The problem of increasing energy efficiency in the Russian Federation is considered. The USSR energy system was unique in size and efficiency; due to large interconnected energy facilities and the development of district heating, it made it possible to efficiently consume fuel, which resulted in annual savings of 40-60 million tons of standard fuel and 10-15 GW of capacity. After a period of decline in the 90s of the last century, over the past 15 years the country's energy consumption has increased by a third, and structural changes have occurred in the main energy-intensive sectors of the Russian economy. It is noted that industry accounts for about 45% of the Russian energy balance, which is many times more than thermal power engineering (21%). The country's reserves for energy saving and energy efficiency can be divided into two groups. System reserves, consisting of an increase in the capacity and load of “carbon-free” sources - hydroelectric power stations and nuclear power plants, active use of losses and heat from technological processes, optimization of heat supply schemes, account for more than two-thirds of the potential for increasing energy efficiency. The second group consists of the use of renewable energy sources, waste, and biofuels. The country’s energy strategy should not consist in the quick payback of energy-saving projects, but in working on the systemic, multiplier effects of industrial development and infrastructure projects, the growth of large and small cities, and the development of hard-to-reach areas.