Public Policy

CASE STUDIES 1 of 3

Good Energy: Clean, Efficient and Sustainable

National SAVE Energy Coalition Raises Political Awareness in Washington

ClientS: All energy consumers, including industry organizations, and agencies

Location: Throughout the U.S.
WEBSITE: www.nationalsaveenergycoalition.com

Challenge/Business Need

A significant reduction in energy consumption cannot be achieved without focusing on energy efficiency measures. These measures must be cost-effective and straightforward and encourage consumers to use/purchase energy efficient appliances and make long-term behavioral changes.

Reducing energy consumption also requires making energy efficiency a top legislative priority. Strong public policy will help lower consumers’ energy costs and create new, green jobs throughout the U.S., and in turn support a revitalization of local, state and national economies.

CSG’s ROLE

In 2008, CSG joined forces with more than 100 prominent energy and environmental organizations, businesses, trade associations, and manufacturers of energy efficient products in establishing the National SAVE Energy Coalition. The coalition’s first campaign was enormous: seek to make efficiency a centerpiece of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as ARRA and “the stimulus.”

CEO, Steve Cowell, and CSG’s policy team took an immediate role in organizing the coalition and provided the necessary leadership to attract a broad array of supporters and members.

CSG believes organizations such as the Electric & Gas Industries Association, the Alliance to Save Energy, and the Natural Resources Defense Council understand the potential of the clean energy economy, because these professionals work in the field every day. CSG also knows this potential, having been at the forefront of energy conservation for more than 25 years.

Strategy & goals

The coalition had a high-profile presence during the debate over ARRA. The advocacy group focused on three key programs:

• Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants
  
• State Energy Programs
  
• Weatherization Assistance Program

Once the legislation became law, the coalition pledged to work closely with the Obama administration as well as state and local governments and the private sector to make sure the new law's energy efficiency investments are deployed rapidly and appropriately.

Following the act, the coalition immediately began tracking the implementation of new funding for the three target programs.

Building on its success with ARRA, the coalition’s focus has turned to climate and energy legislation currently under consideration on Capitol Hill. The National SAVE Energy Coalition plans to be a significant presence every time relevant legislation is under consideration.

Impact

In a short time, the coalition has already made its mark in Washington and in the communities set to benefit from the landmark legislation. The coalition continues to be involved by:

• Securing funding for low-income home weatherization, state energy initiatives, and energy efficiency and conservation investments through ARRA
• Putting professionals to work through the $20 billion investment earmarked by ARRA for energy efficiency projects such as making buildings more efficient, cutting energy bills for consumers, businesses, and governments; significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Working closely with federal, state, and local governments to help ensure the ARRA funding is administered in a way that takes advantage of the expertise and experience already available within companies with track records in delivering energy efficiency

By participating in policy development through the National SAVE Energy Coalition, CSG is able to get in front of the issues facing its clients and consumers.

Read the press release.

CSG Contacts

Steve Cowell, Chairman and CEO
Pat Stanton, Vice President of Clean Energy Markets