In a policy screening over the last two years, there were 95 actions on energy equity – most were associated with resource planning, decarbonization, and energy efficiency regulation; equity metrics are in nascent stages of development across the U.S.

Until recently, publicly available information was limited for two key factors that determine the value of energy efficiency and other distributed energy resources (DERs): (1) end-use load profiles (EULPs), which quantify how and when electricity is used, and (2) savings shapes, which measure the difference between the hourly use of electricity in the baseline condition and the hourly use post-installation of the energy efficiency measure.

Berkeley Lab and The Brattle Group are pleased to announce the release of a new report, titled “Valuing Residential Energy Efficiency: Analysis for a Prototypical Southeastern Utility.” The study quantifies the amount of cost-effective residential energy efficiency (EE) that could be deployed by a prototypical summer-peaking utility in the Southeastern U.S. across scenarios representing business-as-usual conditions, as well as under various program and policy initiatives.

What will drive building investments in energy efficiency over the next 10 years? To find out, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory researchers reviewed academic literature, analyzed recent state actions on demand-side management, and interviewed and surveyed experts throughout the country.

Performance of energy efficiency loans is comparable to prime auto loans, ripe for growth and investment

A State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network (SEE Action) study, recently announced by Department of Energy Secretary Granholm and developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, shows that financial institutions can lend money to their customers for energy efficiency improvements at low risk in support of a more efficient building stock.