The Midwest is home to a significant industrial and manufacturing base, with the industrial sector using 34% of all electric and 33% of all natural gas in the region. Nationwide, it is the largest consumer of energy by sector and, with 40% of the economy’s energy efficiency potential, also holds the greatest potential for savings. In addition, Industrial energy efficiency programs also tend to be the most cost-effective.

Benefits of Industrial EE

Energy efficiency is an important investment for businesses, improving competitiveness, creating jobs and saving money. Industrial energy efficiency investments also play an important role in overall efficiency investment in the region and are a valuable contributor to energy efficiency policy outcomes. 

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office has numerous programs and resources to assist industrial companies in implementing energy efficiency measures. 

Industrial Opt-Out

Increasingly, industrial customers are advocating to be excluded from efficiency requirements, opting out of the programs or self-directing within the programs. However, it is important that all ratepayers share the responsibility for energy efficiency investment to ensure portfolio-wide cost-effectiveness and to maintain fair treatment among all rate classes.

Industrial Energy Efficiency Self-Direct and Opt-Out Policies

Definitions as employed by MEEA:

ISO 50001 - Based on the management system model of continual improvement, ISO 50001 makes it easier for organizations to integrate energy management into their overall efforts to improve quality and environmental management.

Strategic Energy Management - Strategic energy management is embodied by a set of processes that empower an organization to implement energy management actions and consistently achieve energy performance improvements.