Energy efficiency has often been referred to as the "First Fuel." Although efficiency is widely viewed as the least expensive, lowest-risk investment for the nation's electric and gas utilities, it has never really had its turn in the national energy policy spotlight, until recently. In the 2013 legislative session, policymakers in 35 states have proposed 130 bills that would promote some form of energy efficiency policy.

Challenges to the nation's 30 mandatory and 7 voluntary Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPSs) are not a new trend. However, those efforts appeared to gain momentum following the release of the American Legislative Exchange Council's (ALEC) "Electricity Freedom Act" late last year. While at least a dozen articles have outlined attempts to modify or roll back RPS legislation in the 2013 session, none have comprehensively reviewed all proposed legislation....

As one of the Nation's most abundant and in-demand energy sources, natural gas has also been one of the most debated fuel sources in state legislatures in 2013 legislative session. Driven by enhanced recovery techniques that increase the cost effectiveness of developing stranded and unconventional reserves, gross domestic withdrawals and production hit record levels in 2012. Correspondingly, prices have fallen from a high of over $14 in 2008 to $4...

Public Utilities Commissions (PUCs) regulate rate setting, infrastructure investments, and other electric and gas utility business practices. Because Utilities Commissions derive their authority from state statutes, legislators frequently play an important role in amending PUC authority. In the 2013 session, state legislators have introduced 176 unique proposals directed explicitly at PUCs.

In order to achieve America's full potential to reduce energy waste, create jobs and save consumers money on their energy bills, an alignment of energy-efficiency business leaders, policy makers and lending institutions must occur.

In the US, energy policy is largely formed at the state level. State legislatures set the priorities and objectives of the state while also establishing the mechanisms for achieving those objectives. Energy ofαces implement programs that promote new energy technologies and environmental ofαces enforce regulations to protect land, air, and water.