Energy Efficiency and Conservation
New York no longer adequately funds programs designed to control the demand for electricity from fossil fuel-fired power plants. Since the early 1990s, funding for energy efficiency and conservation and renewable power programs (known as demand control), has flourished, dwindled and started to recover after a great deal of public pressure.
Even with the recent partial recovery in funding, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut still spend twice as much as New York on demand control programs annually, on a per capita basis.
Even with the cuts in funding, demand control programs works. In 1999, demand control programs saved 5% of total electricity sales. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority estimates that, over a ten year period, every $1 million invested in energy efficiency saves $3 million in energy costs, while avoiding 100 tons of sulfur dioxide, 70 tons of nitrogen oxides, 45,000 tons of carbon dioxide and an uncalculated amount of mercury.
New York must invest more in demand management programs because they are the only option that improves system reliability, decreases pollution and saves ratepayers money at the same time.
Click here for helpful energy conservation tips.
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Background 
Impacts of Power Plant Pollution Efficiency and Conservation
Renewable Energy
Building New Power Plants Green Electricity
Federal Energy Issues Clean Air Enforcement Project support NYPIRG
