MEEA in the News

Energy efficiency could help the world meet Paris agreement goals

In the recipe for slowing global warming, energy efficiency is a critical ingredient. According to the International Energy Agency, improving efficiency could provide more than 40 percent of the reductions in carbon pollution pledged in the Paris Climate Agreement. That’s if individuals, businesses, and governments around the world make full use of the efficiency technologies that already exist.

Ohioans could be charged more fees in their electric bill

Environmentalists and consumer advocates on Tuesday warned that a bill pending in the Ohio House would pile more costs onto consumers and stifle renewable energy and conservation programs...New monthly fees — $2.50 for residential, $20 for commercial, $250 for industrial and $2,500 for very large users — would be collected from all 4.8 million electric utility customers in Ohio.

Why Can't Energy Efficiency Get Any Respect?

Energy efficiency is widely regarded as the least costly source of additional energy, the most immediate way to reduce carbon emissions, a crucial part of any plan to achieve climate goals and advance a clean economy. It enjoys bipartisan support.

But Congress let federal energy-efficiency tax credits lapse more than a year ago, and the industry has struggled to get attention in a dramatically distracted capitol.

Ameren Illinois receives efficiency leadership award

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance hosted the 15th annual Inspiring Efficiency Awards on Thursday, honoring leaders who delivered groundbreaking advancements in energy efficiency in five categories: Leadership, Education, Impact, Innovation and Marketing. This year, Leadership Awards were awarded to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Richard Mark, chairman and president of Ameren Illinois

Code Override: States and Cities Press Ahead on Efficiency Standards

The decision by the Trump administration to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement ultimately may have little effect on the country’s ability to meet its pledge of reducing domestic greenhouse gas emissions to 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025, thanks to several states and cities that have stepped up to the plate. In June, the U.S.

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Announces Appointment of Six New Members to Its Board of Directors

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Announces Appointment of Six New Members to Its Board of Directors

New Directors represent members from IL, MI, MN and MO

Chicago, IL: The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), a collaborative network of more than 160 energy efficiency organizations, is pleased to welcome six new members to its Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2018.

MEEA’s new board members include:

St. Louis adopts building codes designed to boost energy efficiency in new homes

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen on Friday voted unanimously to approve several building codes for the city. The approved codes will establish standards for new homes. The codes require St. Louis to adopt a number of national and international standards for energy use. These include new fuel and gas, electrical, and fire safety standards.

Gretchen Waddell Barwick, grassroots organizer for the Missouri Sierra Club, said these new codes will have an economic impact for city residents.

Ohio bill would relax wind setbacks — and clean energy standards

Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill that would relax the state’s strict wind turbine setbacks rules but again weaken renewable and energy efficiency standards.

The Ohio Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is scheduled Wednesday to discuss House Bill 114, which threatens to roll back the state’s on-again, off-again clean energy standards, which resumed 18 months ago after a 2014 law suspended them for two years.