During the first week of August this year all seven U.S. independent grid operators reported new record electricity demands. California hit three new peaks in three days. Other areas of the US reported similar records. The record electricity demand occurred even in states with aggressive demand reduction and conservation programs.

Were these conservation programs effective?

It’s hard to say.   My guess is that some were and others were not.

Sure, one could say “It’s the weather, stupid” but there must be more going on when it comes to the growing peak demand in electricity in all areas of the US. For example, California’s peak last week was 20% above demand during its electricity crises of 2001-2002. And this is a state which has been recognized for leading the charge when it comes to conservation and efficiency!

Clearly more needs to be done. That’s where we all can do something.

After all, the potential savings from electricity efficiency and conservation, to the individual consumer, businesses and to society, have been well documented.

But, as Walt Kelly’s cartoon character Pogo reflected on Earth Day 1971 to his friend Porkypine “Yep, son, we have met the enemy and he is us.”

Consider, for example, the results of a recent Deloitte survey of the electricity consumers across the US which indicated low levels of actual electricity efficiency or conservation activity.  

In answer to the question “Have you made any recent changes in your lifestyle to decrease your electricity use?” – a full 65% of America’s consumers answered “No!”

This might explain why so many electric systems hit their peaks in August.

The other 35% responded “Yes,” that they had “made recent changes,” but even that response needed further analysis.  

In a subsequent question, 74% of the people responding “yes”, to the original question, indicated that their “lifestyle” change was “decreased usage.” My guess is that most of these people probably made the minimal effort of adjusting their thermostats occasionally.  This is a good start but not enough.

Only 17% of consumers reported purchasing new appliances based on energy savings characteristics. In reality any new appliance will save energy over an old one of the same size. (And how many people replaced old appliances with new ones of greater size or capacity?)

According to the Deloitte poll only 3% s of America’s consumers spent money, where savings can be the greatest, on improved insulation, better windows and other capital improvements.

So, with 65% of the public responding that they are not doing anything about energy usage, a lot still needs to be done in the area of consumer awareness and engagement in energy conservation and efficiency programs. 

Here’s a start for the 65% of us still not doing anything.  The EPA’s Energy Star program and other sites list all kinds of useful tips you save energy.

The ISO New England offers the following tips:

• Set thermostats at 76 degrees F, or above when the house is occupied during the say, especially on weekday afternoons between 1 and 5 PM. Turn up a few degrees higher at night
   
• Close drapes and shades on the east, south and west windows during the day to prevent the sun’s energy from heating the room unnecessarily
  
• Use fans to create a wind chill effect that will make your home more comfortable. A ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat 4 degrees F with no reduction in comfort.
  

Thanks for reading this far. Copies of the full poll are available for the asking. I look forward to your comments and submissions.

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