MONTREAL, September 13th, 2012 - The recent boom in shale gas production and the subsequent decrease in the price of natural gas have left some wondering what the role for energy efficiency will be in the future. Though it is true that changes in the natural gas market represent challenges for energy efficiency measures, it also represents opportunities.  Despite the current low natural gas prices, energy efficiency is still the most cost effective new energy resource.

As a new ACEEE white paper, "Saving Money and Reducing Risk: How Energy Efficiency Enhances the Benefits of the Natural Gas Boom", explains, the role of energy efficiency is as important as ever. Electric and natural gas efficiency helps reduce consumption of natural gas, which helps keep electric and gas prices stable, while still meeting energy demands.

Energy efficiency is a massive and relatively untapped energy resource that reduces pollution, creates jobs, bolsters economic activity, and lowers customer utility bills.

For the United States to make the most out of the current low natural gas prices we must realize our full energy efficiency potential and establish a unified effort for energy savings to complement and improve on existing state policies. Implementation of energy efficiency measures will increase stability in our electricity and natural gas sectors, prevent outages, and extend the available supply of natural gas.

View the ACEEE White Paper