For the ninth year in a row, Rhode Island ranks among the top 10 states, taking fourth place this year, for energy efficiency programs and policies. That’s according to a new report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
The report found Rhode Island invests a greater proportion of utility revenue in energy efficiency than any other state. State Energy Deputy Commissioner Nicholas Ucci said the state is making a concerted effort to reduce energy use.
“And in turn, shrink local carbon footprints,” said Ucci. “And the great thing about efficiency is that it hits all of our major policy goals and all the major cost drivers in a utility bill.”
Rhode Island requires utilities to invest in energy efficiency (e.g. National Grid offers programs and rebates to reduce consumption).
Ucci said the state has added more programs this year.
“We instituted at the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank an efficient buildings fund, leveraging private capital to implement deep energy efficiency retrofits at public sector buildings, particularly municipal buildings, libraries, schools, town halls,” said Ucci.
Rhode Island is poised to continue its success, according to the authors of the report, who cite a range of rebate and loan programs that encourage energy efficiency.
In general, the New England States are leading the country in energy efficiency, according to the scorecard.
Massachusetts tied with California as the most energy efficiency state. Kathleen Hogan with the U.S. Department of Energy said better efficiency helps the whole country.
“It addresses many of our most pressing energy, economic and environmental challenges,” said Hogan. “Climate change, energy security, more jobs and it does this while improving our daily lives and offering us greater comfort in our homes and workplaces and saving families money.”
Hogan congratulated Connecticut and New York for tying in fifth place. Both states offered financial incentives to consumers and state and local governments, and invest in research and development for energy efficiency. Vermont also landed in the top ten. Maine and New Hampshire made it to the top 20.
This report comes from the New England News Collaborative. Eight public media companies coming together to tell the story of a changing region, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Note: This post has been updated. Updates include the correct spelling of Nicholas Ucci’s first name.
