Energy efficiency reduces the demand for electric power. Rather than building new plants, we can meet demand by using less energy to accomplish the same tasks. New building designs cut down on the need for heating and cooling. Home appliances have become more efficient, and there is great opportunity for gaining improvements in commercial and industrial applications.

The Energy Independence and Security Act, which Congress passed in 2007, included important provisions to increase energy efficiency. It includes incentives and standards for efficiency in buildings and homes and contains light bulb efficiency standards that will reduce global warming pollution by 100 million metric tons per year by 2010.

Energy efficiency can take place on an economy-wide scale, but also offers a chance for all of us to help. Nearly a quarter of electric power generation is used for lighting, and installing compact fluorescent bulbs can make a huge dent in consumer power use in the aggregate. We can also switch to more energy efficient appliances. The EPAs Energy Star label indicates high performing appliances.