The ninth annual edition of the State Energy Efficiency Scorecard ranks Connecticut among the top 10 states. The ranking is issued annually by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy.
Ranked sixth in the nation, Connecticut was recognized for its several financial incentives for consumers, including rebates, loans, grants, and sales tax exemptions for energy-efficient products. It also cited the Bond Commission’s authorization of $15 million for energy efficiency retrofits in state buildings. The state is required to reduce energy consumption 20 percent by 2018.
Annie Gilleo, ACEEE state policy manager and lead author of the State Scorecard said: “Governors, legislators, regulators, and citizens are increasingly recognizing that energy efficiency is a crucially important state resource. As a result, many innovative policies and programs that promote energy efficiency originate at the state level. The State Scorecard reflects these successes through a comprehensive analysis of state efforts to support energy efficiency.”
The ACEEE report also highlights that as of May 2015, 43 projects have been completed under the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s “Lead by Example” bond funded program, for a total estimated annual cost reduction of $1.3 million and an average simple payback of 5.78 years.
“Our state has made great progress in reducing the demand for electric power and reaping the benefits of lower bills for families and businesses, a stronger economy, cleaner air for our citizens to breathe, and cutting back harmful carbon emissions linked to climate change,” Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Robert Klee said in a written statement. “Our gains have come as a result of Governor Malloy’s vision for a 21st energy strategy for our state, the bipartisan support of the General Assembly, the efforts of energy advocates and stakeholders, and the hard work of everyone at DEEP and at Connecticut’s first-in-the-nation Green Bank.”
