LETTER FROM THE PREMIER Energy efficiency presents a tremendous opportunity for economic development and environmental progress in Newfoundland and Labrador. That is why the 2007 Energy Plan placed energy efficiency at the heart of our government's vision for a sustainable energy future. Energy efficiency can generate important economic benefits, such as decreased costs to consumers, stronger business competitiveness and greater energy security. At the same time, it can reduce air pollutants harmful to human health, and contribute to efforts to tackle climate change. In recognition of these benefits, jurisdictions throughout the world are stepping up their efforts to promote energy efficiency. The same is true of Newfoundland and Labrador. The release of Moving Forward: Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2011 marks an important milestone. It is the province's first strategy wholly dedicated to energy efficiency. It underlines our government's commitment to build on existing policies and partnerships to increase energy efficiency. It also speaks to the recognition that, to be successful, our efforts need to be farreaching, long-term and transformative. Globally, energy efficiency could result in savings of hundreds of billions of dollars for organizations and individuals. Here in our province, financial savings are already being realized. Homeowners who improved the energy efficiency of their homes with support from the EnerGuide and Residential Energy Efficiency Programs saved, on average, $800 per year on energy costs as a result. The purpose of this action plan is to generate momentum into our province's collective efforts to increase energy efficiency. Using every unit of energy as efficiently as possible is the ultimate target. This plan sets a clear vision and goals to guide us moving forward.
Sincerely,
Kathy Dunderdale Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
ENERGY
EFFICIENCY
ACTION
PLAN
2011