What Is The Energy Prom Alliance To Save Energy?

The Alliance to Save Energy (ASE) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1977 by Senator Charles Percy in response to the 1973 oil crisis. ASE aims to promote energy efficiency in order to achieve a cleaner environment, strong economy, and secure nation. The organization was founded by a bipartisan coalition of government, business, environmental, and consumer leaders who recognized the economic and national security dangers of over-reliance on fossil fuels.

Today, ASE continues to be a leading voice for energy efficiency policies, technologies, investments, and energy security in the United States. The organization works closely with Congress, government agencies, utilities, and other stakeholders to advance pragmatic solutions that reduce energy waste and cut energy costs for homes, businesses, and government.

One of ASE’s signature events is the annual Evening With the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Gala in Washington D.C. Lovingly dubbed “Energy Prom” by attendees, this black-tie gala brings together hundreds of energy efficiency leaders each year to honor champions and innovators in energy efficiency.

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Mission

The main goal and mission of the Alliance to Save Energy is to promote energy efficiency worldwide. The non-profit organization aims to advance energy efficiency through research, technology deployment, and policy advocacy. According to their website, the Alliance strives to “double the productivity of energy use in the United States by 2030.” In pursuit of this goal, they advocate for policies at the federal, state, and local levels that advance energy efficiency. This includes promoting energy efficiency standards for buildings, appliances, transportation, and industry (Van Hoof).

The Alliance to Save Energy works in a bipartisan manner and views energy efficiency as the least-cost, most-abundant solution for economic competitiveness, energy security, and a clean environment. Their primary goal is to use energy more productively and waste less. The Alliance aims to meet current energy needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their energy needs (Alliance to Save Energy).

Programs

The Alliance to Save Energy runs several key programs and initiatives focused on advancing energy efficiency. Some of their major programs include:

The Evening With the Stars of Energy Efficiency Awards Gala, lovingly referred to as “Energy Prom,” brings together hundreds of energy efficiency leaders each year to honor achievements in energy efficiency. The black-tie event features awards, speeches, and entertainment. It draws attendees from industry, government, and academia. (https://neep.org/event/alliance-save-energys-evening-stars-energy-efficiency-awards-gala)

The Alliance hosts conferences, summits, and other events focused on energy efficiency topics and policy. These events convene experts and stakeholders to discuss latest trends, research, and opportunities. (https://www.ase.org/events)

The Alliance’s policy and research initiatives provide analysis and recommendations on energy efficiency laws, regulations, and programs. They advocate for greater efficiency in buildings, transportation, utilities, and more.

Educational initiatives aim to increase awareness and knowledge about energy efficiency among key audiences like policymakers, businesses, and the general public.

Partners

The Alliance to Save Energy has partnered with a diverse range of public and private organizations to advance its mission of promoting energy efficiency.

Some of the Alliance’s key partners include:

U.S. Department of Energy – The Alliance works closely with the DOE on education, research and policy initiatives. The DOE has provided funding support for some Alliance programs like EE Global.¹
Environmental Protection Agency – The EPA partners with the Alliance on the ENERGY STAR program, which sets efficiency standards for buildings and appliances.¹

Over 100 leading corporations – Companies like 3M, IBM, Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric, Siemens, and Toyota support the Alliance as board members, sponsors and partners on programs.¹
Major NGOs – Groups like the World Wildlife Fund, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club collaborate with the Alliance on education and advocacy campaigns.

This diverse partner network helps amplify the Alliance’s impact and its role as a leading voice on energy efficiency.

Funding

The Alliance to Save Energy is funded through a combination of government grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations. Some of their major sources of funding include:

Federal grants – The Alliance receives funding from various federal agencies like the Department of Energy to conduct research and implement energy efficiency programs. In 2021, they were awarded a $1.8 million grant from the DOE’s Building Technologies Office.https://www.entergynewsroom.com/article/entergy-arkansas-wins-prestigious-stars-energy-efficiency-award/

Corporate sponsors – Major utility companies like Entergy and corporations like 3M and Schneider Electric sponsor the Alliance’s programs and events. Their annual Evening with the Stars gala is sponsored by dozens of energy companies.https://neep.org/event/alliance-save-energys-evening-stars-energy-efficiency-awards-gala

Membership dues – Individuals and organizations can become members of the Alliance by paying annual dues. Membership levels range from $500 to $50,000.

The Alliance uses this funding to conduct research, advocate for energy efficiency policies, organize events, and implement programs across the country.

