Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency

Based on the cost-effectiveness methodology outlined here, using the base load forecast and climate change assumptions, the portion of the regional achievable technical potential that is cost-effective is provided by sector in the table below for the near term (2027), mid term (2032), and long term (2041). The purpose of this table is to show the major sources of energy efficiency identified in the Council’s 2021 Power Plan. It is not intended to dictate either the specific savings by sector or the pace of their acquisition to be included in utility or system benefits charge administrator programs.

*The 2027 totals are somewhat lower than the target, reflecting best inputs in the methodology to meet the target but acknowledging uncertainty and ongoing updates and changes to measures. 

The commercial sector has the largest share of cost-effective potential by 2027 with 398aMW. Over half of the cost-effective commercial potential is in efficient lighting. More details can be found here. Next is the industrial sector with 228 aMW by 2027, with energy management and lighting comprising half of this potential, see this page for more information. The residential cost-effective potential is relatively low compared with the commercial and industrial sectors, primarily because much of the historically low-cost energy efficiency has been achieved through programs or adopted into federal or state codes and standards. Leading residential measure bundles include lighting, clothes washers and dryers, and other water-saving devices (more information here). The Agricultural and Utility sectors round out the 2027 cost-effective potential with 13 aMW (details here) and 3 aMW (details here), respectively. All of the measure workbooks with the calculated benefit-to-cost ratio are available here.