Happy National Energy Awareness Month!
October is National Energy Awareness Month and in recognition of our goal to become more energy efficient nationwide, there’s no better time to learn how we’ve progressed and how we can continue to do so. In a typical U.S. home, heating and cooling account for around 48% of energy use, so imagine just how much energy that requires per state. Every year, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) scores and lists U.S. states based on their levels of energy efficiency. Read on to see if your location made the list this year!
Image from www.aceee.org
Most Energy Efficient States
Massachusetts – With a high score of 44.0, 2015 marks the second year in a row the Bay State ranks as #1 most energy efficient state in America. So what’s their strategy for smarter energy consumption? In 2008, Massachusetts began experiencing noteworthy progress with The Green Communities Act, which provides residents support in finder greener and cleaner energy solutions. Through this initiative alone, a few exciting goals they have been able to accomplish is an 80.7% reduction in municipal energy use and a 42% improvement in HVAC upgrade projects statewide!
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California – With a score of 43.5 out of 50, the Golden State continues to hold its position as second most energy efficient for the fourth year in a row!
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Vermont – Ranking as 3rd most energy efficient state for the second time in a row, this state’s outstanding energy efficiency programs and policies has placed it two points ahead of last year with a score of 39.5.
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Rhode Island – This state may be tied with Oregon for the second year in a row with a score of 36.5, but this year it receives a perfect score in the utilities category for its ambitious utility policies and programs. They also invest the largest proportion of utility revenues in energy efficiency than any other state!
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Oregon – Powering ahead with steady progress in their efforts to reduce fuel consumption, this state ties with Rhode Island for the second year in a row with a score of 36.5.
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Connecticut – This charming state receives a 35.5 out of 50 for their growing efforts in long-term energy reduction. In 2013, the state implemented more energy efficiency programs that more than doubled in participation, conserving 285.8 million kilowatt hours of electricity and saving residents a total of $29.2 million statewide!
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Maryland – This year, the Old Line State moves up two positions and with a score of 35.0 out of 50 points, it newly ranks as 7th most energy efficient state in America.
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Washington – For the third time in a row, the Evergreen State secures its position as America’s 8th most energy efficient state with a score of 33.5 out of 50.
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New York – Plunging two positions down from 2014, the Empire State receives a 32.5 out of 50 points. Despite it’s decline, the state earned a sky-high score of 8.5 out of 10 points in the Transportation category for their very efficient transportation policies.
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Minnesota – With a score of 31.0 out of 50 points, the North Star State shares the spotlight alongside Illinois as America’s 10th most energy efficient state.
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Illinois – This Midwestern state receives a score of 31.0 out of 50, tying with Minnesota as 10th most energy efficient U.S. state. Although programs under the state’s energy efficiency resources are limited, its building sector has made tremendous progress – providing this state with a perfect score in the Building category for their outstanding building energy codes!
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