Press Release  Massachusetts Recognized as National Leader in Energy Efficiency

Boston — The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) named Massachusetts one of the most energy efficient states in the nation. Massachusetts outranked 48 other states in the annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, which scores and ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia on policies and programs that save energy, lower costs, and produce environmental and economic benefits.

“Energy efficiency is one of the most important tools we have for lowering costs,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Our energy efficiency programs empower residents to bring down their bills and help them afford the latest appliances for their homes. And over 76,000 high-quality jobs are supported through this industry in Massachusetts. We’re proud of our top spot, and will continue to make strides to support more renters and low- and moderate-income households get assistance through Mass Save.”

“We’re proud of Massachusetts’ groundbreaking energy efficiency programs, which lower costs for residents and businesses,” said DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “These programs are here for you when your water heater gives out, your furnace breaks, or when you need new insulation but can’t afford it. And collectively, energy efficiency, weatherization, and heating and hot water electrification protect ratepayers by avoiding unnecessary stress on our electric grid and the need for costly new infrastructure.”

The annual scorecard provides detailed information across six policy areas for all 50 states and the District of Columbia: utility programs, transportation, buildings, state government-led initiatives, industrial energy efficiency, and appliance standards. Massachusetts’ award-winning Mass Save® energy efficiency programs are key to its continued leadership, along with its building energy codes and policies to ensure equitable access to energy efficiency. Over the last 15 years, customers saved 18 million megawatt hours of annual electricity consumption through the Mass Save program - more than three times the annual output of the retired coal-fired Brayton Point Power Station. Customers gained $31 billion in total benefits since 2013, with Mass Save offering $3.51 in lifetime benefits for every $1 invested. Benefits include decreased energy use, emissions reductions, improved health outcomes, high-quality jobs, and workforce training opportunities, among other factors.

The report recognizes Massachusetts’ efforts to transition its utility energy efficiency programs to reduce harmful pollution in the state and ensure the benefits of energy efficiency are distributed more equitably among residences and businesses. Massachusetts’ energy efficiency programs have been in place for 15 years, and ACEE has recognized Massachusetts’s leadership since that time. The report acknowledges Massachusetts for its pioneering work to align its energy efficiency targets with efforts to transition off fossil fuels.

The ACEEE report also recognizes Massachusetts’ leadership in managing energy costs in newly constructed buildings through its nation-leading building energy codes. While the report ranks states on their base energy code, only nine percent of Massachusetts is covered by the base energy code. The other 91% of Massachusetts saves even more in energy costs and emissions through the Massachusetts Stretch and Specialized Codes. Construction under these Stretch Codes lowers monthly energy costs, improve a building’s air quality and comfort, and maintains indoor temperature longer during a power outage or extreme weather.

For more information on the State Energy Efficiency Scorecard and the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), visit ACEEE's website.

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