NEMA House Testimony supports energy efficiency legislation.

Press Release Summary:



Representing NEMA and Industrial Energy Efficiency Coalition, Jeff Drees of Schneider Electric testified on need for federal legislation that promotes energy efficiency within federal government and in industrial facilities. Through use of energy-savings performance contracts, government can reduce energy use and energy expenditures at no cost to taxpayer. Smart Energy Act places federal government in leadership role in use of ESPCs, advanced metering infrastructure, and demand response programs.



Original Press Release:



NEMA Testifies in House in Support of Energy Efficiency Legislation



ROSSLYN, Va., -Representing the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the Industrial Energy Efficiency Coalition, Jeff Drees, U.S. President of Schneider Electric, testified July 12 on the need for federal legislation that promotes energy efficiency within the federal government and in industrial facilities.

At a joint hearing of the Subcommittee on Energy and Power and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee heard testimony on a discussion draft of the Smart Energy Act, sponsored by Rep. Charlie Bass (R-NH) and Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT).

"Energy efficiency is the fastest, most economical, and most effective way for governments, businesses and individuals to minimize uncertainty in energy costs, improve availability, shrink dependence on foreign sources of energy, and protect our environment," Drees told members of House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

In his testimony, Drees explained that through the use of energy-savings performance contracts (ESPCs), the federal government can reduce its energy use and energy expenditures at no cost to the taxpayer. He also gave voice to the significant opportunity for energy savings that exists among some 180,000 industrial facilities that are not prioritizing energy efficiency to the degree that would help them save on energy costs and remain competitive.

The Smart Energy Act, as drafted, places the federal government in a leadership role in use of ESPCs, advanced metering infrastructure, and demand response programs. The bill also seeks to reduce barriers to deployment of industrial energy-efficiency technologies.

"Being the most efficient user of energy in the world will save money, drive new technologies and services, contribute to a healthy environment, and make energy costs predictable and manageable for our commercial and industrial sectors," Drees told members. "America's energy efficiency policy can serve as a catalyst for job creation and continued economic prosperity."

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.

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