Maine lighthouse

The California Measurement Advisory Council just released its summary report on the energy efficiency programs of Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, and San Diego Gas & Electric for 2006-2008.

During that period, California’s $2.1 billion ratepayer investment in efficiency saved a total of six billion kWh per year. That’s more electricity than is used by the entire state of Maine, lighthouses and all!

More about these savings…

The annual energy savings included over 1100 MW of electricity (the equivalent of two power plants) plus 80 million therms of natural gas. Over the life of these measures, savings of over 66 billion kWh and a billion therms are estimated. By the end of 2008, energy savings represented about 3.2% of electricity and 1% of natural gas sold in California that year.

Saving energy means saving money. The retail value of the electricity savings totaled $8.3 billion — nearly four times the $2.1 billion cost. And that’s not even considering the value of the natural gas savings.

Environmental benefit. These energy savings represent more than four million tons of avoided carbon dioxide emissions — the equivalent of taking 760,000 cars off California’s roads.

Nicely done, California!