Energy Efficiency, Energy Procurement, GHG Emissions, Utilities, CHP  -  October 2, 2019

Mass., Calif., Md., receive top scores for efficiency

Massachusetts and California were recognized as leaders in energy efficiency, followed by Maryland as the most-improved, under the 2019 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard released by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

The scorecard awards a total of 50 points based on state policies and programs in six areas: utilities, buildings, transportation, state government, combined heat and power and appliance standards.

Maryland made the biggest jump in the ranking due to its focus on utility efficiency programs, stronger building energy codes, public transit funding and electric vehicle adoption. Massachusetts ranked the number one spot for the ninth year in a row, boasting efficiency commitments that include cutting emissions statewide by 80% by 2050.

The report, released Oct. 1, outlines commitments made by states to reach their energy goals. Nevada, New Mexico, Washington, New York and Maine were recognized for passing 100% clean energy goals with plans to increase efficiency investment. Additionally, a number of states followed California’s lead in adopting harsher emissions standards and promoting electric vehicles.

Washington, Colorado, Hawaii and Nevada received credit for adopting new laws in appliance standards, and Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Illinois and Ohio were recognized for adopting harsher building energy codes and performance standards. The report called out Washington’s BH 1257, passed this year, which calls for energy use intensity targets for commercial buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet.

In a statement, ACEEE executive director Steve Nadel praised the state leadership on energy efficiency, stating that if all states adopted more robust efficiency measures, the country could cut emissions by 50% and save more than $700 billion by 2050.

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