Bill Overview
Title: E-Access Act
Description: This bill revises federal guidelines for state energy conservation plans, including by authorizing such plans to include programs that (1) enhance consumer access to, and understanding of, electric energy and natural gas usage and cost information, including consumers' own residential and commercial retail electric energy and natural gas information; and (2) facilitate the development and adoption of innovative products and services to assist consumers in managing energy consumption and expenditures.
Sponsors: Rep. Welch, Peter [D-VT-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: people worldwide consuming electric energy and natural gas
Estimated Size: 331000000
- The bill addresses energy conservation plans which are relevant worldwide as all countries have energy policies.
- Access to energy consumption information is important for consumers globally as it can lead to better management of energy usage, which is a universal concern due to environmental and economic impacts.
- Governments globally push for greater energy efficiency as part of environmental sustainability goals, directly affecting consumers.
Reasoning
- Since the policy focuses on energy consumption information, it will mainly impact consumers who actively seek to manage their energy usage or are sensitive to energy costs, such as environmentally conscious individuals, low-income families, and small businesses.
- While the policy has a wide potential reach, its budget constraints suggest that the initial impact may be more significant for early adopters and those in areas where pilot programs or improved services are implemented first.
- It is likely that urban areas will have more immediate access to these programs due to higher population densities and existing infrastructure.
- Given the scale of implementation, many people might experience only minor changes or none at all initially, with more noticeable benefits appearing over several years as awareness and technological solutions evolve.
Simulated Interviews
Software Engineer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think having more information about my energy consumption would help me optimize usage and save on bills.
- This policy can encourage more development in smart home technology, which is exciting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Factory worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often feel overwhelmed by my utility bills, having clearer information might make a big difference for me.
- I'd like to know if there are resources to help me reduce my energy usage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired Teacher (New York, NY)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- On a fixed income, anything that can help reduce costs without sacrificing comfort is important.
- I hope there will be workshops for seniors to understand this new information.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think this policy will impact me now since I don't manage my own utilities.
- But it's good to know more people are working towards energy efficiency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (Denver, CO)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If we could better control energy expenses, it would help the bottom line and possibly expand our business.
- I'm hopeful about programs that assist businesses like mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Environmental Activist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I always advocate for transparency and consumer control in energy usage.
- This policy aligns with our community goals for sustainability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 8 |
Farmer (Rural Kentucky)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Managing energy is crucial for my farm's profitability.
- I'd welcome any tools that help stabilize my expenses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Finance Analyst (Chicago, IL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As someone renting, I don't have much incentive or ability to alter my energy use strategies.
- The impact seems minimal for people like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Freelance Graphic Designer (Miami, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Energy bills fluctuate too much with my erratic income.
- This policy might help me keep my expenses in check, which would be a relief.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Nurse (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm always trying to find ways to lower my carbon footprint. An energy-efficient plan would be wonderful.
- It sounds promising, especially with the push for more sustainable living.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $130000000 (Low: $90000000, High: $170000000)
Year 3: $120000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $160000000)
Year 5: $100000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $140000000)
Year 10: $70000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Year 100: $70000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $100000000)
Key Considerations
- The effectiveness of the policy depends on successful consumer engagement and technology adoption.
- Potential for resistance due to privacy concerns around energy usage data.
- Varied impact across states due to differences in existing energy policies and infrastructures.