The public benefit of energy efficiency to the state of Minnesota

The future of energy consumption, prices, and intensity remains uncertain, but this analysis suggests that greater energy efficiency has had, and may continue to have, a positive effect on the Minnesota economy. Together, targeted energy-efficiency programs in commercial, industrial, and residential sectors have the potential to continue to provide benefits to Minnesota, and they remain a cost-effective option for meeting the state's increasing energy demand. The authors show that savings from commercial and industrial energy-efficiency programs have provided a positive return on utility investment, and they demonstrate benefits of energy efficiency for Minnesota households, particularly for low-income households.