The Consortium for Energy Efficiency brings together stakeholders invested in advancing energy efficiency and load management solutions that transform the market to benefit the utility system, customers, and the environment.
Begun in 1991 by a small group of those administering demand side management programs to electric customers in the United States, the consortium grew to include natural gas and Canadian utilities as well. Now more than thirty years later, over 70% of those administering programs in North America work together through CEE directing approximately $7 billion in annual expenditures. Hammad Chaudhry, Director of Energy Efficiency Services at rejoining member Austin Energy, recognizes the power of that scope. “As one of the largest public power utilities in the U.S., Austin Energy rejoined CEE to collaborate with a diverse membership of investor-owned utilities, agencies and other public power utilities. Being part of CEE will help Austin Energy provide effective, community-focused programs that achieve our mission of delivering clean, affordable, reliable energy and excellent customer service. Austin Energy is proud to be a public power utility and is committed to supporting industry progress at CEE.”
Every year, the consortium welcomes new members who want to work together toward shared goals. In addition to Austin Energy, we are proud to announce the addition of CenterPoint Energy (MN), Dominion Energy (SC), LUMA (Puerto Rico), Minnesota's Efficient Technology Accelerator, and Missouri River Energy Services (SD, ND, IA, MN) to CEE.
LUMA has operated and managed the Puerto Rican electrical transmission and distribution system since 2021. Joining CEE will help them to continue providing their customers “with the reliable, resilient, clean, and affordable electrical grid they deserve. Our programs support customer efforts to supercharge the transformation of Puerto Rico's energy system contributing to greater energy efficiency, grid stability and resiliency, and production of cost-effective, sustainable energy resources.”
Because of our history and reputation, CEE Initiatives, specifications, Qualified Products Lists, and other efforts have unique standing in the market. According to Kurt Hauser, Technical Supervisor at MRES, “we have relied on CEE specifications for commercial HVAC equipment for years. Becoming a member provides us with a broader view of additional CEE Initiatives that can strengthen and evolve our programs moving forward."
As existing members know, being part of CEE not only provides manufacturers and other industry partners with a single, North American voice, but also provides a forum for networking and sharing lessons learned. Sheryl Shelton, Manager of Energy Conservation/Demand Side Management at Dominion cited this a key benefit of membership. “We are excited to become part of the Consortium for Energy Efficiency. This partnership presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from and collaborate with utilities nationwide. Connecting with our peers who share similar challenges and experiences is a win-win for everyone involved!”