This May 20, 2012, file photo shows one of the major transmission lines that runs to the west of Albuquerque, N.M. A powerful panel of New Mexico regulators on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, rejected global energy giant Iberdrola’s proposed multibillion-dollar …A new bill from two Democratic senators would set a national mandate for utilities to reduce customers’ energy use, which the proponents say would save consumers billions of dollars on energy bills and create hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Critics warn that high-efficiency appliances, water heaters and HVAC systems are expensive and it can take consumers years to recoup upfront costs from small monthly savings on utility bills. The bill also would encourage distributors to obtain energy savings and direct the Department of Energy to set uniform national energy savings measurement protocols for retailers.
Mr. Welch said the new act “builds on Vermont’s success by establishing a nationwide efficiency standard for retail electric and natural gas utilities and making efficiency upgrades more affordable for families across the country.