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Energy efficiency (EE) is maximizing the effective utilization of energy while minimizing the costs of that energy. Implementation of energy-efficiency programs by a tribe can have many positive impacts. These include the reduction of energy costs and the associated freeing of significant financial resources for other important uses, improved electrical service, increased energy independence, improved air quality, reduction in environmental impacts, and others. Foremost among these benefits may be the potential for reduced energy costs. By employing EE measures, it is easily possible to save 10 percent on energy costs, and the potential exists to save in excess of 50 percent. Thus, if a tribe spends $100,000 annually on energy, it can expect a minimum energy cost savings of $10,000 annually and perhaps significantly more.

The results of three energy-efficiency case studies conducted with three different Native American tribes in the western United States is presented. The case studies demonstrate that energy-efficiency is economically feasible and has the potential to reduce air pollution, and can potentially help tribes meet other important tribal objectives.