Utility Co-op Connection: The First Fuel: co-ops view energy efficiency, conservation as priorities

摘要

Can energy efficiency programs reduce consumers' electric bills, curb billion-dollar investments in power generation for rural utilities and boost the economies of rural communities? Rural electric cooperatives nationwide say that these programs havebeen doing that for years. They're also paying close attention to a proposed rule that would increase investment in energy efficiency programs. "Investment in energy efficiency can save money, curb emissions and help boost rural economies," says Dallas Tonsager, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's under secretary for Rural Development. "Our rural electric coops are leading the way in implementing energy efficiency programs and have accumulated extensive data that demonstrate the benefits of these programs."