McKinsey report: Energy efficiency could save US $680B

The United States could save $680 billion from energy by 2020 with energy efficiency policies, states a new McKinsey report. These policy measures could come entirely from energy measures that pay for themselves. The report notes that the energy that could be saved by energy efficiency measures is spread over billions of devices in residential, commercial and industrial settings, and this dispersion means that efficiency is not the highest priority for anyone. There are many barriers to improving energy efficiency, including lack of capital and lack of information. McKinsey calls for a multipronged approach to improving energy efficiency drawing from national and regional plans, new funding models and continued innovation. 

To view the full report from McKinsey: http://www.mckinsey.com/clientservice/electricpowernaturalgas/downloads/US_energy_efficiency_full_report.pdf