Install Higher-Efficiency Equipment, Processes, and Systems (RCI Action 2.1)

Create incentives to increase the installation of higher-efficiency equipment and the adoption of higher-efficiency processes. Commercial, industrial, and municipal processes can reduce net-CO2 output by properly designing process lines and using high-efficiency lighting and equipment. Currently, the CORE Programs offered by the electric utilities provide these services for electricity-saving measures, and the gas utilities have comparable services for reducing natural gas consumption. Programming should be expanded to cover all cost-effective measures that reduce CO2 emissions regardless of fuel type, including the use of renewable generation and use of combined heat and power (aka cogeneration). A combination of targeted and comprehensive energy audits could be used to identify efficiency improvements and opportunities to reduce CO2 emissions from manufacturing processes. Incentives could be offered to retrofit inefficient processes and equipment and to help offset the additional costs of premium efficiency equipment in new construction.