Advocates for energy efficiency often, and rightly, call it “the first fuel,” and Virginia is now creeping ahead toward gains in this lowest-cost power source.

New programs could help Virginians harness the “first fuel” — energy efficiency.

As some of Virginia’s foremost energy efficiency leaders will tell you, Virginians are coming to a consensus that we need concerted energy efficiency improvements, and judging by our recent rank of 35 in a state efficiency scorecard, this sense of urgency comes not a moment too soon!

Utilities are responding with new programs that they will run over the next few years. For climate activists, affordable energy supporters and regular customers alike, these programs represent steps in the right direction.

Virginia’s largest utility, Dominion Power, serves dense population centers in the northern, eastern and central regions of the Commonwealth and already administers a handful of opt-in energy-saving programs. The intent behind these demand side programs is to invest in energy-saving home improvements in much the same way utilities invest in a generating facility, with a bonus rebate to help offset the initial cost for the energy user.

Dominion is now looking to add two new demand-reduction programs to its portfolio, with a regulatory hearing scheduled for March. One program is intended to be restricted to those who would need it most, open only to those living in poverty, the other would target some of the most woefully old, power-guzzling appliances that customers may still be plugging in (see chart). Dominion is also proposing a Qualifying Small Business Improvement Program, and the utility’s many other commercial programs are listed online.

Dominion Power’s current and proposed energy efficiency programs in Virginia. Click to enlarge.

Meanwhile, Virginia’s other investor-owned utility, Appalachian Power, has announced a suite of programs it estimates will save energy equivalent to the annual usage of 3,000 homes. The company, which serves much of Virginia’s mountain, valley and piedmont residents, has just been granted approval for an air-conditioner on/off cycling option (which saves on system congestion and expensive summer-peak energy during high-use times) and a low-income weatherization program to kick-off its energy saving portfolio. The company is also seeking approval for programs that will provide for customers to save money on wealth-building measures like a home check-up and vastly cost-effective LED bulbs (again, see chart).

Descriptions of energy efficiency programs proposed by Appalachian Power Company in Virginia. Click to enlarge.

It’s worth pointing out that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Power Plan to reduce the carbon intensity of our power sector allows states to count efficiency improvements toward reductions in overall emissions, meaning we can pursue the plan’s goals while creating jobs in the home assessment and efficiency retrofitting fields. It is the first time that the EPA has created a standard that allows for offsets in emissions from outside the walls of a power plant. We can take advantage of the EPA’s action to drive expansion of more ambitious efficiency programs.

The more we ask of our utilities in this regard the more we can expect Virginia’s rank on those national charts to climb, and the more we’ll see our neighbors finding work as home energy contractors doctoring our houses and looking after our leaky, energy-inefficient buildings.

Dominion customers can apply to and enroll in existing programs through dom.com. Stay tuned for news on APCo’s new programs which will soon be available for applications and enrollment.