Economic Analysis of Energy-Efficiency Measures: Tribal Case Studies with the Yurok Tribe, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Abstract
Energy efficiency (EE) is maximizing the effective utilization of energy while minimizing the costs of that energy. Implementation of energy-efficiency programs by a tribe can have many positive impacts. These include the reduction of energy costs and the associated freeing of significant financial resources for other important uses, improved electrical service, increased energy independence, improved air quality, reduction in environmental impacts, and others. Foremost among these benefits may be the potential for reduced energy costs. By employing EE measures, it is easily possible to save 10 percent on energy costs, and the potential exists to save in excess of 50 percent. Thus, if a tribe spends $100,000 annually on energy, it can expect a minimum energy cost savings of $10,000 annually and perhaps significantly more.