Connecticut ranks fifth in the nation for its energy-efficiency policies, according to the latest annual assessment from a Washington, D.C. nonprofit.
That’s up from sixth place in last year’s “Energy Efficiency Scorecard” report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). However, Connecticut received the same score this year: 35.5 points out of 50.
An ACEEE scorecard praised Connecticut for launching the country’s first green bank and said others have looked to the state as an example.
“The state’s continued emphasis on a wide variety of efficiency policies, including building codes, appliance standards, utility targets, and lead-by-example programs could set it on course to achieve higher levels of energy savings in the future,” ACEEE wrote.
ACEEE assesses state policies and laws regarding buildings, utilities, combined heat and power generation, as well as efficiency incentives for consumers.
California and Massachusetts tied for first place in this year’s ranking, which evaluated 2015 conditions.
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Robert Klee said in a statement that Connecticut has doubled its available funding for efficiency programs over the past several years.
“…and we have made very effective use of those dollars,” Klee said. “Studies show that we are achieving more energy savings per dollar invested than any other state in the New England region.”
