New American Gas Foundation Study Explores Growing Importance of Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Programs
Washington – Energy efficiency technologies and programs play a foundational role in creating a more reliable, affordable and sustainable energy system for the United States. The American Gas Foundation (AGF) has released a new study, The Growing Imperative for Natural Gas Energy Efficiency: An Assessment Study of Gas Utility Energy Efficiency Programs, underscoring the essential role of natural gas energy efficiency programs in advancing our energy future. This study provides key insights for state utility commissions, policymakers, and industry stakeholders navigating a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
“Natural gas energy efficiency programs have lowered energy costs for customers and enabled the natural gas utility industry to serve more families and businesses every year while using less natural gas to do it,” said American Gas Association (AGA) President and CEO Karen Harbert. “These programs have become extremely important to our energy system and it’s essential that policymakers and industry work together to maximize their impact to advance America’s path towards an affordable, reliable and cleaner energy future.”
The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of approximately 20 natural gas utility energy efficiency programs, analyzing current trends, regulatory considerations, and emerging opportunities. Among its core findings:
- Stakeholders Should Recognize the Full Value of Natural Gas and Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Programs: Natural gas is vital for energy security and grid stability, especially during winter electric peaks. Its role in emissions reductions and affordability should be fully considered when debating the future of energy efficiency programs.
- Utility Cost-Effectiveness Testing is Evolving: Cost-effectiveness testing is expanding to include non-energy benefits, offering new opportunities for strategic decision-making and performance incentives over the next 3-5 years.
- Policymakers and Regulators Need to Stay Informed on Energy Efficiency Advancements: Policymakers should keep abreast of innovations in energy efficiency program design, such as new technologies, delivery mechanisms, and approaches.
- Granular Data is Critical: Developing consistent, granular, publicly available data on gas energy efficiency programs will improve evaluation, benchmarking, and decision-making.
For more information and to access the full study, click here. To access a fact sheet on the study, click here.