Press Mention Public News Service January 20, 2025
SACE Quoted
Report highlights needs for GA energy efficiency
In this mention
A new report from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy reveals that the Southeast, including Georgia, is underinvesting in energy efficiency, resulting in higher energy bills, increased carbon emissions, and climate challenges. SACE's Eddy Moore and Heather Pohnan highlight that Georgia Power's efficiency performance has declined while federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act could significantly enhance energy-efficiency efforts in the state.
If we take energy efficiency seriously, there will be everyday cost savings. There will be delays of expensive investments but there's also a reliability benefit.
Eddy Moore
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Full transcript
Report highlights needs for GA energy efficiency
By Shanteya Hudson - Producer
Jan 21, 2025
A new report from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy showed the Southeast, including Georgia, is not doing enough to invest in energy efficiency.
The report said underinvestment means higher energy bills, more carbon emissions and greater challenges in tackling climate change.
Eddy Moore, decarbonization director for the alliance, said focusing on energy efficiency could make a big difference for Georgia families and the environment.
"If we take energy efficiency seriously, there will be everyday cost savings," Moore outlined. "There will be delays of expensive investments but there's also a reliability benefit."
The report found utilities such as Duke Energy in the Carolinas led the Southeast in energy efficiency, while Georgia Power's performance has declined, reaching its lowest levels outside the pandemic period.
Heather Pohnan, senior energy policy manager for the alliance, identified barriers to energy efficiency in Georgia, including limited funding, minimal program investment and challenges in reaching low-income and rental housing markets. She noted federal funding, such as the $219 million allocated to Georgia through the Home Energy Rebates programs under the Inflation Reduction Act, could significantly enhance energy-efficiency efforts.
"The home energy rebate funds, they were set aside for a consumer rebate program that intended to work in tandem with utility energy efficiency," Pohnan explained.
Georgia has initiated programs such as home energy rebates, providing households with incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. Eligible residents can receive up to $16,000 in savings, depending on income and expected energy savings.