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Still the One: Efficiency Remains a Cost-Effective Electricity Resource

Publication Type

Presentation

Date Published

08/2021

Authors

Frick, Natalie Mims, Sean Murphy, Cesca Miller, Margaret Pigman

Abstract

Energy efficiency continues to be a low-cost way to meet electricity needs. Berkeley Lab's research over the past decade has confirmed that the average cost of saving electricity is less than the cost of producing it. This analysis and presentation focus on nine consecutive years of efficiency program data. Researchers found that the cost of saving electricity has remained relatively constant since 2010, at less than 3 cents a kilowatt-hour (kWh). Importantly, they found that about half of the savings that occur during times of peak demand — for most regions, in summer — cost utilities less than $100 per kilowatt (kW) saved.

Year of Publication

2021

Notes

A webinar discussing this research recorded on August 10, 2021, can be viewed here.

A recording of a presentation given by Cesca Miller on October 21, 2021, at the ACEEE 2021 National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource can be viewed here. Ms. Miller's presentation begins at 19:08.