Governor Terry McAuliffe aims to speed up Virginia’s energy efficiency initiative

According to the Daily Press, Governor McAuliffe announced his increased efforts to meet energy efficient goals under the Virginia Energy Plan.

McAuliffe's new plan involves Virginia reducing retail electricity consumption by 10 percent by 2018, two years earlier than the previous goal. In order to meet the goal, the governor has created a team of 12 individuals from both private and public sectors. Known as the Executive Committee on Energy Efficiency, the governor has high hopes for its outcome.

"The energy sector is a key strategic growth area as we work to build a new Virginia economy," McAuliffe said in a statement. "And improving energy efficiency is one of the real opportunities."

The most recent data from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) said Virginia ranks in at number 35 for efficiency measures and policies.

The original plan had a 2020 end date in which the state would:

  • Develop a plan to create a statewide outreach and education effort.
  • Develop a way to track energy consumption at commercial, residential and retail levels within a year.
  • Identify any areas or barriers that could affect the goal from being achieved.
  • Implement new and innovative financial tools that can help energy efficiency occur quickly.

There are many steps you can take to reduce the use of energy in your retail space. Some of these include:

  • Clean and perform routine maintenance on HVAC systems.
  • Keep doors and windows closed if the heat or air conditioning is on.
  • Shut off lights and electric signs when the store is closed.
  • Unplug or turn off lights and other electric-based tools when not in use.

For more ways to reduce your own energy output or make a change to more energy efficient practices, schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections. Visit our website for more information.