Assessing Natural Gas Energy Efficiency Programs in a Low-Price Environment

Publication Type

Policy Brief

Date Published

04/2013

Authors

Abstract

Abundant, affordable natural gas has emerged as a central feature of the U.S. energy economy. Dramatic increases in economically recoverable natural gas ha ve made gas relatively inexpensive — at least in the short run – with resulting cost savings for consumers. However, low natural gas prices place gas efficiency programs at a crossroads. Some program administrators and state regulators are finding that conventional analyses, which only consider a narrow set of energy-savings related efficiency program benefits, are now resulting in many natural gas efficiency programs failing to pass the criteria used to screen programs for cost-effectiveness. This policy brief provides several considerations for regulators and policymakers to weigh when evaluating the costs, benefits and future of natural gas energy efficiency programs.

Year of Publication

2013

Organization

Research Areas

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