Keeping The Lights On with Demand-Response and Energy Efficiency Programs
By Tara S. Kaushik
Environmental Leader
June 25, 2012
Consumers of electricity have long used energy efficiency and demand-response measures to conserve energy in California and the Northwest. Historically, consumers have reduced their energy use to save energy when faced with power outages, or to save money during hard economic times. The problem is that economic recessions, power outages and the need for new conservation are unpredictable.
For example, when California faced an energy crisis in 2000-2001, consumers significantly reduced their energy use. Demand reductions in the first six months of 2001 alone saved Californians approximately $660 million in spot market electricity purchases and helped avoid up to $20 billion in projected costs of summertime rolling blackouts. California survived the crisis, but at a cost of over $45 billion.
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