Alliance to Save Energy
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| Established | 1978 |
| Chair | Mark Pryor (D – AR) |
| Co-Chair | James E. Rogers, President and Chief Executive Officer, Duke Energy |
| President | Kateri Callahan |
| Headquarters | Washington, DC, USA |
| Founding Chair | Charles H. Percy |
| Homepage | www.ase.org |
Founded in 1977, the Alliance to Save Energy is a non-profit coalition of business, government, environmental and consumer leaders. The Alliance to Save Energy supports energy efficiency as a cost-effective energy resource under existing market conditions and advocates energy-efficiency policies that minimize costs to society and individual consumers, and that lessen greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the global climate. To carry out its mission, the Alliance to Save Energy undertakes research, educational programs, and policy advocacy, designs and implements energy-efficiency projects, promotes technology development and deployment, and builds public-private partnerships, in the U.S. and other countries.
Mission
The Alliance to Save Energy promotes energy efficiency worldwide to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment, and greater energy security.
Corporate Statement
Corporate Statement: The Alliance to Save Energy strives to be the world's premier organization promoting energy efficiency to achieve a healthier economy, a cleaner environment and greater energy security. To achieve this goal, the Alliance to Save Energy:
- Leads worldwide energy-efficiency initiatives in research, policy advocacy, education, technology deployment, and communications that impact all sectors of the economy;
- Provides vision and activism through its board of directors, which includes leaders from business, government, the public interest sector, and academia;
- Initiates and participates in public-private partnerships, collaborative efforts, and strategic alliances to optimize resources and expand its sphere of influence; and
- Executes its mission through a team of recognized energy-efficiency experts and professionals.
Company history
"Three Decades on the World Stage"
Since its inception in 1977, the Alliance has been deeply involved in the major energy-related developments affecting the United States and the rest of the world. The timeline below shows how world events and Alliance accomplishments have intersected over the past three decades.
"1973" OPEC Oil Embargo - The American public and politicians awaken abruptly to the perils of oil dependence and the economic importance of energy
"1977" Alliance to Save Energy is Founded - Senators Charles Percy and Hubert Humphrey create the Alliance to Save Energy, starting a 20-year-long history of bi-partisanship and government, business, environmental, and consumer cooperation. Humphrey tells Percy: "Chuck, this may be the most important single thing we do in our lifetime
U.S. Department of Energy is Created - Seven months later, President Carter signs legislation creating a new federal department to coordinate energy policy and programs; energy efficiency and renewable energy programs receive major funding support.
"1978" CAFE Kicks In - Automobile fuel economy standards (CAFE) take effect, eventually resulting in a doubling of the average new car's fuel efficiency and savings for the U.S. of 2.5 million barrels of oil per day.
National Energy Legislation Passed - Building on 1975 legislation, Congress passes comprehensive energy legislation which includes energy-efficiency tax credits and promotion of co-generation and renewable power.
Alliance's First National TV Ad Campaign - The Alliance mounts national TV public service advertising campaign. Gregory Peck promotes energy conservation by declaring "Don't Blow It America." Donated air time of $175 million gets the message into millions of American living rooms.
"1979" Energy Future Arrives - Alliance Board member Robert Stobaugh's Energy Future popularizes a new solution to energy woes - energy efficiency.
Second World Oil Crisis and Three Mile Island accident - The Iranian revolution generates the second world oil crisis, doubling oil prices and plummeting the industrial world into a recession. TMI accident ends new orders for U.S. nuclear power plants.
"1981" The Alliance Restructures Its Approach - Following President Reagan's drastic reductions in federal efficiency activities, the Alliance adapts by initiating new research programs and pilot demonstrations that outline innovative methods to promote energy efficiency in private markets.
"1982" Alliance Promotes the Adoption of Utility Demand-Side Management - The Alliance designs the first methodology to evaluate efficiency as an energy resource for Arkansas Power and light.
"1984" Alliance Explores the Use of Energy-Saving Performance Contracting - The Alliance designs workbooks and hosts seminars on innovative, private sector financing techniques for energy-efficiency projects.
