Energy efficiency is number one

Energy efficiency is cheap, clean, healthy, and productive. Energy efficiency includes stronger building codes, better appliance standards, and utility programs that will help consumers adopt energy savings devices and techniques in their homes and businesses. South Carolina's leaders must act now to make our state's energy efficiency a priority. Our state is one of least efficient states in the nation and unless we change, we will have higher power prices, polluted air and water, and diminishing competitiveness. Our leaders have the ability to change our policies and we have the ability to not turn our heads the other way. To gather more information pertaining to energy efficiency, visit the coastal conservation's energy efficiency website, which includes facts, graphs, and pictures that push for a more efficient state. Make energy efficiency our main fuel.

Journal Sentinel
Business Blogs:
Energy efficiency is 1st choice for cutting carbon
Thomas Content
June 8, 2009

The wind industry saw tremendous growth last year but a number of hurdles remain, from local opposition and permitting challenges to the state playing catch-up to other states in attracting wind-energy component makers to locate here.

But as the state and region look for low-carbon energy alternatives, energy efficiency is at the top of the list -- ahead of wind power and other forms of renewable energy.

That's the conclusion of the experts at McKinsey and Co., which prepared a report on the Midwest and energy policy that was released this morning by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

"The most cost-effective, near-term solution for helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to improve energy efficiency," the report states. Doing so would reduce costs and help reduce exposure to high and volatile energy prices, according to the report.

Though businesses can be reluctant to invest in energy-efficiency at a time when they're trying to control costs, rising energy costs make those investments worthwhile, said John W. Rowe, chairman and chief executive of Exelon Corp. in Chicago.

Energy prices are likely to continue rising, and at a faster clip than inflation, Rowe said, boosting interest in efficiency.

The report echoes another report released just last week by Wisconsin Environment that recommends the state beef up its investment in energy efficiency and move toward getting 25% of its electricity from wind turbines and other renewable energy sources by 2025.

Companies in the energy efficiency sector, including Johnson Controls Inc. and Orion Energy Systems Inc. in Wisconsin, have a big fan in Washington. During a commencement address to graduates of Harvard University last week, Energy Secretary Steven Chu said: "Energy efficiency is not just low-hanging fruit; it is fruit lying on the ground."

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