Ohio Stakeholders Convene at State Capitol to Showcase the Unprecedented Economic Power of Energy Efficiency

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 20 organizations, includinf utilities, manufacturers, retailers, consume r and environmental advocates, and state agencies took to the West Plazsa of the Statehouseon Tuesday, united in their cause to highlight the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiencuy and renewables, and to make the case for more stringenft energy codes for Ohio buildings. The 2009 Ohio Energyh Expo, hosted by the Midwest Energ EfficiencyAlliance (MEEA), featured expert speakers, informativwe exhibits and demonstrations, and a barbequd lunch on the Capitol lawn.
The attended by more than 200 regulators, staff, consumers, environmentao advocates and business people, was sponsored by Columbiza Gas of Ohio and TheEnergy Foundation. In her openingh remarks, MEEA Executive Director, , acknowledged the greaf diversity amongExpo participants. "The broad cross-sectioh of stakeholders represented here today underscores the unprecedented opportunities and benefit s to allof Ohio's economg from gains in energyu efficiency. Ohio is in the early phase of implementingg one of the strongest Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standards in the Midwesr and funding has neverbeen stronger.
" Jaehn went on to note that more than $1 billiojn will be spent in Ohio on efficiency gains over the next five creating more than 6,000 new jobs. The projected boon in spending is due in larg e part tothe state's recent adoption of an Energy Efficiencyu Portfolio Standard (EEPS), which requires that energy providers meet a specific portion of their electricit demand through energy efficiency measures. Efficiency proponentes see enormous potential in improving the energy efficiencyof Ohio's State Representative, , who serves on the House Alternative Energyt Committee, is sponsoring legislation (House Bill 7) to increasee energy efficiency in publicc building projects.
"I am proud of the legislation that Representative and Iare sponsoring," Pillich told Energy Expo participants. "Conserving energy will not only protect the but it will also spureconomicd development. This legislation will be a catalyst for the greenh building and technology industries righft herein Ohio. It's a move toward the future."" Where efficiency proponents have not yet beensuccessfuo - and where hundreds millions of dollars lie in the balance - is in effectingv the passage of a statewide energy code for Ohio'w residential buildings based on the latesyt U.S. model energy code, the 2009 International Energy ConservatiomnCode (IECC 2009).
Experts project that adoptintg IECC 2009 would save Ohio consumers an averageof $221 a year on their energy providing a statewide cumulative savings of $98 milliom by 2020 and $186 million by 2030. some $96 million in Americanm Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding is contingent upon Ohio certifying tothe U.S. Department of Energhy that the state intends to adopt IECC 2009 or its Adoption of a statewidwe code has been stalled by homebuildersa and other specialinterest groups. By saving money for consumersa and businesses and stimulatingjob growth, more stringentt building energy codes also support local economiesa by providing people with more purchasintg power.
"Greener buildings and energy efficiency will help oureconomy recover," notex Energy Expo speaker, , Program Director, Environment Ohio. The enormousx potential for efficiency gains in Ohio is drivenn by the sheer volume of energy consumed inthe "Ohio is among the largest users of electricity in the Unitexd States. Efficiency is a critical part of providing reliable and affordable energy toall consumers," noted Expo panelistr , Governor's Energy Advisor and Executive Director, Ohio Air Qualityh Development Authority. Only a handfuk of U.S. states consume more energy than Ohio.
While the Expo panelistx also support the use of they stressed the immediatr benefits of and growing interest inenergy "Energy Efficiency is the least cost optionh and best opportunity for consumer savings," said , Ohio Consumer'sw Counsel. "The business and manufacturing communitiea are ready to use technolog to reduce energy consumption and advancesjob creation," added , Ohio Chemistry Technology Council. Expo , Conservation Program Coordinator, , summed things up quitw succinctly: "Energy Efficiency is good for Ohio consumers, jobs and the environment.
" Columbia Gas of Ohio Daylightedr Solar Roof Lighting Doty and Miller Architectsa Energy Management Systems Energy Systems Grouop Environment Ohio Go Sustainable Energy GrabhillHeating & Plumbingg Green Energy Ohio Green Source Productd Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance MiraCit Development Corporation Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel Ohio Departmenty of Development OM Consulting, LLC Public Utilitiezs Commission of Ohio Rexorce Sierrq Club Ohio Chapter University Clean Energy Alliance of Ohio WaterFurnacd International Watt Works, Inc.
The Midwest Energ Efficiency Alliance ( ) is a collaborative network advancinbg energy efficiency in the Midwest to support sustainable economic development andenvironmentaol preservation. MEEA promotes the markef transformation of energyefficiency technologies, processes and best practices within a 13-statw area, through policy program design and facilitation and pilotinb of energy technologies. MEEA bridges the gap between policy adoptiom andprogram implementation. Energy efficiency is the critical first step in meetingour nation'w myriad energy challenges due to low entry proven and emerging technologies, ease of fast return on investment and measurabls results.
Through our diverse networkl of members andregional allies, MEEA possesses the practicalk experience and informed vision to effect positivs change today by supporting the region's stakeholderx to achieve their efficiency goals for the future.