effective energy efficiency with Vectren spending approximately an additional $900,000 of shareholder money on education and obtaining decoupling. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) rejected the settlement, requiring Vectren to spend $2 million in shareholder money for low-income weatherization, characterizing it as a “social” program and granting decoupling. Until OCC has assurances that entering into a DSM settlement will not result in the program being severely curtailed while the utility gets full decoupling, OCC has put this commitment on hold because outcomes, like the one in Vectren, do not benefit the residential class as a whole.
OCC has entered into agreements that have provided approximately $100 million in cost-effective DSM this year:
A request for approval for a DSM program agreed to in a collaborative process in which OCC took a very active role, was filed at the Ohio Commission in January 2006 and approved in July, 2007.
As part of a settlement agreement, OCC negotiated between $25-30 to be spent by the end of 2008 on energy efficiency programs.
As the electric companies file for distribution rate increases over the next year, OCC will advocate for more DSM programs in addition to the smart metering
Finally, Governor Strickland's proposed electric legislation that includes energy efficiency targets of no less than 25% of projected growth in electricity use and 10% of total peak demand by 2025 through energy efficiency measures.
As part of a settlement with FirstEnergy, OCC has negotiated a load control program for residential customers. Approximately $10 million is being spent on it.
OCC participated and provided the major expertise for the PUCO's EPACT hearings. Since then, the PUCO has opened a separate docket which OCC is very active in. There are also rate cases pending in which the funding for smart meters can be addressed. OCC is seeking consultants to assist on recommending rate designs for tariffs accompanying smart meters, such as time of use rates, critical peak pricing, etc. We are hoping that by the end of 2008, customers will begin to have a price-sensitive rate design option.

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, Public Utility Commission, Department of Energy, Energy Trust of Oregon

Endorse Action Plan Recommendations.
In addition, the Oregon Public Utility Commission has draft legislation to extend the public purpose funding law to 2022 and give the PUC authority to increase the charge for activities related to conservation and renewable resources. The change would not apply to other public purposes and would be limited to an increase or decrease of no more than 1% of revenues.
In addition, the Oregon Department of Energy is proposing legislation to expand the Business Energy Tax Credit program to builders of High Performance Homes, which combine energy efficiency and renewable energy. The Department coordinates the Energy Efficiency Interagency Team to help state agencies meet the Governor’s goal of 20 percent energy savings by 2015.

In Year Two, the Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, Public Utility Commission, Department of Energy, Energy Trust of Oregon accomplished:

The Oregon Department of Energy is continuing to coordinate the Energy Efficiency Interagency Team to help state agencies meet the Governor’s goal.
The Oregon Legislature passed legislation, drafted by the Oregon Department of Energy, to expand the Business Energy Tax Credit program to builders of High Performance Homes, which combine energy efficiency and renewable energy.
During the 2007 session, legislation was passed that extends the 3% public purpose funding through 2025 and allows the PUC to authorize an electric company to include in its rates the costs of funding additional cost effective conservation measures. Large retail customers are not subject to, nor can they benefit from, the incremental rates.

Orion Energy Systems

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
Orion commits to the following:
- Continue to actively work with national and regional groups to advance all of the important suggestions in the Action Plan.
- Continue to help customers to reduce costs through lighting efficiency. In 2006 alone, Orion's customers collectively saved over $37 million in lighting costs over the last year.
- Help its customers to access state/federal rebates and tax incentives in order to transform the market for energy efficiency.
- Continue to write articles and Op-Ed pieces, more than 30 overall, about energy efficiency, economic development and environmental issues.
- Continue to invest in innovations, equipment and people to develop advanced energy efficient systems, demand response capabilities and emissions trading of efficiency credits. Currently Orion has designed and manufactured state-of-the-art industrial, commercial and agricultural lighting products that typically deliver 50 percent more light as the standard, outmoded commercial fixtures while using slightly less than half the electricity.
Orion Energy Systems now holds 15 patents on its energy-efficient systems and product enhancements. The new iteration of Orion's energy efficiency lighting system, the Compact Modular Series, won the 2007 National Professional Society of Engineers' New Product of the Year.

