Home Electricity Savings

What is This Indicator?

Lifetime MWh (megawatt-hours) Saved From Home Energy Efficiency Measures 2000-2008
(sources: Efficiency Vermont, Burlington Electric Dept.)

The amount of lifetime mWh savings has increased due to targeted residential energy efficiency initiatives.

Lifetime MWh are determined by multiplying the energy savings generated by a specific energy efficiency measure during a year by the average lifespan of the particular measure.  For example, a measure that saved 20 kwh per year and on average lasted 10-years would produce a lifetime savings of 200 kwh. 

The total lifetime savings generated by the Burlington Electric Department and Efficiency Vermont for each year (and depicted in the graph) represent the cumulative impacts of all of the residential measures installed in a given year over the efficiency measure's entire lifetime.  In 2008, this totaled 170,124 MWh of lifetime savings, which is equivalent to the annual electrical consumption of 24,443 Vermont homes.

Why is it Important?

Energy efficiency costs ratepayers less than purchasing comparable electricity supply.  For example, Efficiency Vermont's 2007 Annual Report shows the levelized cost of its total expenditures was approximately 2.7 cents per kWh for energy efficiency.  To supply the same energy and capacity over the average 10-year life of the efficiency measures installed in 2007, Vermont utilities would have to spend, based on current values of avoided costs, 10.7 cents per kWh.  Efficiency Vermont's 2008 Preliminary Savings Claim report indicates Vermont offset load growth in 2007 and 2008.  

Efficiency Vermont, Burlington Electric Department and other electric utilities have partnered with builders, contractors and retailers to improve energy efficiency in both existing and new homes.