The most popular light fixtures in America can also waste energy and pose a threat to life and property. Of course, there's a better way. Check it out our new article on compact fluorescent torchieres . The Environmental Working Group and World Wildlife Fund have noticed and they published a report detailing how electric utilities are eliminating or drastically reducing programs that save their customers money, while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases.
Utilities are eager to cut costs and raise profits to prepare for a deregulated market.
According to the study, if energy efficiency programs had been fully funded in 1997 utilities would have avoided emitting 11 million tons of global warming gases and 79,000 tons of soot and smog-forming pollutants. Forty-two of the largest electric utilities completely eliminated their investments in energy efficiency. The report ranked the nation's largest utilities on their commitment to energy efficiency programs. The municipal utility in Eugene, Oregon , which utility serves some 73,000 customers, invested more in energy efficiency than the combined outlay of Southern Company, Entergy, Commonwealth Edison, and American Electric Power, which serve more than 12 million customers. Both homes shared the same design at 2,450 square feet.