Energy Efficiency and Demand Response in 2020 – A Survey of Expert Opinion

The European Union hopes to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent by the year 2020. While the United States as a whole does not have any such targets, some states such as Connecticut, Maryland, and Pennsylvania have established specific numerical targets while other states such as California have made energy efficiency and demand response part of their energy action plan, provide regulatory incentives for utilities to undertake such programs, and institute stringent codes and standards to promote efficient energy use. What is the likely impact of energy efficiency and demand response going to be on customer usage by the year 2020? The answer depends on who you ask. To get a robust response, we asked not one but almost 200 experts in in the U.S. and Canada representing all facets of the industry – from academics to consultants, utilities to regulators, and from consumer activists to environmentalists. A total of 50 experts responded, giving us a wide cross section of views.