New Program Aims To Cut Down On Oklahoma Energy Consumption

Gov. Mary Fallin introduced a new statewide energy savings program on Wednesday, designed to reduce Oklahoma's energy consumption over the next six years.

The program is called "20%x2020" and its aim is just that, to reduce the state's energy use by 20% by the year 2020.

"State government has a lot of room to be more responsible with its energy usage," Fallin said. "Every dollar saved on energy costs is a dollar better used back in the hands of taxpayers or by core government services."

Read more about the program and its goals.

The program is a brainchild of Fallin's, who signed the legislation back in 2012 creating the initiative as a way to lower government utility costs and free up funds for other government expenditures.

"We believe this is the most ambitious behavior-based energy savings program any state government has undertaken, and we are committed to its success," Fallin said.

The Oklahoma-based energy efficiency firm, ES2, will assist the state with development and administration of 20%x2020.

Oklahoma State University used a similar program to reduce energy expenses at campuses statewide by more than $30 million since 2007.