WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today applauded the passage of legislation to enable the use of large electric water heaters in voluntary energy efficiency programs. Butterfield is a cosponsor of the water heater legislation, H.R. 4066, which was included as part of the larger energy efficiency bill that passed the House of Representatives earlier today. The water heater bill will help reduce demand for electricity during peak hours and encourage the use of renewable energy from intermittent sources such as the sun or the wind.
Under certain energy efficiency programs, individuals can volunteer to allow their electricity provider to turn off the electricity to their water heaters during periods of high demand and still receive hot water. On average, consumers save $100 per person each year by participating in these voluntary programs.
“This is an important piece of legislation that would help North Carolinians rein in energy costs,” Butterfield said. “It is a significant step toward reducing our energy needs during peak hours and increasing our use of renewable energy. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation and ask the President to sign it into law.”
H.R. 4066 is supported by many leading groups including the American Public Power Association, the Edison Electric Institute, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and the Natural Resources Defense Council. The larger legislative package which includes the water heater bill, H.R. 2126, passed the House of Representatives by a margin of 375 – 36. The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.