Energy Efficiency

The New York Times:

Under state rate regulation, utilities are compensated for producing energy, but rarely for conserving it. A few states, notably California, allow electric companies to pass through the costs of energy-saving programs, but they are the exceptions.

“With changes in state regulation, we could really stimulate energy efficiency,” said James E. Rogers, chief executive of Duke Energy, a big utility in the Midwest and Southeast.

Energy-saving investments, Mr. Rogers said, would include on-site visits by experts to advise consumers on how to make their homes more energy efficient; pass-through subsidies for the purchase of fluorescent light bulbs; and sophisticated network technology to manage energy use remotely during periods of peak demand.