Best in energy efficiency

It’s likely not a surprise that California is one of the most energy-efficient states in the nation. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy released its 2018 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard this month. California ranked second, following Massachusetts. As the national government has loosened environmental rules, top states are those that have chosen to continue investing in energy efficiency. The report evaluates state policies/programs for utilities, buildings, transportation, combined heat/power and appliances. Massachusetts established three-year energy savings targets and approved utility spending to update its power grid. Meanwhile, California rolled out an updated zero-emissions vehicles plan, and required new homes and commercial buildings be net zero energy by 2020 and 2030, respectively. Overall, states invested nearly $8 billion in utility energy efficiency in 2017, up from $7.6 billion in 2016. This resulted in a 7.3 percent increase in electricity savings—enough to power about 2.5 million U.S. homes per year.

Top five states:

1. Massachusetts

2. California

3. Rhode Island

4. Vermont

5. Connecticut