Energy Efficiency and Demand-Side Management
Policymakers can encourage consumers to use energy more efficiently using local, state, or federal programs designed to incentivize or discourage certain patterns of energy use. RFF experts are examining these policies to help lawmakers better understand their effectiveness and close the existing energy efficiency gap.
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Media Highlight — Apr 29, 2025
New York Times: “How Trump May Unintentionally Cut Carbon Emissions”
RFF Fellow Brian Prest offers his thoughts on the relationship between new federal economic policies and global emissions.
On the Issues — Apr 11, 2025
On the Issues: US Energy “Dominance,” Data Center–Driven Electricity Demand, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: US energy “dominance,” data center–driven electricity demand, and more.
Common Resources — Mar 24, 2025
The Hype on Hyperscalers: Data Centers and Growing Electricity Demand
Demand for electricity is growing as power-hungry data centers keep popping up. But with uncertainties over how much, when, and where the growth will happen, planning for future demand is a challenge for local governments, state regulators, and utilities.
Report — Feb 28, 2025
Better Incentives for Efficient Transmission: The Potential Contribution of Price Cap Regulation
This paper analyzes the regulatory barriers to adopting grid-enhancing technologies as an alternative to building more transmission lines.
Report — Feb 28, 2025
Better Incentives for Efficient Transmission: The Potential Contribution of Price Cap Regulation
This paper analyzes the regulatory barriers to adopting grid-enhancing technologies as an alternative to building more transmission lines.
Report — Jan 13, 2025
Analyzing Affordability: Supporting Households under New York’s Cap-Trade-and-Invest Policy
This report, produced in partnership with the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, investigates how different allowance-funded investment and dividend strategies can affect transportation and residential energy costs faced by New York households.
Report — Sep 13, 2023
Prioritizing Justice in New York State Climate Policy: Cleaner Air for Disadvantaged Communities?
This report, produced in partnership with the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, examines air quality improvements in two options for implementing New York State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Report — Aug 4, 2021
Leading by Example: Building Performance Standards for Decarbonizing Federal Buildings
Leading by Example: Building Performance Standards for Decarbonizing Federal Buildings
RFF Live — Jun 29, 2021
Building a Clean Buildings Sector
Building a Clean Buildings Sector
RFF Live — Apr 30, 2020
Net Zero by 2070: Decarbonizing Global Industry
Net Zero by 2070: Decarbonizing Global Industry
Workshop — Nov 4, 2014
Energy Efficiency in EPA's Clean Power Plan: Using Building Block #4 to Set and Meet Emissions Goals
Energy Efficiency in EPA's Clean Power Plan: Using Building Block #4 to Set and Meet Emissions Goals
Workshop — Dec 12, 2013
Does Asymmetric Information in Residential Rental Markets Lead to an Energy Efficiency Gap?
Does Asymmetric Information in Residential Rental Markets Lead to an Energy Efficiency Gap?
On the Issues — Apr 11, 2025
On the Issues: US Energy “Dominance,” Data Center–Driven Electricity Demand, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: US energy “dominance,” data center–driven electricity demand, and more.
Common Resources — Mar 24, 2025
The Hype on Hyperscalers: Data Centers and Growing Electricity Demand
Demand for electricity is growing as power-hungry data centers keep popping up. But with uncertainties over how much, when, and where the growth will happen, planning for future demand is a challenge for local governments, state regulators, and utilities.
Resources Radio — Dec 14, 2021
Smarter Thermostats, Lower Bills, and Lower Emissions, with Casey Wichman
Casey Wichman explores the benefits of smart thermostats, which can adjust a home’s temperature based on the fluctuating costs of electricity.
Resources Magazine Articles — Feb 25, 2021
Big Decisions: The Future of US Environmental and Energy Policy
On the Resources Radio podcast, guest hosts Richard G. Newell and Susan F. Tierney talked with leading decisionmakers, analysts, researchers, and reporters about the big decisions that will impact US environmental and energy policy in the years to come.
Media Highlight — Apr 29, 2025
New York Times: “How Trump May Unintentionally Cut Carbon Emissions”
RFF Fellow Brian Prest offers his thoughts on the relationship between new federal economic policies and global emissions.
Media Highlight — Jan 13, 2025
The New York Times: “Are Smart Thermostats Worth the Money?”
In this story, RFF Senior Fellow Karen Palmer and University Fellow Casey Wichman cite their recent research about the environmental benefits of smart thermostats.
Media Highlight — Nov 8, 2024
Marketplace: “Smart Thermostats and Virtual Power Plants Make the Most of Excess Energy”
Senior Fellow Karen Palmer speaks to incentives for virtual power plants in this radio story.
Press Release — Jun 23, 2022
Rising Income Inequality Linked to Declining Average Household Energy Consumption
A new study finds that falling household electricity consumption is due in part to rising income inequality—an indication that policies addressing inequity may inadvertently increase consumption and associated pollution.