State and Local Energy Efficiency Programs

Information by State  Print version   In This Section Identifying Programs that Support Energy Efficiency   HUD Programs   DOE Programs   EPA Programs   State and Local Programs   Non-Governmental Programs   Leveraging Resources for Better Programs   Example

In addition to Federal resources, program resources exist at the state and local level. Highlighted below are these resources and links to state contacts and information.

• Local Utility Programs. Utilities have offered energy programs to their customers for approximately two decades. Utilities have offered these programs for many reasons, including economic development, environmental protection, and to provide energy cost savings to consumers and businesses. General information on utility programs can be found on the ACEEE website.
  
  
• State Public Benefit Funds. Some states have recognized that energy efficiency programs provide important benefits to the public, and have established these mechanisms to ensure that these programs continue. By far the most common approach has been to establish a public benefit fund (PBF) as part of restructuring. Money for the PBF generally comes from a small surcharge on distribution service.
  
  For example, the State of Illinois passed a law where gas and electric utilities assess a monthly charge on each residential electric and gas service account as well as commercial and industrial accounts. The utilities collect the charges from customers (about $76 million yearly), and deposit them into a state fund, which the General Assembly then appropriates yearly to the state Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, the LIHEAP and Weatherization grantee. About 80 percent of the fund, $65 million annually, goes for low-income bill payment assistance, and 10 percent, about $7.6 million annually, supplements the state's Weatherization program.
  
  The ACEEE publishes a Summary Table of Public Benefit Programs and Electric Utility Restructuring by state. This table summarizes the programs and their impact in the states.
  
  
• The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. The DSIRE project tracks information on state, utility, local, and selected federal incentives that promote the use of renewable energy technologies. The DSIRE website provides a fast and convenient method for accessing information about renewable energy incentives offered by federal and state agencies, utilities, and local organizations.
  
  
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) National Energy Affordability and Accessibility Project (NEAAP). The NEAAP website provides resources on impacts of energy restructuring and energy market changes on low and moderate-income households. This website features overviews by state on topics such as status of restructuring, news, analysis, and consumer protections. This website provides a searchable list of energy programs by state.
  
  
• The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO). The NASEO website provides information for regional, state and federal government officials on energy's pivotal role in the economy and environment. Additionally, this website includes information on energy priorities and concerns of states and territories. The NASEO was created by governors to improve the effectiveness and quality of state energy programs and policies. NASEO's website also serves as a repository of energy-related information. Included on the NASEO website is state and territory contact information.
  
  
• DOE's State Energy Program. The State Energy Program combines DOE's energy expertise with the local wisdom of the states on energy related projects. This comprehensive website includes phone, e-mail, and street address of the director of the state energy office and program manager for the State Energy Program in individual states.
  
  
• HUD's Link to Local Energy Information. HUD has compiled a website that provides information on local energy efficiency programs and best practices. This website provides practical case studies and is searchable by state.