PROGRESSIVE ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT POLICY

KAPLOWITZ 2010 | ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT POLICY

Establishing a Robust and Innovative Clean Energy Economy

I. PRODUCING, DELIVERING & USING ENERGY MORE EFFICIENTLY

New York has been among the nation‘s leaders in implementing market-based programs

to help ensure that energy efficiency is recognized as a cost-effective alternative to

supply-side energy resources. Investing in end-use energy efficiency, across all sources

of energy and across all energy-using sectors, is the most economical approach to

expanding the State‘s clean energy economy. In the short-run, investments in energy

efficiency reduce energy use and bills for participating customers. In the long-run, a

significant reduction in electricity demand has been shown to put downward pressure on

wholesale electricity prices, reduce price volatility, and reduce emissions of carbon

dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants. Energy efficiency improvements in the

transportation sector will reduce dependence on foreign oil and will reduce emissions,

which is of critical importance in congested areas of the State with poor air quality.

Energy efficiency investments have also been shown to increase employment

opportunities in the State. Additionally, promoting energy efficiency in low income

communities, and making energy efficiency upgrades to affordable housing, can reduce

energy-related economic burdens on low income New Yorkers. Finally, improving

overall electric system efficiency in a cost-effective manner will also mitigate

unavoidable price increases associated with replacement of aging infrastructure, and

reduce environmental impacts.

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