New podcast episode explores an underused resource for lowering energy costs

Amid the disruptions resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, energy systems have come under significant pressure – compounded, in some parts of the world, by record-breaking heatwaves. But one of the most effective tools for easing these strains – and energy costs – remains underutilised.

In the latest episode of the IEA’s Everything Energy podcast, Brian Motherway, who leads the IEA’s work on energy efficiency and affordability, explains why we often fail to make use of the world’s “first fuel” – energy efficiency. He discusses the major role energy efficiency can play in supporting energy security, affordability and sustainability, and sets out practical steps governments can take to help consumers save energy and money, without compromising economic growth or their quality of life.

The episode is available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The Everything Energy podcast offers insights and perspectives from the IEA on leading global energy issues. In recent episodes, IEA experts have unpacked a number of topics linked to the ongoing energy crisis stemming from the war in the Middle East – including how it is reshaping energy investment trends, cooking fuel shortages, how the crisis is playing out across Southeast Asia, 10 options to help shelter consumers from the effects of higher oil prices, and what the energy world looked like on the eve of the crisis. All past episodes are available here.