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Energy Efficiency

The goal of energy efficiency is to reduce the energy used by all sectors of the economy. This includes companies and services that are providing products and services as well as the end user. Some examples of measures that can reduce energy consumption include home insulation which reduces the amount of heating and cooling needed for a comfortable temperature. Installing LED lighting, lower wattage fluorescent lamps or daylighting all can reduce the amount of energy required to attain the same level of illumination compared with using more traditional lighting. In many cases the newer lighting technologies have a longer life saving additional costs beyond just the energy savings.

Energy efficiency reduces energy use and associated energy costs for the end consumer but it can also offset the need of energy companies to build costly new facilities generally resulting in higher utility rates. Energy efficiency has also been shown as having a positive impact on green house gas emissions by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. 

Load Management

Load management, or sometimes referred to as Demand Side Management, is typically designed as a program to encourage utility customers to shift some of their load to hours outside of the peak. Shifting load aids the utilities in managing available generating resources so they are able to provide reliable and cost effective service to all of their customers. If utilities are able to shift load and reduce the peak demand then they can also defer the construction of very expensive new generating sources.  

There are many programs that your utility may offer depending on where you are located. As an example some utilities offer programs related to HVAC systems, interruptible load programs, incentives associated with demand reduction and many others. Ascent Energy Consulting can help you determine what programs your local utilities offer and if they can benefit you.