Alliance Legislation Shifts Energy Assistance Funds to Energy Conservation - Pushed by then-Alliance Chairman Senator John Heinz, Alliance-promoted legislation is enacted that allows governors to shift fuel assistance funds into energy-efficiency upgrades in low-income homes. To date, this legislation has moved nearly $2.5 billion into energy-efficiency investments.
"1986" Oil Prices Collapse and Chernobyl Melts Down - Unleashing of free-market forces results in collapse of world oil prices and a perception of plenitude. Poor management results in devastating nuclear accident at Chernobyl, renewing global interest in energy efficiency
"1987" Appliance Standards War Settled - President Reagan vetoes, then signs the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act, mandating federal energy-efficiency standards for many commonly used appliances.
"1988" Alliance Reaches Out to Emerging Energy-Efficiency Industry - Sensing a change in the marketplace, the Alliance begins to organize the energy-efficiency industry to make its voice heard on national energy policy issues.
Gasoline Addiction Drives Up Energy Consumption - Americans drive more than 2 trillion miles for the first time ever; at the current rate of increase, nation will hit the 3 trillion mark within 15 years - triple 1968's level.
"1990" Utility Demand-Side Management Programs Come of Age - Wide adoption of state integrated resource planning generates the largest source ever of efficiency incentives: over $2 billion a year.
"1991" Gulf War Erupts - National attention once again focuses on energy issues as U.S. leaders cite energy vulnerability to initially justify military involvement.
EPA Launches Voluntary Energy-Efficiency Programs - The Environmental Protection Agency creates the first voluntary energy-efficiency effort, Green Lights, which issues in a new era of non-regulatory, market transformation initiatives involving the energy-efficiency industry, EPA, DOE, utilities, and nonprofit organizations.
Alliance Slams Poor Federal Energy Performance - The Alliance sheds a spotlight on the federal government's poor performance in reducing energy use in the government's own facilities - wasting more than $1 billion annually of taxpayers' money - and works closely with the energy-efficiency industry to propose legislative response to problem.
"1992" EPAct Enacted - President Bush signs the comprehensive Energy Policy Act, including major provisions to improve federal energy management, building codes, equipment standards, and home energy ratings.
"1993" Alliance Creates New Organizations to Address Emerging Issues - Beginning in 1993, the Alliance spurred the creation of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, the Building Codes Assistance Project, the Export Council for Energy Efficiency, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council, and the Hungarian Energy Consumers Association.
Congress Rejects Broad-Based Energy Tax -President Clinton proposes a small BTU tax that would potentially stimulate investment in energy efficiency, but Congress rejects his proposal.
Alliance Launches International Program - Recognizing the need for global energy efficiency, the Alliance launches an international program resulting in projects in Russia, Ukraine, Central Europe, Mexico, Ghana, and China.
"1994" U.S. Dependence on Imported Oil Sets New Record - U.S. oil imports exceed domestic oil production for the first time in the nation's history. The latest culprit: Americans' newfound infatuation with light trucks and sport utility vehicles.
Alliance Begins Energy Efficiency Export Missions - With the U.S. energy efficiency industry, the Alliance undertakes educational and market development export missions to Mexico, followed by ones to Portugal and China; new business deals create American jobs while promoting a cleaner global environment.
"1995" Movement Toward Retail Wheeling Threatens Efficiency - California Public Utilities Commission publishes the Blue Book, which changes DSM forever in the U.S.; the next year California adopts legislation that provides incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy within utility restructuring.
Attempts to Eliminate Federal Efficiency Efforts Blocked - The new Congress attempts a major funding and regulatory rollback of energy efficiency. Led by its Chairman Senator Jeff Bingaman and its Co-chairmen Senator Jim Jeffords and Representatives Ed Markey and John Porter, the Alliance coordinates the energy-efficiency industry's work to successfully hold the line.
Alliance Goes Back on the Air - Renewing its original public education role, the Alliance initiates a new television and radio public service campaign to increase public awareness of the importance of energy efficiency in saving the earth, jobs, and money.
