Energy Efficiency

2014 NY State of the State: Energy and Climate

Governor Cuomo’s 2014 State of the State agenda includes new clean energy and climate initiatives with a grid resiliency and distributed generation focus. In his State of the State (SOS) address on January 8, 2014, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo reaffirmed his commitment to clean energy, proposing significant initiatives to address energy and…...

Presidential Memorandum Emphasizes Green Button Incorporation

A new Presidential Memorandum directs federal agencies to incorporate the Green Button energy management tool for secure access and transmission of energy consumption data. On December 5, 2013, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum on “Federal Leadership on Energy Management,” directing federal agencies to meet 20 percent of their electricity requirements from renewable sources by…...

DOE Announces New Set-Top Box Efficiency Standards

New set-top box efficiency standards are expected to save more than $1B on annual consumer energy bills. On December 23, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced non-regulatory efficiency standards to improve pay-television set-top box efficiency by 10 to 45 percent by 2017.  The agreement, developed in coordination with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC),…...

EIA Projects Strong Growth in U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Production

EIA’s latest Annual Energy Outlook (AEO) projects a 56 percent increase in natural gas production by 2040, overtaking coal as the largest share of U.S. electric power generation. On December 16, 2013, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released the AEO 2014 Early Release Overview presenting updated projections for U.S. energy markets through 2040.  The AEO…...

EPA Report: Model Year 2012 Vehicles Achieve Record High Fuel Economy

EPA’s annual report on average fuel economy shows that MY 2012 vehicles achieved record-high fuel economy and record-low carbon emissions.   On December 12, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its annual report on average fuel economy, emissions, and powertrain technology of new U.S. personal vehicles, including passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, minivans, pickup…...

NY State Recognized for Innovative Residential Energy Efficiency Financing

New York State has won the “Deal of the Year for Small Issuer Financing” award for its innovative residential energy efficiency financing through revenue bonds. On December 6, 2013, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Environmental Facilities Corp. (EFC) announced the award of “Deal of the Year for Small Issuer…...

Better Buildings Challenge Expanded to Multifamily Housing

The DOE and HUD expanded the Better Buildings Challenge to include multifamily housing and launched Better Buildings Accelerators to support government-led energy efficiency efforts. On December 3, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the expansion of the Better Buildings Challenge to multifamily housing units.  DOE…...

NY Governor Announces New Funding For Energy Efficient Technologies

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced an award of $4.8 million for innovative advanced technology projects reducing energy consumption in buildings throughout New York State. Today’s award of $4.8 million is the second of six rounds of funding released under New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Advanced Buildings Program. NYSERDA will provide $25…...

Massachusetts Tops ACEEE Energy Efficiency Scorecard

The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard shows increasing state adoption of energy efficiency measures to save energy costs, spur innovation, and promote growth. On November 6, 2013, ACEEE released its 2013 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard report, ranking states on energy efficiency policy and program efforts, and providing…...

U.S. Carbon Emissions Drop to Lowest Levels Since 1994

2012 EIA data show that U.S. energy-related emissions dropped to lowest levels since 1994 due to a decline in energy consumption and overall carbon intensity. On October 21, 2013, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its 2012 report on U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.  The report, derived from EIA’s monthly energy data, highlighted that 2012…...