(1) Efficiency standards for certain products sold or installed in the State assure consumers and businesses that those products meet minimum efficiency performance levels, thus saving money on utility bills.

(2) These efficiency standards save energy and thus reduce pollution and other environmental impacts associated with the production, distribution, and use of electricity, natural gas, and oil.

(3) These efficiency standards can make electricity systems more reliable by reducing the strain on the electricity grid during peak demand periods. Furthermore, improved energy efficiency can reduce or delay the need for new power plants, power transmission lines, and power distribution system upgrades.

(4) Energy efficiency standards contribute to the economy of this State by helping to balance better energy supply and demand, thus reducing pressure for higher natural gas and electricity prices. By saving consumers and businesses money on energy bills, efficiency standards help the State and local economy since energy bill savings can be spent on local goods and services. (Added 2005, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)