September 2017
The Baker-Polito Administration recently announced that the Commonwealth has been named the most energy efficient state in the nation by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) for the seventh consecutive year. Massachusetts continues to receive top marks for its energy efficiency policies and programs, particularly the energy efficiency programs offered by the Commonwealth’s utilities under the Mass Save® brand and for promoting smart growth development in cities and towns. The full 2017 ACEEE State Energy Efficiency Scorecard can be found here.
“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,” said Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. “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.”
“By partnering with the Commonwealth’s municipalities and utilities, we have embraced energy efficiency as a key factor in securing an affordable, resilient and clean energy future,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Massachusetts’ top ranking represents tens of thousands of well-paying jobs and significant progress across the Commonwealth in reducing our energy usage.”
The ACEEE Scorecard measures states on six categories of energy efficiency policy and programs, including utility programs, transportation, building energy codes, combined heat and power, state government policies, and appliance standards. Key to Massachusetts’ ongoing leadership is its utility-run nation-leading energy efficiency programs. The Commonwealth’s current 2016-2018 Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plan, approved in 2016, sets nation-leading goals for energy savings, with goals of 2.94% of electric sales and 1.24% of gas sales, with an estimated $8 billion in savings.
“From LEED-certified state buildings to municipal partnerships to convert to high efficiency LED streetlights, the Baker-Polito Administration is committed to leading by example in embracing energy efficiency,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Energy efficiency plays a critical role in achieving our ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction and climate change mitigation goals, and the Commonwealth will continue its leadership while progressing towards energy, environmental and economic goals.”
“The Commonwealth’s Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plans set the national standard for effective energy efficiency programs that result in billions of dollars of benefits for consumers,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “We look forward to continuing to work with our partners on the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council to develop and implement energy efficiency plans that result in clean, affordable energy across Massachusetts.”
