Business Leaders Celebrate Contributions of Energy Efficiency Industry to Ohio's Economy

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Business leaders highlighted the important contributions of the energy efficiency industry to Ohio's economy today on at the 2014 Ohio Energy Efficiency Expo (#OhioEEexpo).  This event, hosted by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (@MEEAee), brought together small businesses, manufacturers, efficiency program implementers, and other energy stakeholders to emphasize the economic value of energy efficiency policies to the state of Ohio and to show the business community's support for energy efficiency.

Thanks to 2008 landmark legislation, which established an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard, Ohio has a growing industry of businesses contributing to the state economy through energy efficiency. This policy has resulted in significant job creation, increased business competitiveness, and savings of billions of dollars for Ohioans:

• Since SB 221 was enacted, it has fueled the development of new sectors of the Ohio economy and created more than 25,000 jobs
• Energy Efficiency investments of $456 million between 2009 and 2012 have already yielded $1.03 billion in savings to date and will result in $4.15 billion in lifetime savings
• In 2012 alone, Ohioans saved over 1,500 GWh of electricity
• Energy efficiency strengthens business competitiveness by savings businesses money on their bills and improving their operations

As explained by MEEA Deputy Director Stacey Paradis, Ohio's energy efficiency policies promote economic development and job creation.

"Ohio's investment in energy efficiency has helped create economic opportunity, add jobs, and save money for consumers and businesses across the state," said Paradis.

"When consumers can spend less on energy, they have more disposable income to spend elsewhere. The state's energy efficiency policy also improves the competitiveness of businesses in Ohio, by reducing their power bills and helping improve the efficiency of their operations."

In addition to Paradis, the speakers included:

• Ted Ford, President & CEO, Ohio Advanced Energy Economy
• Rich Marshall, Midwest Regional Manager, JACO Environmental
• Gary Swanson, Energy Management Solutions, Inc.
• Stuart Wells, Energy Solutions Manager, Parallax Lighting

This event featured numerous exhibitors in the capitol's atrium who employ hard working Ohioans, including:         

About Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance – The Source on Energy Efficiency
The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (www.mwalliance.org) is a collaborative network advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.  MEEA bridges the gap between policy adoption and program implementation.

MEEA promotes the market transformation of energy efficiency technologies, processes and best practices within a 13-state area, through policy advocacy, program design and facilitation, and the piloting of energy technologies. Energy efficiency is the critical first step in meeting our nation's myriad energy challenges due to low entry costs, proven technologies, ease of implementation, fast return on investment, and measurable results.

Through our diverse network of members and regional allies, MEEA possesses the practical experience and informed vision to effect positive change today by supporting the region's stakeholders to achieve their efficiency goals for the future.

SOURCE Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance