Akron Beacon Journal

Akron Beacon Journal

AKRON

Ohio’s energy-efficiency rules are projected to save Ohioans $368 million from 2009 to 2011, according to a new study.

The analysis by the Institute for Energy Efficiency at the University of California-Santa Barbara indicates that those savings will grow to $19 billion for Ohio utility customers by 2025.

Ohio utilities are expected to spend $340 million in the next two years in additional energy-efficiency programs.

That will include rebates for energy-efficient appliances, weatherization programs, educational campaigns and energy-efficient lighting. Such efforts could create 1,700 jobs and save Ohio consumers millions of dollars.

“Energy efficiency is a win for both Ohio consumers and the environment because these measures save consumers money while cutting emissions from coal-fired power plants,’’ said Will Reisinger, staff attorney for the Ohio Environmental Council.

But some Ohio utilities have indicated in filings with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that they feel the energy-efficiency mandates are overly aggressive and should be re-examined by Ohio Gov.-elect John Kasich and the Ohio legislature.

Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. has not yet finalized its energy-efficiency plans pending before the PUCO, said company spokeswoman Ellen Raines.

She said the utility would support energy-efficient plans that are cost-effective for the utilities.

The energy-efficiency standards are included in Amended Senate Bill 221 passed in 2008 that requires utilities to boost both renewable energy and energy efficiency.