Energy efficiency programs in leading states throughout the U.S. are saving as much as 100 times more energy than most states in the Southeast. Energy efficiency programs have minimal impact in Southeast states, with the exception of Florida which has a mid-range impact.

The Southeast drastically lags the nation in energy efficiency program impacts (link to our report). The fundamental reason is the lack of an energy policy that puts a priority on saving energy. Many aspects of energy policy in the Southeast continue to encourage energy waste.

One excuse given for the minimal efficiency programs in the Southeast is the relatively low rates charged by utilities. However, the data do not support this excuse: other utilities utilities with similarly low rates have much higher efficiency impacts.

Energy Efficiency Program Impacts vs Average Electric Rates (2007)

The impact of state energy policy is evident when looking at the energy efficiency program impacts reported by Southern Company. Gulf Power, Southern Company’s Florida subsidiary, achieves 10 to 100 times more energy savings than its sister utilities. The reason is obvious: Florida law requires its major utilities to meet energy efficiency goals.

Energy Efficiency Program Impacts: Southern Company (2007)

However, as illustrated by the state-level data, Florida is not a national leader on energy efficiency. Florida’s program has delivered a similar level of impact for over two decades.