Energy Efficiency Standards in Climate Change Policy Presented by:

1. Energy Efficiency Standards in Climate Change Policy Presented by: Isaac Elnecave, Efficiency Standards Project Manager Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships To the: Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Process May 30, 2003

2. Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships • A regional non-profit organization that coordinates energy efficiency programs and policies in the Northeast U.S. with an aim toward reducing the environmental impacts of energy use. • NEEP works by: • Coordinating regional ratepayer funded energy efficiency programs (including Rhode Island’s) for greater market impact • Enhancing building energy codes • Promoting policies to increase energy efficiency in homes, buildings and industry (like efficiency standards) • All result in avoiding carbon • emissions from energy production

3. Standards Bill H5325 H5325 would set minimum energy efficiency standards on ten products: 1. Torchiere Lamps 2. Digital Set-Top Boxes 3. Ceiling Fans 4. Commercial Unit Heaters 5. Exit Signs 6. Traffic Signals 7. Commercial Refrigerator/Freezers 8. Large Packaged Air Conditioners >240,000 Btu/hr 9. Low-Voltage Dry Type Transformers 10. Commercial Clothes Washers

4. Criteria Four criteria for proposing a standard: 1. Large, cost-effective savings identified. 2. Products meeting the standard must already exist in marketplace. There must be a recognized standard (such as ENERGY STAR). 3. Testing protocol must exist. 4. Not pre-empted by federal standards.

5. Benefits of H5325 REDUCED ENERGY CONSUMPTION • By 2010: Rhode Island would reduce annual energy consumption by 160 gigawatt-hours. • By 2020: Rhode Island would reduce annual energy consumption by 240 gigawatt-hours. Equivalent to the energy needs of 45,000 households.

6. Carbon Reduction • H5325 would result in annual carbon reductions of 34,000 metric tons in Rhode Island by 2020.

7. More Benefits Savings to Consumers and Businesses By 2010: Rhode Island Consumers and Businesses will save $45 Million By 2020: Total Savings increase to $270 Million These projections include neither lower maintenance costs or higher electricity prices. Both are strong possibilities

8. H5325 Status • H5325: An Act Relating to Public Utilities and Carriers • Chief Sponsors: Rep. Art Handy, Rep. Peter Ginaitt, Chair of Environment Committee • Introduced: January 30, 2003 • Public Hearing: April 1, 2003, House Corporations Committee • Committee Vote: Continued-- Bill Re-referred to House Environmental and Natural Resources Committee

9. Public Hearing • April 1 - Public Hearing held by House Corporations Committee • Supporters included: • * RI PIRG - Kate Strouse-Canada • * NEEP - Isaac Elnecave • * Audubon Society • * Narragansett Electric • * National Consumer Law Center

10. Regional Effort • Northeast Energy Efficiency Standards Project is a cooperative effort between NEEP, State PIRGS, Environment-Northeast, National Consumer Law Center and Natural Resources Defense Council. • Legislation has been introduced in seven states (two more on the way) • Maryland legislature has already passed a similar standards bill • Standards bill being considered by the full House and Senate in Connecticut. It has passed four committees, three unanimously. .

11. State Fiscal Impact * Fiscal analyses by other states in the region have indicated either a positive fiscal impact (i.e., reduced energy costs for state), no impact or negligible fiscal impact. There is no fiscal note attached to this bill. * Savings from energy efficient transformers and torchiere lamps will save the state money.

12. What You Can Do • Call or Send a Letter to Chairperson Ginaitt asking for a quick and favorable vote on H5325 • Continue to include energy efficiency programs and policies – especially standards – in climate change action plans

13. Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc. Contact: Isaac Elnecave, ielnecave@neep.org Jim O’Reilly, joreilly@neep.org www.neep.org