S.C. 7th in nation in electricity use

South Carolina likes its electricity; on average, a person in South Carolina uses 14,500 kilowatt hours a year compared with the national average of 11,000, the seventh highest in the nation.

A new study released Wednesday said South Carolinians could save $5.1 billion on their electric and water bills through aggressive energy- and water-efficiency programs.

In its report, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy said these programs also could generate 22,000 new jobs by 2025. The group unveiled its study in North Charleston at Half-Moon Outfitters' warehouse, a building with solar panels and other energy-efficiency features.

Among its recommendations:

• Sixteen electric- and water-efficiency policies, including rebate programs for appliances and efforts to weatherize mobile homes, could dramatically reduce energy consumption.
• Energy-efficiency programs would save ratepayers money by reducing the need for new investments in power plants.
• Utilities should charge consumers higher rates during times of peak demand to encourage electric use during off-peak hours.
• Energy-efficiency programs would create more than 1,200 jobs in the first year.

"South Carolina must act now before we face an energy crisis," said state Sen. Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston. "We need to move toward more balanced energy solutions. Energy efficiency is the best first step toward meeting our needs while guarding our resources, our security, and our environment."

Efficiency programs can have a ripple effect, officials said. "First, installation of more efficient appliances or heating equipment will lower water and electric consumption, thereby lowering bills," said Max Neubauer, the study's lead author.

"Second, because of current volatility in energy prices, efficiency strategies have the added benefit of improving the balance of demand and supply in energy markets, thus stabilizing regional energy prices in the future."

The group's report was funded by the Energy Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Department and Google Charitable Giving Fund of Tides Foundation.