Figure 1. Estimated Energy Savings from Major US Efficiency Policies and Programs, 2017

Estimates show that six energy efficiency policies and programs reduced US energy use by about 25 quadrillion British thermal units in 2017 (a 20 percent decrease relative to expected energy use without these policies.)

Vehicle Fuel Economy Standards

Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards

ENERGY STAR®

4.2

Utility Sector Energy Efficiency Programs

2.7

Federal Research, Development, and Deployment Investment

2.6

Building Energy Codes

1.5

Units are quadrillion British thermal units. Values are approximate and come from studies with varied methodologies. Estimates of savings from these programs are typically based on engineering calculations that, in several cases, economic research indicates do not accurately reflect realized savings (Gillingham et al, 2018, “Advances in evaluating energy efficiency policies and programs”). More research is needed to better understand the consequences of these policies and the cost effectiveness of different approaches.