Editorial: Energy Conservation From Zero to Sixty

Andrew Updegrove, Partner, Gesmer Updegrove LLP

6/19/2009
(Original Publish Date: 5/1/2009)

For decades utility companies and environmentalists alike have known that the most dramatic and economical advances in energy policy could be achieved through energy conservation than by any other means. By utilizing techniques as simple as buying more efficient appliances and better insulating our homes we can lower our dependence on foreign oil, release fewer greenhouse gases, and savemoney as well, all at the same time. For almost as long, utilities have promoted the concept of "demand side management," and sought to enlist the aid of consumers and businesses to shift electricity usage to low-demand times of the day, with the potential benefit of avoiding the need to build expensive new power plants.