MASSACHUSETTS ON WEDNESDAY WON THE TOP SPOT in the 2015 state energy efficiency scorecard for the fifth year in a row. Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut were all in the top 10.
The scorecard, compiled each year by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy with support from the US Energy Department, attempts to rank states based on how they perform in several key energy conservation areas.
Massachusetts scored 44 out of a possible 50 points. It earned a perfect score of 20 for its utility programs, which are funded by ratepayers and support measures that reduce energy consumption, including energy audits. The scorecard said Massachusetts utility programs achieved electricity savings of 2.5 percent in 2014.
The state earned 8.5 points out of a possible 10 for its transportation initiatives, 6 out of 7 points for its building energy code program and compliance, 4 out of 4 points for combined heat and power policies, and 5.5 out of 7 points for state-led energy efficiency efforts. Overall, Massachusetts edged out California in the rankings by a half-point.
In a statement accompanying the release of the scorecard, Gov. Charlie Baker said “energy efficiency is the most cost-effective, accessible way for Massachusetts to meet our clean energy goals and help ratepayers manage their energy costs. Being recognized for the fifth consecutive year by ACEEE as the nation’s leader in energy efficiency underlines the commitment Massachusetts has made to pursue a diversified energy portfolio and my administration is seeking more, renewable energy sources like hydropower to continue this important effort.”