Comments on: Will 2010 be the Year Home Efficiency Finally Takes Off?

By: Jane Hummer

Jane Hummer — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:38:16 +0000

In my opinion, what we need now is a campaign to win over the “hearts and minds” of residential customers with regard to energy efficiency. For the past thirty-odd years, utilities and governments have focused on promoting the cost-effectiveness of efficiency upgrades for the home (and providing financial incentives to increase the cost-effectiveness), and yet a huge gap remains between what consumers actually do and what would be cost-effective for them to do. It’s time to accept the fact that consumers don’t always make the rational, cost-effective choices. All the great technologies (efficiency, smart grid, in-home energy monitors, etc.) are useless if we can’t get consumers to accept them and use them. These technologies require some behavior change and engagement on the part of the end-users. It’s great to see so many of the major players start getting more interested in residential energy efficiency technologies, but I hope that they do a better job communicating the benefits to consumers so that instead of grumbling about interference (see the public backlash towards smart meters in CA and TX), consumers embrace these energy-efficient opportunities with enthusiasm.

By: Mary Ann Gallagher

Mary Ann Gallagher — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:14:24 +0000

Andy,

This is a great summary of the status of a hoped-for movement. We need both efficiency and generation now – lots of it and the hoped-for jobs that come along. I am watching for the trim tabs (to use a Buckminster Fuller analogy) the small movements that will start to turn the ship. The google and microsoft technology and other investor ideas are great and the two guys in a truck solutions are great too. May all flourish.

By: Brad

Brad — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:34:30 +0000

Andy,

When it starts to hit the consumer in the wallet with more impact that’s when you’ll see the market move. As more expensive energy sources come on line like wind and biomass you’ll see consumers reaching for conservation tools like the PowerCost Monitor. We’re just now starting to see the uptake and interest at the consumer level as they realize how much they’re spending to run their house.

I’m very bullish on this sector and believe that as big name players like Google and Microsoft start making headway you’ll see the consumer reaction quite quickly.

By: Andy Mannle

Andy Mannle — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:59:49 +0000

You’re exactly right Jonathan – energy efficiency is the first step toward renewable energy, and it’s exciting to see it so close to getting its day in the sun. With a few low-cost, easy steps homeowners can see immediate savings on energy. Money they can put toward a solar panel if they want!

By: Jonathan Cole

Jonathan Cole — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:41:06 +0000

The article misses an important point. The way to make solar energy most affordable is with a three step approach: energy efficient equipment + low waste strategies + solar energy = a cost-effective, durable, maintainable, user-friendly solar energy system. So energy efficient equipment is the first step to solar. Not just because it gives the most bang for the buck, but also because it means you need a smaller less expensive solar energy system!