Connecticut dropped one spot to No. 6 nationally in the rankings of the most energy efficient states, according to the organization Gov. Dannel P. Malloy puts the most stock in.
When he took office in 2011, Malloy made it a policy goal to reach No.1 in the rankings made annually by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Since that time, Connecticut has developed programs to make it easier for businesses and residents to make energy efficiency upgrades, as well as increasing funding for such programs.
Last year’s No. 5 ranking is the highest Connecticut has been under the Malloy administration. The state was No. 6 in 2012, No. 9 in 2011, and No. 8 in 2010. Connecticut ranked first in the eight-year old rankings once, back in 2006 when it was tied with Virginia and California.
The ACEEE noted this year that Connecticut has made significant strides in several areas – funding, combined heat and power systems, appliance standards – but was outpaced by other states also making significant strides.
Massachusetts was the No. 1 state this year, knocking California off the top spot, which fell to No. 2. Rhode Island, Oregon, and Vermont all tied for No. 3.