A new study by Georgia Tech and Duke University found that energy conservation policies would reduce consumption by enough to meet the South's projected growth in energy demand over the next twenty years.

Without these policies, demand is expected to grow by 16% from 2010 to 2030. With these policies, demand would remain relatively flat or decrease by 19GW while still meeting all of the region's energy needs.

Although new power generating facilities would still be needed, the policies outlined in the report would eliminate the need for 49GW of new capacity and allow 25GW of older generating capacity to be retired.

Costs would be reduced by $41 billion, rate increases would be moderated, and 380,000 new jobs would be created. In Tennessee, the policies would save nearly $3 billion and create more than 21,000 new jobs.

The report found that the South consumes more than it's share of energy. We represent 36% of the U.S. population but consume 44% of the nation's total energy supply. The report attributes this to:

• the South's historically low electricity rates,

• the significant heating and cooling loads that characterize many southern states,

• its relatively weak energy conservation ethic,

• its low market penetration of energy-efficient products

• and its lower than average expenditures on energy-efficiency programs.

The study focused on nine energy conservation policies with varying returns on investment:

Residential Sector Policies

• Building Codes with Third-Party Verification
• Appliance Incentives and Standards
• Expanded Weatherization Assistance Program
• Residential Retrofit and Equipment Standards

Commercial Sector Policies

• Tighter Commercial Appliance Standards
• Commercial Retrofit Incentives

Industrial Sector Policies

• Industrial Plant Utility Upgrades
• Industrial Process Improvement Policy
• Combined Heat and Power Incentives

MORE INFO:

• Energy Efficiency in the South

• Tennessee Profile