Seven Energy Efficiency Options: How Different Power Pricing Structures Can Affect Them

Abstract

Part 1 of Lindsay Audin’s 3-Part Series on “Interactions Between
Retail Power Pricing and Energy Efficiency Options” reviewed the new
types of pricing which have recently evolved, following the deregulation
of electricity. These electricity pricing programs can impact the payback
periods of both energy efficiency and distributed generation plans. Pro-
fessionals will want to minimize costs risks. To do this, they need to pay
close attention to how they integrate power procurement with equip-
ment-based efforts to cut their energy costs.
Part 2 of Mr. Audin’s report, presented here, analyzes seven major
energy efficiency systems, and reviews how each is influenced by differ-
ent power pricing options.
In the Commercial/Industrial sectors, there are hundreds of tech-
nical measures that can improve energy efficiencies. (Walt Smith’s article
in Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment, Summer 2000, Vol.
20, No. 1, lists 302 of them) Not all warrant analyzing the way to best
match them to various energy pricing options. But this sampling of
seven of the more important ones could be extended to other energy
system upgrades and new installations.