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Edison International and its operating companies are actively engaged in efforts to address global climate change. As a corporation, we continue to seek new opportunities to improve the energy efficiency of our operations, while also helping our customers save energy and save money with by offering incentives to enhance their energy efficiency and to adapt demand response strategies, in which customers agree to reduce their usage at times when power supplies get tight.
In 1995, Southern California Edison (SCE) signed the Climate Challenge Accord, a voluntary partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The accord committed SCE to a goal of avoiding 2 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2000. SCE had exceeded that goal by 2000. Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, trap heat and are considered to be contributors to global warming, which many believe is leading to global climate change.
One key to achieving that goal was increasing business and residential customer energy efficiency. In fact, 75% of the reductions reported to the DOE’s Climate Challenge Accord are attributable to customer energy efficiency improvements. SCE's active role as a partner in the federal ENERGY STAR® program was an important contributor. ENERGY STAR® is a voluntary partnership among the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, product manufacturers, local utilities, and retailers to exceed energy efficiency requirements.
An Official Edison International Policy
In 1997, Edison International took another step in its commitment when it adopted a Global Climate Change policy that is applicable to all of its operating companies. The policy calls for the company to promote responsible energy development and environmental excellence. In the policy, Edison International acknowledged the potential for significant long-term climate impacts. The policy outlines Edison International's belief that measures can be implemented by the energy sector and others to reduce or avoid emissions of greenhouse gases, including methane, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and sulfur hexafluoride. Edison's policy balances implementation costs against the risk of potential climate change.
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