The Baker-Polito Administration announced recently that, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has been named the most energy-efficient state in the nation, for the seventh consecutive year. This is a direct result of its energy efficiency policies and programs, particularly those offered by the Commonwealth’s utilities under the Mass Save® brand for smart growth development promotion in cities and towns of the region.
“We’re pleased to announce that Massachusetts placed first in the State Scorecard for the seventh consecutive year in 2017,” said Steven Nadel. The Bay State’s leadership on energy efficiency across a range of policy areas continues to serve as a valuable example to other states, thanks to ambitious savings targets that help drive some of the most comprehensive efficiency services in the country.”
—Steven Nadel, Executive Director of ACEEE.
According to the ACEEE Scorecard (available here), Massachusetts was ranked #1, followed by California, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Connecticut. The Scorecard measures states in six categories: utility programs, transportation, building energy codes, combined heat and power, state government policies, and appliance standards. The current 2016-2018 three-year Energy Efficiency Plan, sets nation-leading goals for energy savings, with goals of 2.94% of electric sales and 1.24% of gas sales, with an estimates $8 billion in savings.
“As Massachusetts continues to make historic investments and progress in clean energy development, energy efficiency remains the most cost-effective method of reducing ratepayer costs and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Massachusetts is proud to lead the nation in energy efficiency policies and programs, and over the last year our administration has focused on increasing access for low- and moderate-income ratepayers, while investing in innovative peak demand reduction projects that will provide significant environmental and economic benefits to the Commonwealth.”
—Governor Charlie Baker.
In 2016, the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards voted unanimously to adopt the latest national model building energy code together with a streamlined update to the Massachusetts stretch energy code. This code update keeps the Commonwealth on the leading edge in adopting the latest national model energy code, allowing Massachusetts to attain full points in this ACEEE Scorecard category, as well as offering towns and cities the opportunity to adopt a stretch energy code. To date, 205 municipalities have elected to adopt the stretch energy code, a key component of receiving a Green Communities designation.
