PHOENIX, Jan. 22, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Veteran energy efficiency experts have seen interest in environmental issues wax and wane for decades, but the new energy efficiency trends have staying power, according to the Association of Energy Services Professionals (www.aesp.org).
"Rising oil and gas prices, global climate change awareness and the ever-increasing demand for energy are factors that will keep energy efficiency in the forefront of legislators and consumers alike," said AESP president and CEO Meg Matt. AESP's January newsletter asked several industry thought letters to reflect on the latest trends and look to the future of energy efficiency efforts.
"Americans are more aware than ever of the impact of global warming, as well as the country's growing demand for energy and the aging grid," said Matt.
The key to keeping up with the desire for energy efficient programs and technologies lies not in the public's attention but in finding the people to meet the demand.
"As an industry we will be facing an aging workforce issue in 2008 and beyond," said Michael Stockard, AESP board member and energy efficiency manager for Oncor Electric Delivery, which provides power to more than three million homes and businesses in Texas. "At Oncor, we have lost personnel to retirement, and it is a challenge to find qualified persons to take their place."
AESP recently began offering courses to help its members learn the fundamentals of energy efficiency, including program design and implementation through program evaluation.
Progress Energy Florida's President and CEO Jeff Lyash said, "Our customers now have a choice of 14 programs and over 100 energy-efficiency measures they can implement to reduce their energy bill and carbon footprint."
Matt added that new technologies will make energy efficiency efforts more affordable and easier for consumers and utilities alike. Advanced energy-efficiency tools such as smart meters, smart homes and plug-in hybrids will likely reach more consumers at lower prices. "These technologies will provide consumers with real-time usage, the cost of that usage, and better control of their usage, plus opportunities to share energy resources with the grid," said Matt.
About the Association of Energy Services Professionals
Founded in 1989 as a not-for-profit association, AESP is a member-based association dedicated to improving the delivery and implementation of energy efficiency, energy management and distributed renewable resources. AESP provides professional development programs, a network of energy practitioners, and promotes the transfer of knowledge and experience.
The Association of Energy Services Professionals logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4624