Annual Reports

SWEEP Annual Report 2024

In today’s polarized world, energy is a topic that attracts many strongly-argued opinions. But I think we can all agree that everyone needs energy that is affordable, abundant, and reliable — as well as healthy and safe for people and the environment.

The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) was founded nearly 25 years ago on the belief that efficiency is a fundamental energy resource that delivers on all of those goals. The cheapest and cleanest energy is the energy you don’t have to use. By cutting waste and harnessing the most efficient technologies, we can minimize energy demand across the economy, from homes to factories, resulting in cheaper utility bills for everyone.

It’s easy to understand that sealing leaky windows or adding insulation in the attic will keep a house warmer in the winter. Or that trading in an old gas-guzzling car for a more fuel-efficient or electric model will save us costly trips to the gas station. Or that transitioning from less efficient home-heating equipment like propane or gas furnaces to modern technologies like electric heat pumps will give us more “bang” for the buck.

What may be less known is that energy efficiency is also a major job creator, economy booster, and pollution fighter. A 2020 study by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy found that implementing efficiency improvements in the building, transportation, and industrial sectors would, over the course of a decade, create more than one million jobs, generate over $120 billion in energy savings, and reduce climate emissions by the equivalent of nearly 200 million cars. Not bad, eh?

That’s why, over the past year (and the 23 years prior) SWEEP has been toiling tirelessly to advance energy efficiency in the Southwest United States and beyond. As you’ll read in the following pages, in 2024 you could find our staff busy working in state legislatures, public utility commissions, government agency rulemakings, city councils, policy conversations, community meetings, and press conferences. From leading policy initiatives and providing expert testimony, to analyzing spreadsheets and producing technical research, the SWEEP team was punching above its weight, wielding an impact far beyond our modest numbers. I couldn’t be more proud.

There’s no denying that we all face an uncertain and challenging future. But one thing is 100% guaranteed: SWEEP will continue to drive state and local-level progress toward a more efficient, healthy, and affordable energy future for everyone. We are so grateful for the support of partners like you — and with your help, I am optimistic that we will ultimately succeed.

With gratitude,

Elise Jones
Executive Director
April 30, 2025