Maryland Energy Administration

Energy Efficiency, Conservation, & Demand

Response

Energy Efficiency refers to finding ways to accomplish the same amount of work using less energy.  One example of energy efficiency would be to use an ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer instead of a standard clothes washer.  ENERGY STAR Clothes Washers use 40% less energy than standard washing machines.

Conservation refers to a conscious choice that a person makes to change behavior solely to use less energy (or other resource).  Going back to the laundry example, a person can choose to conserve energy by washing full loads of laundry instead of partial loads and hanging clothes outside to dry rather than using a dryer. 

Demand Response refers to shifting demand for electricity to non-peak periods when prices are lower.  In the laundry example, an individual could wait to do their laundry at night or on the weekends to reduce demand during peak periods.  To encourage greater demand response, utilities could implement dynamic pricing - pricing that reflects current market conditions.

By combining energy efficiency, conservation, and demand response, Marylanders can help to lower the demand being placed on power generation facilities and transmission systems throughout the state.  If each person is able to find ways to lower their energy usage each day, Maryland will be able to continue to grow in a sustainable way.