Information and Communications Technology Drives Efficiency

The Digital Energy Solutions Campaign (DESC) recently wrote a letter to Congressional leaders outlining a proposal to reduce carbon emissions through targeted use of information and communications technology (ICT). The letter is the latest effort by the group to inform policymakers of the potential value of ICT to increase energy efficiency in the private and public sectors.

Information and communications technology supports more efficient and precise management of resources. For example, it is a vital component of smart grid technology, as well as other measures. High-speed and large-bandwidth communications can be used to more efficiently control the distribution of electricity, shift power with undulating demand, and provide real-time information on energy use. This could mean substantial cost savings for utilities and customers and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Indeed, one study suggests that ICT could reduce U.S. carbon emissions by up to 22 percent by 2020, and save Americans $140-240 billion in costs. Other applications for ICT include smart transportation, smart manufacturing, and smart building technologies. Given these capabilities, ICT could save $900 billion in costs globally by 2020.

On Tuesday, October 27, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) will hold a Congressional briefing on the role of ICT in improving energy efficiency across all major sectors of the economy. A panel of experts representing ICT industries and the U.S. Department of Energy will discuss some of the challenges and possibilities of ICT and how Congress can enact policies that will encourage the use of these energy efficient technologies.