Before the new year arrives, we want to share 2018 highlights for ACEEE and energy efficiency. We celebrated the third annual Energy Efficiency Day and released our highly anticipated state and international scorecards. We also analyzed potential federal freezes of fuel economy and light bulb standards, as well as advances – and setbacks – at the state and local levels.
In addition, we connected energy professionals at conferences across the nation, including our four inaugural events: the International Symposium, Rural Energy Conference, National Convening on Utilities and Electric Vehicles, and Conference on Health, Environment, and Energy.
The 2018 International Energy Agency’s Energy Efficiency 2018 market report called for accelerated energy savings to meet climate goals, making energy efficiency more important than ever. With that in mind, here are our top 13 blog posts and press releases of 2018 to prepare you for next year’s initiatives.
1) Blockchain series:
By Ethan Rogers, Industry Program Director
This emerging technology holds potential to save energy, but many questions remain.
- Blockchain and energy efficiency: a match made in heaven? (April)
- How can blockchain save energy? Here are three possible ways (October)
2) Lights out for residential lighting programs? Not just yet (April)
By Jennifer Amann, Buildings Program Director
Does the rise of LED lights mean that residential lighting programs will no longer be cost effective?
3) The High Cost of Energy in Rural America: Household Energy Burdens and Opportunities for Energy Efficiency (July)
Our report reveals that rural households spend 40% more of their income on their energy bills than their metropolitan counterparts.
4) Electric heat series:
By Steven Nadel, Executive Director
Switching to electric heat pumps can save homeowners energy and money.
- New programs nudge homeowners to switch to electric heat pumps (August)
- Going Green: Switching from oil or propane to electric heat can often save money (July)
5) ACEEE 2018 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard (October)
Massachusetts and California remain leaders, while New Jersey improves the most and Iowa has the biggest dip in ranking.
6) World Energy Rankings Suggest Countries Need Energy Efficiency to Meet Paris Goals (June)
ACEEE’s International Energy Efficiency Scorecard ranks 25 of the world’s largest energy users.
7) Iowa takes huge step backward on energy efficiency while other states move ahead (May)
By Martin Kushler, Senior Fellow
A new bill hampers Iowa’s efforts and ends its reign as a midwestern leader on efficiency.
8) How can we unite people when talking about energy? Summer study speaker explains (July)
By Wendy Koch, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
Our 2018 Summer Study explored how the right efficiency messaging can unite rather than divide us.
9) Efficiency and renewables: the dream team for a clean energy future (May)
By Steven Nadel, Executive Director
The choice between efficiency and renewables is not an either/or question. We need both to achieve energy goals.
10) Affordable Tech Marvels Dominate Greenest Vehicles List (February)
Our annual Greener Cars vehicle rankings help auto buyers make smart, efficient choices.
11) As electric vehicles gain favor, utilities can accelerate EV adoption (February)
By Siddiq Khan, Senior Researcher
Large-scale EV adoption would be a win for consumers, automakers, utilities, and the environment—and utilities can help make it happen.
12) This year’s Super Bowl stadium can withstand snow and save energy (January)
By Dawn Selak, Communications Manager
Minneapolis’ US Bank Stadium has taken impressive energy efficiency measures.
13) How energy efficiency can boost resilience (April)
By Grace Relf, Senior Research Analyst, Energy Policy
In light of recent storms and natural disasters, we discuss how efficiency can aid the electric grid.
We hope you enjoyed reading our posts this year, and we look forward to new conversations in 2019. Happy Holidays!
