Dive Brief:
- U.S. mayors plan to significantly expand their efforts on energy efficiency in the next five years, according to a survey released at the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting.
- Installing more energy efficient lighting in the next two years is the top priority for mayors.
- Cities will provide most of the funding for the efficiency improvements, but mayors also expect to form partnerships with private companies.
- Most mayors believe local utilities are the most important partner in installing new technology.
Dive Insight:
"Mayors remain optimistic about the energy technology marketplace, with two in three cities anticipating increased investment, whether it is for state-of-the-art lighting or solar energy systems,” said Shane Bemis, Gesham, Oregon, mayor, and USCM Energy Committee chair.
This is good news for energy efficiency companies. For utilities and power generators, it is another reminder that efficiency efforts are placing a lid on electric demand growth.
