ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Our Commitment
Lowering energy bills and reducing energy pollution through energy efficiency programs.
THE ISSUE
Energy efficiency — performing the same function using less energy — lowers energy bills, reduces energy-related pollution, and can mitigate the need for new power generation. Virginians pay some of the highest electricity bills nationwide, causing families living in severe poverty to use a disproportionately high 17% of their income for energy, on average, but these financial pressures can be alleviated with stronger energy efficiency programs. Making efficiency the bedrock component of Virginia’s energy policy will reduce pollution and household costs while creating local, good-paying jobs. Virginia can benefit from ambitious energy efficiency policies such as ensuring localities have autonomy over building codes and stronger efficiency standards for utilities.
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Federal Climate Investments in VA: Home Energy Efficiency Upgrades
VCN is partnering with different organizations to create videos showcasing federal funds being brought into Virginia. Our first partner, Viridiant, highlights the impact of Home Energy Rebates.
Bill of the Day: Investing in the SAVE Act
VCN is supporting efforts to strengthen energy efficiency across the Commonwealth through the SAVE Act.
What to know about the Inflation Reduction Act on its one-year anniversary
August 16th marked the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. The landmark IRA was the first major piece of legislation passed by Congress to address climate change, and just one year after its passage it is already improving Virginia residents’ lives.
How Can Energy Efficiency Create Jobs & Savings in Virginia?
Virginia can lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and spur job growth by implementing ambitious energy efficiency policies.
OPINION: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is under attack
Gov-elect Youngkin pledged to remove Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). In response, Virginia Conservation Network's Climate & Energy Policy Manager, Narissa Turner, explains why withdrawing from RGGI would hurt Virginia's families.
RGGI Projects for Energy Efficiency
See how Virginia's RGGI funds are directed towards low-income families for energy-efficient affordable housing and weatherization projects.
RESOURCES
Webinar Series: Clean Energy Funding for Rural Virginia
The Virginia Solar Initiative and the Virginia Department of Energy hosted a two-part webinar series informing Virginia's rural communities of federal clean energy funding opportunities.
Implementation Framework for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
The Environmental Protection Agency released a framework to implement the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, aimed at financing projects nationwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution through the Inflation Reduction Act.
Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency Funds Map
See the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council's map of funds by region for the Affordable and Special Needs Housing program, part of the Housing Innovation Energy Efficiency funds, which are entirely funded through Virginia's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
5 Reasons RGGI is a Good Deal for Virginians
The Environmental Defense Fund released a blog post outlining 5 reasons why RGGI is good for Virginia.