photo: Ian David Blüm
California, Connecticut and Vermont are the most energy-efficient states in the U.S., according to a new report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The Washington, D.C.-based non-profit analyzed federal energy data and surveyed state policies to rank states based on, among other things, their spending on energy efficiency programs, appliance and equipment energy efficiency standards, building codes, and tax incentives for energy efficiency. The 74-page report was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The top 10 most energy efficient states in 2006:
- California, Connecticut and Vermont (tie)
- Massachusetts
- Oregon
- Washington
- New York
- New Jersey
- Rhode Island, Minnesota (tie)
The 10 least energy efficient states:
- North Dakota
- Wyoming
- Mississippi
- South Dakota
- Alabama
- Missouri
- Arkansas
- Oklahoma
- Tennessee
- Alaska
"The top 10 states are generally characterized by having limited in-state supplies of conventional fossil energy resources," the report’s authors wrote. "They have long understood that they cannot rely on conventional resources for security of supply or other reasons. By contrast, the lower-scoring states have been typically endowed with abundant amounts of traditional energy resources that have been historically inexpensive."
The green states’ investments in energy efficiency have paid off, according to the report, in job creation, lower air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, less expensive energy bills and a more sustainable growth in energy demand.
Green Wombat 
Calling these the most “energy-efficient” states is misleading and really just wrong. The most energy-efficient states would be those that use the least energy per capita or per dollar GDP or something like that. These may be the most progressive states in regards to support for efficiency programs, but that doesn’t *necessarily* make them the most energy-efficient in actuality. (Although many of them probably are) This may seem like a minor thing but I think it’s a pretty big misuse of words.
I saw a recent article in Government Computing News: GSA paves way for IT-based buildings (http://www.gcn.com/print/26_13/44402-1.html) that explains how the state of Missouri is achieving upwards to $30M in savings using some IT/Energy solution, on existing infrastructure, from some firm named Gridlogix (http://www.gridlogix.com).
The state seems to have a pretty novel approach to achieve a large near term savings. While the Ice Caps melt, maybe its time to look for better technology oriented solutions.
energylover@gmail.com
Glad to see that Missouri is doing something about their energy use.
The thing about energy efficiency is that everyone actually saves money along with energy and it helps the environment to boot. There is no down side that I can see, except maybe for the fossil fuel based companies that can’t sell as much of their product.
Hello,
Great post/topic. Energy efficient devices/technologies are going to be crucial in driving down consumption. Lighting is such a big part of how the U.S. and world are using energy, so we need to keep improving those technologies. CFLs are a good answer for now, but OLEDs are another technology that may change the landscape in a few years. http://www.universaldisplay.com/white.htm
GE and Konica mentioned they should have OLED white lighting in a few years. http://www.popsci.com/popsci/whatsnew/11723001344d3110vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html
I can be contacted at 610-642-8253 x 191 or michael@gregoryfca.com.
Thanks!
Mike
Hi,
I from a small town school in Little Compton, R.I. A group of classmates and I have to do a report on how our school is energy efficient if you could write back if you know anything that would be great! Thank You!
From,
Wondering Student