Press release:

Charlottesville, VA – January 5, 2012 – Today, Governor Bob McDonnell unveiled his upcoming energy legislative priorities for the 2012 Session of the Virginia General Assembly.  The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) applauds the effort of the Governor on his “all of the above” approach which includes energy conservation and efficiency.

The Governor includes a proposal to eliminate regulatory uncertainty on how energy efficiency programs are approved by the State Corporation Commission (SCC).  This new legislation allows the SCC to approve energy efficiency programs which pass three out of four cost benefit tests.  In addition, this proposal aids utilities in promoting and offering additional energy efficiency programs to low-income individuals and seniors.  This bill would apply both to the electric and natural gas markets.

“The VAEEC approves of the energy efficiency proposal in the Governor’s energy legislative package and looks forward to working with him, bill patrons Delegates Ware and Cosgrove and Senators Watkins and Puckett, and others in the General Assembly to pass such needed legislation.  Energy efficiency is an engine of economic growth – creating jobs in Virginia while consumers save money on their energy bills.  It is a win-win situation,” said Cynthia Adams, Executive Director of LEAP-VA and founder of the VAEEC.

“With this legislation residents of Virginia will have more opportunities to improve their home’s energy performance and reduce their utility bills,” states Bill Greenleaf, Executive Director of the Richmond Region Energy Alliance.

“The Governor is doing the right thing for the Commonwealth and its residents,” said Paul Orzeske, president of Honeywell Building Solutions. “Generating ‘negawatts’ — or using less — is the cheapest and greenest source of energy. Efforts to increase efficiency also boost energy security and put people to work. The Governor’s proposals will encourage more programs that help homeowners and businesses trim utility consumption and costs, putting Virginia on the path to becoming a preeminent leader in energy efficiency.

About the VAEEC

The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council is a newly formed trade organization whose mission is to promote policies, programs, and technologies that expand investment in energy efficiency, our most affordable domestic energy resource. www.vaeec.org