Why Are Blue States Scapegoating Energy Efficiency

“A handful of Democratic-led states are targeting energy-efficiency programs in an attempt to provide relief on soaring utility bills.

It’s surprising, given the broad support energy-efficiency programs have among Democrats — and the fact that these incentives produce energy savings that benefit both the climate and all consumers. The short-term savings may be tempting, advocates say, but chasing them is misguided.

‘The subject of affordability is a serious one across many states across the country. People are hurting, and energy costs are too high,’ said Forest Bradley-Wright, state and utility director for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. ​’Energy efficiency did not cause the energy affordability crisis, and the problem can’t be solved by cutting energy efficiency.’

It’s the equivalent of trying to slash your grocery bill by eating out at restaurants more often, he said.”