Goals and Metrics

The State Energy Program (SEP) is a cornerstone of a larger partnership between DOE and the states. SEP program goals therefore reflect the partnership's long-term strategic goals and each energy office's current year objectives.

• State Energy Program Goals
• State Energy Program Metrics
• Non-Energy Benefits

DOE's State Energy Program saves $7.23 from reduced energy bills for every dollar of federal investment.

State Energy Program Goals

The mission of the State Energy Program is to provide leadership to maximize the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy through communications and outreach activities, technology deployment, and accessing new partnerships and resources. Working with DOE, state energy offices address long-term national goals to:

• Increase the energy efficiency of the U.S. economy.
• Reduce energy costs.
• Improve the reliability of electricity, fuel, and energy services delivery.
• Develop alternative and renewable energy resources.
• Promote economic growth with improved environmental quality.
• Reduce our reliance on imported oil.

The State Energy Program also helps states prepare for natural disasters and improve the security of the energy infrastructure. Specifically, SEP helps states meet federal requirements to:

• Prepare an energy emergency plan.
• Develop individual state energy plans. Each state shares its plan with DOE, sets short-term objectives, and outlines long-term goals.

The State Energy Program outlines this vision and mission in more detail in its "Strategic Plan for the 21st Century."

State Energy Program Metrics

Through the State Energy Program, DOE provides a wide variety of financial and technical assistance to the states. States routinely add their own funds and leverage investments from the private sector for energy projects. Some results of the State Energy Program are thus easily measured; for example, energy and cost savings can be quantified according to the types of projects state energy offices administer. Other benefits are less tangible; for example, developing a plan for energy emergencies.

DOE's State Energy Program leverages $3.58 in additional investment in energy projects from other federal programs, state and local governments, and private companies for every dollar of federal investment from SEP.

DOE's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has led several studies to quantify savings that can be measured. ORNL's most recent report estimates significant cost savings through reduced energy consumption.

For details about the report, see:

• A fact sheet published by the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) titled "State Energy Program and State, Territory Energy Offices Deliver Annual Energy and Cost Savings;" 2 pp; March 2003 (PDF 31 KB). Download Adobe Reader.
  
  
• A feature article published by the State Energy Program in the May-June 2003 issue of Conservation Update written by ORNL's Martin Schweitzer and titled, "Measuring State Energy Accomplishments."
  
  
• The ORNL report titled Estimating Energy and Cost Savings and Emissions Reductions for the State Energy Program Based on Enumeration Indicators Data; ORNL/CON-487; Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN; 74 pp.; January 2003 (PDF 313 KB). Download Adobe Reader.

Non-Energy Benefits of the State Energy Program

In addition to cost savings and development of new energy technologies, the State Energy Program provides non-energy benefits, which include voluntary energy programs such as ENERGY STAR®. State energy offices also:

• Help state legislatures and state executives formulate and carry out balanced energy policies and programs.
• Ensure our national energy security.
• Administer public benefits funds associated with the restructuring of the electricity and gas utilities toward competitive markets.
• Inform the public about the importance of energy to our economy and the environment.

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