Energy Efficiency Solutions

Energy efficiency is the use of less energy to perform the same task or produce

the same result. Energy-efficient homes and buildings use less energy to heat,

cool, and run appliances and electronics, and energy-efficient manufacturing

facilities use less energy to produce goods.

Energy efficiency is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to combat

climate change, reduce energy costs for consumers, and improve the

competitiveness of businesses. Energy efficiency is also a vital component in

achieving net-zero emissions of carbon dioxide through decarbonization.

Energy Efficiency Benefits

Energy efficiency saves money, increases the resilience and reliability of the

electric grid, and provides environmental, community, and health benefits.

Cost Savings

At home, you can save money on energy bills by making energy-efficient and

weatherization upgrades—such as adding insulation, using LED lighting, and

installing a heat pump—that reduce your energy use and can improve comfort.

Energy-efficient buildings cost less to heat, cool, and operate, while industry and

manufacturing plants can make products at lower cost. Energy-efficient

transportation results in fuel savings.

Community Benefits

Energy-efficiency programs improve community resilience and address energy

equity by bringing efficient, cost-effective technologies and infrastructure to

underserved communities, including communities of color.

These communities are disproportionately affected by air pollution and have a

higher energy burden, which is the percentage of gross household income spent

on energy costs.

Environmental Benefits

Reducing energy use is essential in the fight against climate change because

traditional power plants burn fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases and

contribute to air pollution. Energy-efficient homes and buildings are also better

equipped to switch to renewable energy, which does not produce harmful

emissions.

Resilience and Reliability

Energy-efficiency improvements reduce the amount of electricity on the grid at

one time, known as load, minimizing congestion and stress on the electric grid.

Less load prevents power disruptions.

Health Benefits

Reducing fossil fuel use results in cleaner air, water, and land, all of which

directly affect human health—especially those in marginalized communities and

people with conditions that are exacerbated by pollution.