The study, which used data from a random sample of 30,000 low-income Michigan households that were eligible for an Energy Department home weatherization program, found that the projected energy savings were 2.5 times greater than actual savings. [...] energy efficiency experts who were shown the study say the authors' broad conclusions about energy efficiency in general aren't justified after a study of a single program in a single state focused only on low-income households. If his findings are correct, they could undermine the rationale for billion-dollar federal and state efficiency programs and call into question a long-held understanding that making existing homes and businesses more energy-efficient are among the cheapest ways to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. Steven Nadel, executive director of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, said that weatherization programs for low-income households are typically among the least cost-effective energy efficiency measures. [...] the study, Nadel says, neglects to factor in other benefits these homeowners receive, including lower maintenance expenses, reducing the likelihood of missed utility payments, and a more comfortable home. "Paying for the more efficient appliance is still always the best decision, for your pocket book and the environment, regardless of what this study says," says Noah Horowitz, an efficiency expert and senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council who reviewed the study.
Home Efficiency Upgrades Fall Short, Don't Pay: Study
By JONATHAN FAHEY, AP Energy Writer, Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Business
Tue, 06/23/2015 - 2:21pm
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