Appalachia Consumes More Energy than Other U.S Regions

A new reportcommissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission finds that nearly 80,000 new jobs could be created over the next 20 years if states in the region implement energy efficiency programs.  The report’s authors found that Appalachian states consume a higher percentage of residential energy than other areas of the country.  ARC spokesman Louis Segesvary says reducing energy usage will not only help reduce the need for new coal-fired power plants…it will also help states stay economically competitive.“Competitiveness is critical in all areas of economic activity, and especially now in energy because Appalachia consumes such a disproportionately large share of energy compared to other areas of the country, you know, primarily because it has such large, conventional energy resources," says Segesvary.The report’s authors recommend that states adopt several energy efficiency programs. They include retrofitting heating and cooling systems in commercial buildings as well as adopting cleaner car standards and providing incentives for homeowners to install energy efficient appliances.