Quick take: Energy efficiency and demand response are on the uptick, according to a survey of 50 energy experts. In fact, EE programs will catch on so fast they will cause

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The details:

·         The Brattle Group study, "Energy Efficiency and Demand Response in 2020 – A Survey of Expert Opinion," was co-authored by economists Ahmad Faruqui and Doug Mitarotonda in coordination with Global Energy Partners (GEP), an Enernoc company. It is available for download at www.brattle.com.

·         According to Brattle, the reductions in electricity consumption will likely be brought on by factors such as the rising costs of generating and delivering electricity and natural gas, rapid advances in appliance and building technology, innovative rate design, and cultural shifts in American values that encourage behavioral change.

·         The analysis reveals a surprising consensus on the size of the impact from increased energy efficiency in the U.W. However, it also finds considerable variation across regions, sectors, programs and end-uses

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.

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