Linked Efficiency, Equity, Emissions Cutting Efforts Grow At The State Level

Scorecard: Leading States Cutting Costs for Residents With Energy Efficiency, But More Progress Needed; California Ranks #1; Maine is Most Improved; South Carolina and Ohio Fall Furthest

December 6, 2022 (American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy)

“As Americans struggle to pay rising energy bills, leading states have instituted energy efficiency policies that cut utility bills—especially for those who need it most—while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to the 2022 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard These policies can serve as models for the dozens of states that have yet to prioritize energy-saving upgrades to reduce costs for disadvantaged households…

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…[California, which led,] centers equity in its energy policies and administers wide-reaching programs to reduce emissions from transportation, buildings, and industry…The scorecard is accompanied by one-page evaluations of each state’s performance, including possible ways to improve performance…[An expanded focus includes 12 equity-focused actions and] equitable energy efficiency policies that reduce energy burdens for low-income and disadvantaged households and historically underserved communities…Thirty-four states earned less than half the points on equity, showing there is significant room for improvement…

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In another key trend, the report found that as energy efficiency programs increasingly prioritize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, four states (California, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont) and DC have moved to align their energy and climate goals, with fuel-neutral energy savings targets that can encourage electrification with measures like installing heat pumps. Still, at least 12 states still do not even allow utility efficiency programs to provide incentives for switching from fossil fuel heaters to efficient electric systems…” click here for more

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