Results

The Alliance to Save Energy has made significant progress toward its mission of advancing energy efficiency since its founding in 1977. According to the organization’s 2021 Evening With the Stars gala, the efforts of ASE and its partners have contributed to over $1 trillion in energy savings so far. Specific statistics shared at the event indicate that:

654 million tons of CO2 emissions have been avoided thanks to energy efficiency improvements.
Over 3.6 quadrillion BTUs of energy have been saved.
Average household energy bills are about 30% lower compared to 1970s levels.

The Alliance points to energy efficiency standards for appliances, buildings, industry and transportation as major drivers of these savings over the past decades. Continued innovation and adoption of efficient technologies and practices will be key to achieving more progress in the future.

Criticisms

Some common criticisms and controversies around the Alliance include:

CleanChoice Energy, a partner of the Alliance, has faced backlash from some customers and climate advocates. Critics argue their promotions are misleading and their electricity isn’t as clean as advertised (Source).

Another Alliance partner, NV Energy, withdrew a proposed merger between its two subsidiaries after facing criticism that the merger would reduce transparency and oversight (Source).

Some critics argue the Alliance’s voluntary approach doesn’t go far enough to reform the energy industry and reduce emissions. They advocate for stronger government regulations and binding commitments.

There have been questions about whether the Alliance truly influences partner companies’ operations and investments, or simply provides public relations value.

Despite its goals, U.S. energy consumption and emissions have continued to increase in recent years, calling into question the effectiveness of voluntary programs like the Alliance.

The Future

The Alliance to Save Energy has ambitious goals and plans to continue driving energy efficiency forward in the years ahead. According to the organization’s website, some of their key priorities include:

Expanding education and outreach programs to empower more individuals and organizations to embrace energy efficiency best practices (https://www.ase.org/mission). This includes continuing popular initiatives like the Evening With the Stars of Energy Efficiency Gala, lovingly referred to as “Energy Prom,” which draws hundreds of leaders together to celebrate achievements (https://www.ase.org/events/evening-stars-energy-efficiency-awards-gala).

Driving policy change at the federal, state, and local levels to remove barriers to efficiency and incentivize adoption of energy-saving technologies and practices across the building, industrial, and transportation sectors (https://www.ase.org/mission).

Continuing research and publishing studies quantifying the economic, environmental, and consumer benefits of increased energy efficiency. They aim to make the case for greater investment in efficiency as a priority national strategy (https://www.ase.org/mission).

Expanding partnerships with businesses, utilities, universities, associations, and government agencies to increase the alliance’s impact and ability to deliver on its mission (https://www.ase.org/about-us/our-partners).

With strong leadership and committed partners, the Alliance to Save Energy appears well-positioned to achieve further energy savings in support of economic, environmental, and consumer goals in the years ahead.

How to Get Involved

There are many ways for readers to get involved with the Alliance to Save Energy and support its mission to advance energy efficiency. Here are some of the key ways to participate:

Attend local events and galas that highlight energy efficiency efforts and honor leaders in the field. These events spread awareness and foster connections within the industry.

Participate in educational conferences and webinars hosted by the Alliance on various energy efficiency topics. These are opportunities to learn best practices.

Volunteer with the Alliance’s educational programs and initiatives, such as providing mentorship for the next generation of energy efficiency professionals.

Advocate for energy efficiency policies at the local, state, and national levels by contacting elected representatives and sharing your support.

Implement energy efficiency measures in your own home or business to lead by example. Inspire others to evaluate their energy use.

Donate or become a member to provide crucial funding for the Alliance’s programs and operations. Support their continued work.

Spread the word on social media and in your community about the Alliance and the benefits of energy efficiency. Help expand their reach.

Conclusion

In summary, the Energy Prom Alliance to Save Energy is a coalition of businesses, organizations, and government agencies working together to promote energy efficiency across the United States. Through public awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and sponsoring energy-saving projects, the Alliance aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. While not without its critics, the Alliance has played an important role in improving energy efficiency in the residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation sectors over the past several decades.

Looking to the future, the Alliance will continue its efforts to deploy new technologies, change behaviors, and influence both businesses and policymakers to prioritize efficiency. With rising energy costs and growing concern about climate change, the mission and impact of the Energy Prom Alliance to Save Energy remains as vital as ever. Individual citizens can get involved by joining the Alliance, advocating for efficiency policies, and taking small everyday actions to reduce personal energy use.