Summary of Characteristics and Energy Efficiency Demand-side Management in the Southeastern United States

This report looks at the Southeastern region and the challenges and successes in demand-side management in the industrial sector's energy consumption. The region has an abundance of coal, natural gas and access to nuclear power. This keeps energy prices low, and as a result manufacturers consumer more energy than any other region in the nation. Energy intensive manufacturing plants are also drawn to the region to capitalize on the low prices. There has also been limited energy efficiency regulation and legislation that has been passed. Because of these challenges there are fewer demand-side energy management (DSM) programs as are found in other regions in the country.

The report advises that utilities will have the most success with DSM programs that are relatively inexpensive to implement, such as lighting programs. In order for more substantive DSM programs to be put in place, the region will either have to experience higher energy prices or states will increase energy regulations to drive the manufacturers in the region to seek greater energy efficiency.