By Erin Cosgrove |
As states across the Northeast look for ways to improve energy affordability, they should take a fresh look at the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and its success in using energy efficiency to lower customer bills. RGGI is a longstanding regional cap-and-invest program that lowers carbon emissions while reducing bills for ratepayers. Through a cooperative effort among New England and…
By Erin Cosgrove |
Before Thanksgiving, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) released the Straw Proposal for Triennium 3 of the State’s Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Programs. The Straw Proposal outlines a proposed plan for 2027-2029 energy efficiency programs. Here, we unpack a few highlights, including changes to the framework for program delivery, customer-centered program design, and a focus…
By Erin Cosgrove |
In May, Massachusetts Governor Healey introduced The Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act (“the Act”). The Act intends to make Massachusetts more energy independent and stimulate innovation through several measures, including expanding and diversifying energy supplies, authorizing new rate reduction bonds to finance decarbonization, enabling gas utilities to own thermal energy…
By Erin Cosgrove |
NEEP’s newest resource – the 2024 Regional Roundup – provides a snapshot of state-level energy efficiency policy for all 13 jurisdictions in the NEEP region. Building on previous editions of this resource, the latest version uses NEEP’s building decarbonization table as a lens through which to measure state progress. The four ”legs” of the table – utility planning, building codes and…
By Erin Cosgrove |
The US Department of Energy (DOE) requires that states submit market transformation plans as part of the Home Energy Rebates program funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The intent of these market transformation plans is to ensure that IRA Home Energy Rebates create lasting change in each state’s energy efficiency market. In September, DOE released guidance and sample plans,…
By Erin Cosgrove |
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Home Energy Rebates offer opportunities for unprecedented investment in energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization of homes, allowing state energy offices to work with current energy efficiency program administrators to streamline program offerings and coordinate available resources. While there are numerous benefits of braiding or co-funding…
By Erin Cosgrove |
In July, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced winners of the Climate Pollution Reduction (CPRG) implementation grants, which will award $4.3 billion to states, metropolitan areas, and tribal governments across the country. The NEEP region had six selected applications, totaling about $1.5 billion. Four of the awards were coalition-based, harnessing the power of regional…
By Erin Cosgrove |
Not only is 2024 the year for Inflation Reduction Act funds, but it is also for planning customer-funded energy efficiency programs! Five states in the NEEP region will set new, multi-year energy efficiency plans. If approved, these plans will invest at least $16 billion over the next several years in the region’s energy efficiency programs to help customers save energy and money, reduce…
