Why Energy Efficiency Matters Now More Than Ever

Energy efficiency has been called the "first fuel" of the clean energy transition—cheap, effective, and proven. So why do Americans still overlook it? In this episode of Energy Matters, Claire and Dan unpack the history of efficiency from the 1970s oil crises to today's grid congestion and data-driven energy demand. They explore why utilities resist selling less power, why homeowners skip upgrades, and why low-income communities face the steepest bills. From 1970s tree-planting programs to today's smart thermostats, Claire and Dan show how efficiency could shift from "boring" to transformative—if we can overcome the split incentives and political barriers holding it back. Hosts: Claire Broido Johnson and Dan Kammen