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Here Are the 12 Most Energy Efficient States in America by Laurie Kulikowski The Street, October 22, 2014

NEW YORK -- Massachusetts and California save more money for consumers and businesses through energy efficiency than any other states, according to a new report.

These states top a new list from the 2014 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard that ranks which states do the best job lowering energy costs, reducing pollution and saving consumers and businesses money in the long run by increasing energy efficiency.

Now in its eighth year, the State Scorecard, compiled by the nonprofit organization, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), and released on Wednesday, measured states' efficiency across six policy areas -- utility policies and programs, transportation initiatives, building energy codes, combined heat and power development, state government-led initiatives and state-level appliance standards.

For the fourth year in a row, Massachusetts was ranked the most energy efficient. Massachusetts overtook California in 2011. Rounding out the top five states in energy efficiency are California, Rhode Island, Oregon and Vermont. The latter three tied for third place.

States are ramping up their commitments to energy efficiency, according to a statement from ACEEE. Savings from electricity efficiency programs in 2013 (the most recent full-year data) totaled about 24.4 million megawatt-hours, up 7% from 2011, the ACEEE said. Gas savings were up 19% over 2011.

"While many states are leading the way and others are beginning to make strides in energy efficiency .... there is vast potential for energy efficiency" that has yet to take place, said Maggie Molina, ACEEE Utilities, State and Local Policy program director. "There is much work yet to do.

Related Sites:
State Energy Efficiency Scorecard