Alliance to Save Energy stressing efficiency in light of record oil prices

As oil surged above $100 a barrel for the first time, the Alliance to Save Energy emphasized energy efficiency as a quick, important and effective tool to combat higher gasoline and home heating oil prices.

“From the behavior of consumers to formulation of national energy policy, responses to today’s record oil prices must include a heavy dose of energy efficiency,” says Kateri Callahan, Alliance president. “Worldwide demand for oil and gas continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, and increased energy efficiency must be part of our individual and collective response if we are to ensure our nation’s future energy and economic well-being.”

As a nation, the United States has begun to take important steps to advance energy efficiency and to reduce our oil and gasoline demand, Callahan notes. For example, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has reported that during the first four weeks of 2008, U.S. demand for gasoline declined by a full 1 percent compared to the same period in 2007. And in December 2007, Congress enacted legislation (P.L. 110-140) that includes the first increase in three decades in fuel economy standards for automobiles. When fully implemented, those new standards can save the average American family about $1,000 per year on their gasoline bills.

“Still, more must be done,” Callahan says, “as evidenced by today’s record-setting price for oil.

“Reducing demand is the quickest and most effective means to mitigate the impact of spiraling oil and gasoline prices,” she continues. “While consumers can do little to influence the world price of oil – or even the prices at their neighborhood gas stations – they can reduce their own energy use and control their monthly energy bills by employing simple yet cost-effective energy-efficiency measures and technologies in their homes and vehicles. And in doing so, they also will play a part in helping our nation’s economy, environment, and energy security.”