Winning the fight for energy efficiency
New efficiency standards to cut pollution, create jobs
With a troubled economy and families across the state struggling to make ends meet, energy efficiency—doing more with the power we already generate—is a simple way to lower energy costs for all Illinoisans. Environment Illinois is leading the charge to ensure that energy efficiency remains a top priority in Springfield this year.
In July 2007, the Illinois General Assembly passed Environment Illinois-supported legislation requiring electric utilities to reduce annual electricity demand through increased efficiency by 0.2 percent in 2008 and rising gradually to 2 percent per year in 2015 and thereafter.
Unfortunately, Illinois currently has no statewide energy savings targets focused directly on reducing natural gas consumption. A bill that is now before the Illinois General Assembly would change that.
Using less gas, keeping more cash
Illinois House Bill 4321, sponsored by Rep. Harry Osterman, would require Illinois natural gas utilities to meet a growing percentage of demand—from 0.2 percent of annual demand in 2012 to 1.5 percent in 2019—with cost-effective efficiency programs. These targets would place Illinois among the national leaders in reducing natural gas consumption through efficiency.
The potential benefits of this approach are impressive. According to an analysis by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), by 2030 this legislation alone would reduce carbon pollution by 53.3 million metric tons. MEEA’s research also suggests that the new natural gas efficiency standard would create 78,641 jobs and save Illinois ratepayers a cumulative $10.4 billion in energy costs.
Building more energy-efficient homes
Another Environment Illinois-supported bill—the Energy Efficient Building Act, sponsored by Rep. Julie Hamos—would have Illinois adopt the latest national model code standards for energy efficiency in new homes.
The Energy Efficient Building Act passed the Illinois House 100 to 18 in April. And with Gov. Pat Quinn supporting the bill, we’re optimistic that it will be enacted into law in 2009.
