Deep in the bowels of a non-descript, unmarked office building Effie Shency nodded silently as one by one her crack team of undercover agents slipped in.
“We have a situation folks,” Effie began gravely. “You’ve all seen the news. Europe is in the grip of an unprecedented heat wave. Here at home, these severe weather events are draining our coffers. Get this; since 1980 The U.S. has sustained 332 weather and climate disasters costing a billion dollars or more each. That’s more than $2.275 trillion* all together and why I’ve called you in. It’s time to step up our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels and slow these run-away costs.
“Thankfully, clean, renewable energy alternatives continue to drop in price. In fact, they are increasingly the lowest cost option for both industry and the home. But…” Suddenly, Minnie Mizer leaped up, “I know! The cheapest energy is the kind that’s never used in the first place.”
“Bingo!” Effie agreed. “That’s where we come in. The problem is that shiny new technologies like solar panels, wind turbines and ‘smart’ appliances get almost all of the press coverage. Our undercover work often gets ignored.”
“Yup,” Ty Tennup interjected. “Energy efficiency and climate-smart use of energy doesn’t have the bling that other stuff has. But the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)’s data shows that we’re just as important as renewables in helping to keep the planet cool. Unfortunately, it just isn’t very sexy to add insulation, weather strip windows, and NOT use one’s car so often.”
Ray Duce hadn’t said a word, but finally he stood up. “Guys, you’re forgetting our three huge advantages. First, every single person can use us. Second, increasing efficiencies can often be done for little or no cost. And third, using less energy means more dollars in consumers’ pockets. What’s not to like?”
“That’s it!” Effie smiled. “We need to help every American become an energy undercover agent in their own home. Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy (FOE) program – https://focusonenergy.com - will be their Go-To source for energy efficiency giveaways, tips and resources. FOE even offers cash incentives to property-owners for scores of efficiency improvements.
“Not only will folks save money, but it’s patriotic and environmentally-smart. After all, this is the only home we’ll ever know; it’s where we’re all forever…Earthbound.”
* (Today’s dollars) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data
“We have a situation folks,” Effie began gravely. “You’ve all seen the news. Europe is in the grip of an unprecedented heat wave. Here at home, these severe weather events are draining our coffers. Get this; since 1980 The U.S. has sustained 332 weather and climate disasters costing a billion dollars or more each. That’s more than $2.275 trillion* all together and why I’ve called you in. It’s time to step up our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels and slow these run-away costs.
“Thankfully, clean, renewable energy alternatives continue to drop in price. In fact, they are increasingly the lowest cost option for both industry and the home. But…” Suddenly, Minnie Mizer leaped up, “I know! The cheapest energy is the kind that’s never used in the first place.”
“Bingo!” Effie agreed. “That’s where we come in. The problem is that shiny new technologies like solar panels, wind turbines and ‘smart’ appliances get almost all of the press coverage. Our undercover work often gets ignored.”
“Yup,” Ty Tennup interjected. “Energy efficiency and climate-smart use of energy doesn’t have the bling that other stuff has. But the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)’s data shows that we’re just as important as renewables in helping to keep the planet cool. Unfortunately, it just isn’t very sexy to add insulation, weather strip windows, and NOT use one’s car so often.”
Ray Duce hadn’t said a word, but finally he stood up. “Guys, you’re forgetting our three huge advantages. First, every single person can use us. Second, increasing efficiencies can often be done for little or no cost. And third, using less energy means more dollars in consumers’ pockets. What’s not to like?”
“That’s it!” Effie smiled. “We need to help every American become an energy undercover agent in their own home. Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy (FOE) program – https://focusonenergy.com - will be their Go-To source for energy efficiency giveaways, tips and resources. FOE even offers cash incentives to property-owners for scores of efficiency improvements.
“Not only will folks save money, but it’s patriotic and environmentally-smart. After all, this is the only home we’ll ever know; it’s where we’re all forever…Earthbound.”
* (Today’s dollars) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data
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