Scientific Community Issues Climate Change Clarion Call - The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change officially announces that "the balance of evidence suggests a discernible human influence on global climate." Undersecretary of State Tim Wirth (Alliance chair emeritus) announces a "hard targets" policy in the Geneva Climate Convention the following year.
"1996" Alliance Opens First Overseas Office - The Alliance opens its first overseas office in Kaliningrad, Russia; followed by offices in Ukraine and Hungary in 1997.
Refrigerator Standards Set - Alliance helps negotiate national standards for new refrigerators, which will increase their energy efficiency by 30 percent.
"1997" Climate Change Reduction Goals Agreed To - Kyoto Conference on Global Climate Change draws international attention to the environmental consequences of burning fossil fuels and spurs renewed interest in energy efficiency by potentially committing industrialized countries to lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Alliance Celebrates 20 Years of Leadership in Promoting Energy Efficiency - Led by its fifth chairman, Senator Jeff Bingaman, and its fifth CEO, David Nemtzow, the Alliance - with its board, corporate members, staff, and many partners - celebrates a 20-year history of linking government, business, environmental, and consumer leaders in a bipartisan effort to promote energy efficiency.
"1998" Congress increases funding for energy efficiency programs by $80 million for FY99 following last-minute negotiations with the Clinton administration.
The Alliance's public outreach campaign scores multiple successes including three animated television spots that garner $2.2 million in broadcast time in 49 states; four radio spots airing in 45 states; the Power$mart consumer booklet; an animated, interactive consumer web site; and a new educator web site with free energy lesson plans. The campaign earns a National Energy Resources Organization award for public education.
The Alliance launches the Steam Challenge and the Steam Challenge Clearinghouse in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy.
"1999" Clinton Strengthens FEMP Executive Order – Spurred by the Alliance's report, Leading By Example: Improving Energy Productivity in Federal Government Facilities, President Clinton issues an executive order calling for the federal government to reduce its energy use 35 percent by 2010 compared to 1985 levels. The order also calls for the government to cut its greenhouse gas emissions to 30 percent below 1990 levels by 2010.
First hybrid electric vehicle introduced in U.S. – The Honda Insight rolls off assembly lines and is named EPA’s highest rated passenger car for fuel economy.
Alliance Starts International Efficiency Labeling and Standards – The Alliance to Save Energy, International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC), and Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, form the Collaborative Labeling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP) to promote efficiency standards and labels in developing and transitional countries.
"2000" Approach of Year 2000 Prompts Energy Fears – Arrival of a new millennium and the Y2K scare force business owners and consumers to focus on energy issues as many individuals and agencies prepare for a crisis that ultimately never materializes.
LEED Makes its Debut – First Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building is completed. Since that time 713 projects have been LEED certified around the world.
Energy Efficiency Funding Hits a 20-Year High – On the heels of the California energy crisis, energy-efficiency funding promoted by the Alliance increases to its highest point - $814 million - since the beginnings of the first Reagan Administration including a 30 percent increase in ENERGY STAR programs.
Alliance Pushes For Tougher Appliance Standards – The Alliance helps negotiate a rule with the Department of Energy that will increase the efficiency of clothes washers 35 percent by 2007, saving more than four Quads of energy.
"2001" New A/C Standards Established – DOE publishes final rule amending energy conservation standards on central air conditioners and heat pumps. New SEER 13 standards will improve efficiency of units by 30 percent.
Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) Succeeds Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) as Alliance Chair – First elected to the Senate in 1992, Senator Dorgan is the third ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Chair of the Democratic Policy Committee.
September 11 – Hijackers crash commercial airliners into the Pentagon and World Trade Center, collapsing both towers. The attacks have a wide-ranging impact and raise concerns about our national energy security.
Alliances Hosts Inaugural EE Summit – Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, former CIA Chief James Woolsey, and others speak at the Alliance’s first Summit on Energy Efficiency, which spotlights energy security.
"2002" Department of Homeland Security Founded – U.S. President George W. Bush establishes the Department of Homeland Security, the largest government reorganization in over fifty years.
