For Immediate Release: March 6, 2012
Contact: Cynthia Adams, 434.825.0232, cynthia@vaeec.org

Virginia Energy Efficiency Council Applauds Dominion’s Proposed Cost-Saving Energy Efficiency Programs for Residents, Businesses

State Corporation Commission Authorizes New Demand-Side Management Programs

Richmond, Virginia – The trade organization Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) this week applauded Dominion Virginia Power and the State Corporation Commission (SCC) for proposing and approving, respectively, a suite of residential energy efficiency programs. In early March several representatives from VAEEC testified before the SCC in support of these Demand-Side Management initiatives – including a “Residential Bundle Program” that supports Home Energy Check-Ups, duct testing and sealing and heat pump tune-up and upgrades – that will save consumers money, help Virginia meet its 10% efficiency goal by 2022, and hold down energy costs whether or not you participate in the program by reducing the need for costly new power plants.

The SCC, which authorized the measures Monday, posted a press release online with details: http://scc.virginia.gov/newsrel/e_dvpdsm_12.aspx.

“The State Corporation Commission opened the door for expanding the energy efficiency industry in Virginia by approving this suite of initiatives from Dominion, which will help participating homeowners lower bills and stimulate the local building trades,” said Cynthia Adams, Executive Director of the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) and member of the VAEEC Steering Committee. “Clearly, the energy we have to create is more expensive than the energy we don’t use.  Energy efficiency is the cheapest resource for energy, and we applaud Dominion for proposing programs that support their customers in choosing it.”

“Efficiency First is pleased to see the SCC recognize the importance of Demand-Side Management Initiatives by approving Dominion Virginia Power’s latest proposal.  These first steps lay a solid foundation for future programs to include the full range of energy efficiency measures, such as air sealing and insulation. The strength of these programs offer tangible results to homeowners and are a boost to the local contractor community,” said Aneil Kumar of Efficiency First, Virginia.

Even with approval and implementation of these new programs, Virginia falls short of meeting the General Assembly’s goal of 10% energy savings by 2022.  The VAEEC and its business and stakeholder members actively promote efforts that expand and enhance ways for homeowners and businesses to help close that gap.