On October 21, 2014, a new report by the ACEEE (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy) ranked Massachusetts the most energy efficient state in 2014. This is the fourth time in a row Massachusetts has ranked first. Following Massachusetts in the rankings are California, Rhode Island, Oregon, Vermont, Connecticut, New York, Washington, Maryland, and Minnesota. Ranking in last were North Dakota, Wyoming, South Dakota, Mississippi, and Alaska. The rankings are based on 30 individual metrics, including “utility policies and programs, transportation initiatives, building energy codes, combined heat and power development, state government-led initiatives, and state-level appliance standards.”
Source: ACEEE
The ACEEE finds that states that have strong EERS (Energy Efficiency Resource Standard) programs—such as the energy-efficiency programs run in Massachusetts by National Grid, NSTAR, Unitil, WMECO, and others—are the driving force behind energy efficiency leadership.
Below is a graph representing the top-ranked 50 states in the union:
Source: 2014 Scorecard
The NECEC (New England Clean Energy Council) praised Massachusetts for its energy-efficiency leadership, but urges we continue to strive towards energy reductions. To achieve these goals, the NECEC recommends we continue to reduce annual electric costs. According to Peter Rothstein, president of the NECEC, “Energy efficiency is the easiest, cleanest and cheapest way to meet our regional energy needs, save energy consumers money and create local jobs for the region’s economy.”
Source: NECEC
Let’s keep Massachusetts #1. Find out more about energy solutions for your business by visiting your local utility company’s page, or by checking out our Energy Programs page: Prism Energy Services.