Energy-saving plan

We appreciate Hope Taylor's focus on energy efficiency in her Oct. 1 Point of View article "Energy policy's moral filament." Unfortunately, she misrepresented Duke Energy's proposed Save-a-Watt energy efficiency plan and the company's long-term commitment to efficiency.

Save-a-Watt is an unprecedented program that will significantly reduce electricity consumption among our 1.8 million North Carolina customers. The plan is alive and well, and under consideration by the Utilities Commission. A ruling is possible this fall.

The plan includes an array of energy efficiency programs -- for homes, businesses and industrial facilities -- that will help customers save money on their electric bills.

Save-a-Watt turns the traditional utility business model on its head. Rather than being rewarded to sell more electricity, Duke Energy will be rewarded to promote energy efficiency. That, in turn, will lower customers' electricity bills and reduce the need to build power plants.

The company will encourage customers to buy less of its traditional product -- electricity. That sounds odd, but the company will replace lost sales with new revenue linked to the value delivered to customers through energy efficiency. Duke will get paid only if it reduces electricity demand.

Energy efficiency requires serious commitment. Duke Energy is eager to implement its plan starting in 2009. By 2030, the goal is to meet 12 percent of customers' electricity demand through energy efficiency, and another 10 percent through renewable sources such as solar, biomass and landfill gas.

Keith Trent

Chief strategy, policy and regulatory officer, Duke Energy, Charlotte