Energy efficiency programs have the potential to play a major role in slowing the growth of global carbon emissions. Yet, it is becoming increasingly clear among the research community that the predicted savings from energy efficiency programs do not always bear out in practice, a phenomenon often referred to as the “energy efficiency gap.” As a result, some programs may not be delivering as promised.

EPIC scholars are evaluating the effectiveness of energy efficiency programs in general and the causes of the “energy efficiency gap” in particular. Their research is uncovering opportunities to improve energy efficiency programs to make such investments generate higher environmental benefits at a lower cost. Such changes may include providing higher subsidies for the efficiency improvements that reduce air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions the most.