In Year Two, Orion Energy Systems accomplished:

Orion participated on several ASE committees and in ASE educational events in Washington, DC in 2007. Orion attended several NARUC national meetings. Orion Energy Systems was presented with the 2007 Super Nova Award for the company's production of energy-efficient and clean energy technologies on September 20th, 2007. Orion is a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange and joined the ACEEE as an associate member in July 2007.
Orion’s technology has been adopted by over 75 of the Fortune 500 companies; the use of this platform has saved customers over $202 million in energy costs in the last five years. Orion has presented more than 300 Environmental Stewardship Awards to its customers detailing the environmental impact of their energy efficiency projects. Orion and E4, a not-for-profit energy efficiency advocacy group, have begun a statewide Wisconsin tour of Rotary Clubs to extol the benefits energy efficiency to the business community. Orion presented White Paper on the positive aspects of utility “decoupling” this last summer at ACEEE conference in NY.

*Pepco Holdings, Inc

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.

*Public Service Electric and Gas Company

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) commits to work together with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to support the Action Plan.
PSE&G will continue to investigate and implement actions that support energy efficiency, including:
- Conducting audits and making appropriate efficiency investments in company facilities.
- Making investments for a more efficient distribution system.
- Providing customer education through various means including: advertising campaigns, messages through the customer bill (newsletters, bill messages), our website (www.pseg.com/customer/energy/energysavers.jsp ), Energy Savers brochures for customers, press releases on energy efficiency.
PSE&G will continue to seek innovative approaches to delivering energy efficiency and renewable energy.
PSE&G has made a proposal to implement a new approach to funding investments in solar photovoltaic systems.
PSE&G will continue to actively engage with the BPU, the State and other New Jersey utilities to identify how energy efficiency can be delivered through the State’s electric and gas utilities.
PSE&G is evaluating the potential to create opportunities for changing the way customers think about energy delivery and consumption.
PSE&G has conducted a pilot program utilizing two-way communications to transfer energy pricing and interval consumption data, and to test customer response to various pricing signals.

PNM Resources

Endorses Action Plan Recommendations.
PNM Resources commits to:
- Adopt energy efficiency as one of our five corporate environmental sustainability goals by December 31, 2006.
- Work with public officials, utility regulators and stakeholders in New Mexico and Texas to create a policy and regulatory environment that will align ratemaking incentives with utility investments in cost-effective energy efficiency and reward customers for using less electricity and natural gas.
- Complete an electric energy efficiency potential study by September 1, 2006 and file an electric energy efficiency plan with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission by January 31, 2007.
- Include energy efficiency and demand reduction resources in our 2007 electric supply plan and evaluate these resources on a consistent and comparable basis with supply side resources in future resource planning activities.

In Year Two, PNM Resources accomplished:

PNM evaluated energy efficiency and demand response as part of its 2007 Electric Supply Plan. In July of 2007 PNM launched a more comprehensive Integrated Resource Planning process in which energy efficiency and demand response will be evaluated and modeled on a consistent and comparable basis with supply side resources.
PNM issued a successful RFP for peaking demand side resources in 2006. The company selected two providers who will deliver 54 MW of peaking capacity by 2010 through residential and commercial demand response programs.
PNM completed both an appliance saturation study and an electric efficiency potential study by September 1, 2006 and used this information to design electric efficiency programs for our January 2007 program filing.
In the 2007 legislative session, PNM worked with New Mexico clean energy advocates to amend the 2005 Efficient Use of Energy Act to remove language that limited utility investments in energy efficiency to 1.5% of revenues and added language requiring utilities in New Mexico to set a goal to meet at least 5% of total retail sales of electricity by 2020 with demand side resources from energy efficiency savings.
On September 27, 2007 PNM Resources joined 7 other electric utilities at the Clinton Global Initiative and announced a commitment by each company to focus on energy efficiency as a resource strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
PNM filed a request for a natural gas decoupling mechanism for energy efficiency in our 2006 application for approval of rates for natural gas service.
In our 2007 electric rate case filing, PNM proposed a new rate structure that would link electricity rates to the varying cost of electricity supplied based on season and per customer consumption. The new rate structure would reflect higher cost electricity during peak demand times, promote energy efficiency and could help offset the need for expensive new power plants and infrastructure that would ultimately be reflected in higher rates for customers.

* New in Year 2 and 3.