This blog was written by John D. Wilson, former Deputy Director for Regulatory Policy at the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

Guest Blog | January 27, 2011 | Energy Efficiency, Energy Policy

A new report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy provides a great reminder as to why a focus on energy efficiency is good for the American worker.

As a result [of energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment], consumers and businesses spend less money on utility bills. This moves money from the utility sector, with relatively few jobs per dollar of revenue, to other sectors that have higher jobs per dollar of revenue. (Source: ACEEE)

The press release mentions the Implementation of National Consensus Appliance Agreements Act (INCAAA) of 2010, which nearly passed by unanimous consent very late in the 2010 lame duck session of Congress. We understand a single Senator objected.

So … We have to pay the meter.

More jobs vs. fewer jobs.

More manufacturing profits vs. more utility profits.

Choices to be made.