The need for a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient energy system presents a significant opportunity to improve the U.S. economy, job creation, and global competitiveness. However, there are a number of challenges to overcome. The aging electric grid is vulnerable to blackouts and cyber attack. Pending and active air regulations are impacting the business decisions of utilities and manufacturers. A lack of coordination across the state, federal, and private sectors in technology investment and policy development is leading to a band-aid approach to infrastructure development. Buildings account for 40 percent of energy consumption, about half of which is attributable to the commercial sector. All of these challenges, combined with tightening public budgets, demand a shift in the business as usual model to a more dynamic and robust coordination and investment strategy.
On behalf of our client ORNL and DOE, KEMA staff will be present at the NASEO conference to meet with State Energy Directors to collect information to support the national evaluation of the State Energy Program.