Alliance Enlists Online Support – Alliance launches Energy Action Center online tool to raise awareness among people interested in supporting a secure, energy-efficient world. It enables users to sign petitions and interact directly with legislators.
Award Winning Commercial Created by Alliance – Alliance humorous Static Electricity House TV public service ad (PSA) is judged and voted the #2 greatest commercial in the world (CBS World's Greatest Commercials); also featured on ABC and BBC best commercials shows.
"2003" Second Gulf War – The eyes of the nation turn again to the Middle East as the U.S. invades Iraq in search of weapons of mass destruction during “Operation Iraqi Freedom.”
30th anniversary of the OPEC oil embargo which exposes our nation's dependence on foreign oil and our national security vulnerability
Alliance participates in major natural gas summit to examine the crisis and ensure that energy efficiency solutions are part of the dialogue and subsequent National Petroleum Council natural gas study.
"2004" Alliance board elects Kateri Callahan president – Callahan restructures organization and introduces “Vision 2010” plan to reduce predicted increases in U.S. energy demand by 10 percent by 2010.
Alliance initiates Green Campus Program – Leading the way toward college campus sustainability, the Alliance begins working with California universities to introduce the concepts of energy efficiency and conservation into course curricula and campus life.
Alliance hosts inaugural Congressional Education Day – Associates and Alliance staff visit key Senate and House offices to educate Members of Congress and their staff about energy-efficient products, services, and the need for federal policies to further energy efficiency.
EPA Smartway Transport Partnership unveiled – Voluntary collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the freight industry designed to increase fuel efficiency and environmental performance of the country’s freight shippers, logistics companies and ground carriers.
"2005" EPAct ’05 Enacted – President Bush signs Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58)--first major energy law in 13 years. Energy efficiency is the first title. Provisions include commercial and residential energy-efficiency tax incentives, appliance and equipment standards, federal energy management, and outreach initiatives.
Alliance board names Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) as new congressional chair. Sen. Pryor succeeds Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND). Sen. Pryor is a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee among others.
Alliance Launches Multiple Outreach Campaigns – Alliance conducts 5 consumer campaigns simultaneously, burnishing its reputation as "the place to go" for reliable energy-efficiency information.
Hurricane Katrina Strikes Gulf Coast –Focus on rebuilding effort in the aftermath of hurricane generates support from government, built environment and energy-efficiency community to ensure construction takes advantage of best practices.
"2006" First Climate Summit Organized – Following the most active hurricane season in recorded history, Alliance hosts inaugural summit on energy efficiency and climate change in Washington, DC with capacity turnout of government, industry, advocacy, media and academic experts.
Alliance Moves – Alliance completes renovations and upgrades designed to achieve LEED-CI (Commercial Interior) Silver certification and moves into new energy-efficient office space in the heart of Washington, DC.
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) Incorporated – Responding to rapid growth in energy consumption and population in the southeastern U.S., SEEA is officially incorporated as a 503(c)(3) nonprofit in Georgia. SEEA seeks to promote and position energy efficiency as a viable tool for strengthening the regional economy and protecting the environment.
Oil Hits Record Levels – In July, crude oil prices hit a record level of over $78 per barrel. Average retail gasoline prices across the U.S. top $3.00 per gallon during the summer.
"2007" Alliance's 30th Anniversary!
Board of Directors
The first high-profile board of directors and board of advisors were chaired by Senator Percy and the Honorable Henry A. Kissinger, respectively. Honorary chairmen include Senators Daniel J. Evans, the late H. John Heinz III, and Timothy E. Wirth.
The current Alliance board is chaired by Senator Mark Pryor (D-AR) and co-chaired by James E. Rogers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Duke Energy. Congressional Vice-chairs include Senators Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Susan Collins (R-ME), Larry Craig (R-ID), Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Representatives Ralph Hall (R-TX), Edward Markey (D-MA), and Zach Wamp (R-TN). Alliance President Kateri Callahan took office on January 1, 2004.
The board includes CEOs, presidents, and senior executives of companies, associations, consumer and environmental organizations, as well as officials from state government, universities, and law firms. Board members are voted in by the whole board.
See also
External links
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