Energy Efficiency Promises Exposed as Misleading Projections

In a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the effectiveness and accuracy of energy efficiency policies, referencing the historical concept known as the Jevons Paradox. This paradox, first articulated by economist William Stanley Jevons in 1866, suggests that improvements in energy efficiency can lead to increased overall energy consumption rather than reductions, a point emphasized by a speaker who cautioned against relying solely on efficiency as a means to lower energy use.

The discussion also highlighted the Platte River Power Authority's newly released 215-page integrated resource plan (IRP), which outlines the construction of Colorado's largest photovoltaic plant, Black Hollow Solar. However, the speaker criticized the IRP for lacking critical information, specifically mentioning the absence of references to hail risks, despite the project's location in a hail-prone area. This omission raised questions about the reliability of the data being used to inform energy policy.

Additionally, a review of Platte River's zero net carbon energy study from September 2018 was referenced, which indicated that continuing to operate the coal-fired Rawhide generator could be beneficial for CO2 emissions over the next 25 years. The speaker expressed frustration over the authority's tendency to present overly optimistic projections and questioned the rationale behind the current energy policies, suggesting that they are based on flawed inputs that could lead to adverse outcomes, including recent increases in power bills.

The meeting underscored the need for a more critical examination of energy efficiency claims and the data driving energy policy decisions, as stakeholders expressed concern over the potential long-term implications of these strategies.