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.”

» More: Energy Efficiency: Why not now? Why not you?