Energy efficiency is a no-brainer

	Energy efficiency is a no-brainer
	Nov 4, 2010	Cape Cod Times
	Efficiency standards work for all of us! We know this, we promote this and we all benefit when we adopt achievable energy efficiency standards. We must continue to improve efficiency standards based on sound technical advances that can be complemented by good public policy. I take issue with and respond here to the Oct. 31 op-ed "Red tape rising: A record flood of regulation," specifically the claim that improved residential heating and hot water equipment efficiency standards will raise the price of a "typical gas storage water heater by $120." This claim by the ultraconservative Heritage Foundation, funded with assets of more than $183 million, claims this is a "hidden tax" per their website (heritage.org). Let us please consider the direct tax that hits every consumer, especially those least able to afford it, as a result of the increasing energy costs related to our continued dependence of foreign fossil fuels. Some of us in the field of energy efficiency know that these improved standards are, in fact, promoted and adopted through a stakeholder process that involves appliance manufacturers and consumers who tell us they not only support such uniform standards but also enjoy the financial return of energy savings for their investment in advanced technology. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy (ACEEE), appliance efficiency standards are not new; in fact, appliance manufacturers, disturbed by a patchwork of state standards, supported adoption of uniform national standards during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Complementing these advances in efficiency standards is the national Energy Star product-labeling program, which promotes advances in technology from manufacturers' research and development efforts and educates and informs consumers to make informed choices. Locally, through the electric and gas ratepayer-funded energy-efficiency programs in Massachusetts (and in many other states as well), we have cost-effective rebates and incentives to promote more efficient appliances. Again, according to ACEEE, appliance efficiency standards are estimated to save over 2.58 quadrillion BTU per year. Yes, that is a really big number — but what does it mean to a consumer on Cape Cod? For a customer with an electric water heater who is looking at a new heat pump electric water heater, for example, we are seeing a 50 percent savings, or a new gas condensing water heater will save about 25 percent relative to today's conventional storage water heaters. This translates into savings of over $500 a year at the average 17 cents-per-kilowatt-hour cost of electricity here in Massachusetts — not a bad return on the additional $120 investment. The combined efforts of national efficiency standards and local programs that educate and promote significant energy savings let all consumers enjoy lower energy costs through improved products over the long term. This is good for our economic prosperity, energy security and the environment. Kevin F. Galligan of Orleans is the energy efficiency program manager for the Cape Light Compact.

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