Customer service. The hotel industry knows how important it is to exceed its customers' expectations every time they check in. For the nation's power industry, the same attitude holds true. Electric companies strive to provide their customers with affordable power every time they flip the switch. Two events in August-the well-publicized blackout and a less publicized environmental ruling-will both have a far-reaching impact on the ability of the power industry to serve its customers. READ MORE

The widening public debate over what the U.S. should do to reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) and other "greenhouse" gas (GHG) emissions is creating welcomed awareness about how important it is to use energy more efficiently. Getting the most use out of every therm of natural gas and kilowatt-hour of electricity a home or a business buys can help the country to lower its GHG emissions. And as every successful hotel company knows, it can improve the bottom line as well. READ MORE

In working with national lodging chains, I know that improving energy efficiency has long been a focus of the industry. Efforts have included simple measures, such as reminding guests to turn off lights, to more complex efforts, such as installing high-tech energy management systems and innovative heating and cooling systems. These efficiency actions have paid off in greater profitability. Energy typically accounts for three to five percent of a hotel's total operating expenses. The money saved through energy-efficiency has created more money to spend on guest amenities, on staff salary increases, or on other vital areas. What you may not know is that your energy-efficiency actions, and those by other businesses and consumers across the country, are part of the reason why the nation's air quality has been improving. A new report by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shows that overall air emissions nationwide have dropped by more than 50 percent since the Clean Air Act was adopted in 1970. READ MORE

The passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, signed into law by President Bush last December, will help to improve the nation's energy efficiency. Perhaps its most noteworthy feature is that it will boost the average fuel economy standards for automobiles to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 - the first increase in fuel economy standards for automobiles since they were enacted in 1975. The new energy law will make all energy consumers more energy efficient. The law increases energy efficiency requirements for a wide variety of appliances and equipment. Notably, the new energy law requires that general service incandescent light bulbs use about 20 - 30 percent less electricity by 2014, effectively phasing out the least efficient incandescent light bulbs. READ MORE

The newly signed National Energy Policy Energy Policy Act of 2005 gives the country the foundation for a more secure, reliable and affordable energy future. Importantly for the nation's hotel industry, the new law also presents the potential for greater profitability, thanks to its promotion and support of energy efficiency. READ MORE