The cost of conserved energy as an investment statistic.

Abstract

The cost of conserved energy (CCE) is an investment statistic that simplifies comparison of conservation measures among themselves and against competing energy supplies. A formula for calculating the cost of conserved energy formula is presented. A conservation measure is cost-effective if its CCE is less than the price of the energy the measure displaces. The CCE is especially useful when future energy prices are uncertain. An extension of the concept, supply curves of conserved energy, provides a useful technique for characterizing the potential for conservation and planning future conservation measures.