A recent study from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) found that 82 percent of generation and transmission (G&T) and distribution coops have some form of an energy-savings program available for members. So, it’s no surprise that while electric co-ops only have 10 percent of peak retail electricity sales nationally, they’re responsible for 20 percent of peak reduction, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The impact that energy-efficiency programs have on nationwide energy consumption has led many cooperatives to think of it as “the fifth fuel,” a valuable resource for meeting power demand.
The concept is pretty simple: when consumers are using less electricity, they decrease demand for power, thereby offsetting the amount of fuels being depleted for generation.
According to a report from the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group, “energy efficiency has done more to meet America’s energy needs than oil, gas, and nuclear power over the past four decades.”
Energy efficiency measures can also curb the carbon emissions and combustion residuals that have long been a target for environmental protection legislation. The reduction in demand made possible through efficiency measures also reduces stress on distribution infrastructure, which can positively impact reliability.
Baldwin EMC has been committed to promoting energy efficiency among its members for decades, not only by sharing information through all of its communication channels, but also by having certified residential energy advisors on staff, ready to consult with members.
Over the past several years, the cooperative has combined efforts with PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, its wholesale power supplier, to offer impactful programs such as rebates for energy efficient heat pumps, and low-interest financing for energy-saving home improvements.
Although co-ops like Baldwin EMC can promote energy efficiency measures, the success of any efforts to curb power demand is in the hands of its members. Reminding members of the environmental benefits and cost-saving possibilities that come with energy-efficient practices seems to be an effective way to promote positive behaviors.
Recent data from the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that energy consumption is decreasing. A July 2021 report from the agency indicated that U.S. fossil fuel consumption fell by 9% in 2020, dropping to its lowest level in nearly 30 years. Much of this can be attributed to nationwide shutdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the idea that power demand can be curbed is encouraging nonetheless.