Energy Efficiency and Pollution Avoidance

Pollution resulting from the residential sector is an ongoing problem that can adversely affect utilities. Residential consumers make up about one-third of the utility market, and growing. Residential consumers have an increasing level of environmental awareness, but are also using energy intensive equipment, such as air conditioning, in greater numbers. It is best for utilities to proactively, rather than reactively, address pollution produced as a result of the residential sector. This is because the buck often stops with utilities. Advancing energy-efficiency in home construction and thereby reducing pollution in the residential sector is an affirmative measure utilities can take and E-Star™ can help.

A Growing Sector

Residential utility users are many, growing, and quick to report service problems. Colorado is booming. In the period from 1990 to 2000 the Colorado population increased at least 30%, and in the same period Douglas County, Colorado was the fastest growing county in the US (US Census Bureau). The residential consumer sector may not be the most profitable, but is growing in size and, therefore, in importance, political clout, and pollution output.

Increasing Regulation

Utilities are one of the most heavily regulated industries in the US Legislative and regulatory authorities can increase regulation and decrease allowed permit levels should the air quality of a region not meet desired levels. Responding to additional regulatory requirements can be expensive, especially as utilities struggle to meet the energy demand of an increasing number of residential consumers. Keeping ahead of this game is in the best interests of utilities both in dollar terms and organizational efficiencies.

Energy Efficiency

Consumers, regulators, politicians, and utilities all have one thing in common – a growing awareness of the importance of efficient energy use. Environmental issues such as global warming and acid rain all point to the need for energy to be used wisely. Conservation and air quality are issues that will not go away as populations grows, resources diminish, and society strives to simultaneously protect the environment and a produce a high standard of living for its citizenry.

E-Star’s Pollution Avoidance Solution

E-Star offers a workable, affordable, and highly tenable solution for utilities desiring to nip the challenge of residential pollution in the bud. E-Star Energy Ratings provide a means for new homes to be built to high energy performance standards and existing homes to obtain significantly higher levels of energy efficiency. By leveraging the E-Star solution for utilities, utilities can protect their financial interests by taking steps to avoid pollution and its attendant costs.