Duke Energy Endorses National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency’s "Vision for 2025: A Framework for Change"

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -The following is a statement by Duke Energy Chairman, President and CEO Jim Rogers:

"Duke Energy fully endorses the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency’s (NAPEE’s) Vision for 2025 as a framework for helping the country achieve all cost-effective energy efficiency by the year 2025.

"Vision for 2025 was created with input from more than 100 organizations from 50 states with the idea that by defining a vision, we could detail the steps necessary to pursue efforts to take energy efficiency in our nation to the next level.

"The vision illustrates 10 key implementation goals and describes what 2025 could look like if we achieve those goals. I think the timing of this document could not be more appropriate as the country struggles with ideas for stimulating the economy and reducing overall energy use.

"Instead of reinventing the wheel, this vision serves as a guideline to all policymakers – both state and federal. Considerable efforts on energy efficiency are already under way, and these goals detail how states and the federal government can continue these efforts most effectively.

"I believe that a scattered approach to efficiency not only confuses customers, it will not achieve the largest savings for the dollar invested.

"Just as in developing power plant options, efficiency should be thoroughly researched to identify savings. These plans should then be implemented in an effective manner. The same is true as the federal government looks to further energy efficiency goals. While the emphasis currently seems to be on weatherization, the fact remains that there are far more meaningful and effective methods of achieving sustainable and substantial energy savings.

“I urge other CEOs in the energy industry and our elected officials and regulators to review NAPEE’s Vision for 2025 and join me in helping make its objectives a reality.”

Initiated in 2005, NAPEE is directed by a leadership group of 30 electric and gas utilities, 20 state agencies and 12 other organizations. The group is co-chaired by Jim Rogers and Marsha Smith, former president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and commissioner of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission. The Action Plan works under the auspices of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy which provide technical assistance.