by Shane Henson — November 22, 2013—Massachusetts has solidified its reputation as a bona fide energy saver with its recent recognition by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as the most energy-efficient state, marking the third time in a row Massachusetts has found itself number one on the organization’s annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard.
The 2013 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard ranks states on their energy efficiency policy and program efforts, and provides recommendations for ways that states can improve their energy efficiency performance in a variety of policy areas. The report serves as a benchmark for state efforts on energy efficiency policies and programs each year, encouraging states to strengthen their efficiency commitments as a pragmatic and effective strategy for promoting economic growth, securing environmental benefits, and increasing their communities’ resilience in the face of uncertain energy costs and supplies.
According to ACEEE, the Top 10 states are :
- Massachusetts
- California
- New York
- Oregon
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
- Maryland
- Illinois
Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island are the leading states in the utility-sector energy efficiency programs and policies category, notes ACEEE. Illinois made its first appearance in the top 10 this year, reaping the benefits of increased energy savings called for in the state’s energy efficiency resource standard, according to ACEEE.
According to the seventh annual scorecard, the five states most in need of improvement (starting with dead last) are: North Dakota, Wyoming, South Dakota, Alaska and Mississippi. However, Mississippi also appears on ACEEE’s list of the top five most improved states, revealing an upward trend as more and more states embrace energy efficiency. Last year, Mississippi passed comprehensive energy legislation that included energy efficiency as a major component. The bill included provisions setting an energy code for commercial and state-owned buildings. Mississippi is now set to become a regional leader in energy efficiency, says ACEEE. West Virginia’s score also improved due to the state adopting stronger building codes. The other three most improved states in 2013 were Maine, Kansas, and Ohio, adds ACEEE.
ACEEE notes that a total of 20 states fell in the rankings in the 2013 scorecard, due to both changes in the report’s methodology and substantive changes in their performance. Idaho fell the furthest, by nine spots, largely because it did not keep up with peer states in utility efficiency spending and savings. Wisconsin dropped six spots, due to a significant drop in energy savings realized by the state’s efficiency program.
