With energy prices reaching unprecedented highs, investments in energy efficiency should be a top priority in every state. However, our analysis clearly shows that many states are largely ignoring and failing to capture this lowest cost energy resource that also yields significant environmental and economic benefits.

We think that a 1 percent reduction is doable. Some states in New England have already been able to reduce natural gas consumption without a major effort.

Our intent with this report is to provide policymakers and program managers a ready reference of programs worthy of emulation, These programs provide models of how best to structure and provide programs that can help keep energy costs affordable for low-income households.