Broad coalition calls on Duke to pull the plug on costly “Save-a-Watt”

Support independent, affordable energy efficiency programs

NCPIRG

Raleigh, NC.  Consumer, labor, and environmental groups rallied on the steps of the Utilities Commission today, calling on Duke Energy to withdraw its controversial “Save-a-Watt” proposal. It is the first energy efficiency proposal to be heard by the Utilities Commission since the passage of the major energy bill last year.  The groups argue that the program costs too much and does too little.  They urged Duke to support independently-run energy efficiency programs. 

“While families are struggling to pay energy bills, Duke Energy is requesting hefty, new charges for energy efficiency.” says Shana Becker, Staff Attorney for the North Carolina Public Interest Research Group (NCPIRG), a consumer watchdog group.  Under the program, Duke would charge $18.23 for promoting an energy efficient light bulb that retails for $1.65, as stated by Public Staff, the consumer advocate for the Utilities Commission, in recent news reports.  According to Duke, the program’s cumulative energy savings would be 1%, which is 91.6% less than the average of top performing energy efficiency programs.  The average top performing programs save 11.9%, with the best performing program saving 17.7% energy through energy efficiency, according to data from the Energy Information Administration, filed by Public Staff.  

“As a Charlotte customer recently said, ‘We wouldn’t go to Krispy Kreme for a healthy diet plan or Exxon for fuel-savings tips.  Why should we expect energy efficiency from Duke?” said Becker, citing Lisa Zerkle’s op-ed to the Charlotte Observer. “The answer is simple.  We shouldn’t.”

Currently, seven states implement state-wide energy efficiency plans through independent energy efficiency programs, according to research presented by Hope Taylor, Executive Director of Clean Water for North Carolina at the rally.  “Let’s stop messing around with trying to compensate utilities to overcome their deep conflicts of interest in implementing efficiency programs.” stated Taylor. “Independently-run energy efficiency programs not only save more energy and cost less money, they also create jobs, reduce toxic and greenhouse emissions, and cut billions of gallons a day of water use and degradation.”

Taylor noted that Delaware is the most recent state to adopt an independent energy efficiency program. “Other states are saving energy, preventing the construction of dirty, expensive power plants, and saving money. We can too.” The groups called on Duke to withdraw “Save-a-Watt” and to support independently-run energy efficiency programs.

The hearings on “Save-a-Watt” begin today, and are scheduled to continue in August.  Duke CEO, Jim Rogers, is slated to testify August 18.   The Utilities Commission decision will set a precedent for energy efficiency programs in North Carolina:  how much ratepayers are charged, how much energy efficiency is required, and who runs the programs.