Saving energy

What you can do, and what lawmakers and regulators should do

You've bought more energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances, and you've insulated your attic. You run the A/C less and even line dry your clothes whenever possible. And you're not alone. Energy consumption per capita in 2009 dipped to its lowest level in 41 years. So why do Americans still use more energy than people in most other countries and twice as much as the average European? That's what we wanted to know.

We started by surveying 1,536 American homeowners about their experiences becoming more energy efficient. Turns out that it's harder than it should be. Though the Energy Star program has saved people billions in utility bills, it should and could deliver even greater savings, as our lab tests continue to show. And government rebate programs, designed to encourage energy-efficient choices, are too complicated and confusing for many consumers.

Along with respondents to our nationally representative consumer survey, we heard from government officials, advocates, and industry experts. Many commended the current administration for making energy efficiency a priority. But there was agreement that strong follow-through is needed—even before a comprehensive energy bill was left for dead on the Senate floor this summer.

We could fill this magazine with an analysis of U.S. energy policy. But in the interest of, well, efficiency, we've limited our report to five key steps that are necessary to help make the U.S. a global leader in energy efficiency and conservation. We've also included seven simple ways you can start saving energy and money today, as well as our latest findings on lighting, water heaters, and more.