2008 Energy Rankings! - dun dan dunnnnn

Source: The ACEEE Energy Report card for 2008. http://www.aceee.org/pubs/e086.htm last accessed 10/23/08 and also as part of the flex your power e-mail newsletter Oct. 22, 2008 / #631. The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy is a non-profit that measures efficiency as related to commercial success and makes suggestions, policy recommendations for an ‘energy efficient economy.’ More information about the ACEEE can be found on their webpage at www.acee.org In their own description they say:

“ACEEE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection.”

In 2007, the ACEEE published a report on the energy efficiency of 2006. This year, with their 2008 report, they ranked every state (and the District of Columbia) based on

“The scorecard examines eight state energy efficiency policy areas: (1) utility-sector and public benefits programs and policies; (2) transportation polices; (3) building energy codes; (4) combined heat and power; (5) appliance efficiency standards; (6) Lead by Example in state facilities and fleets; (7) research, development, and deployment; and (8) financial and information incentives.”

On their scale, the maximum points that a state could get was 50. California ranked 1st at 40.5 points. That is still almost 10 points away from efficiency that is using the programs/services that are already in place. While I am happy that we are doing so well, I was still upset to find out that we had quite a large way to go. But alas, I was able to take heart that Wyoming, coming in last with a large ZERO. Are you kidding me? Wow. You never realize how much each state is different. Below is a map, included in their account which gives a color-depicted idea of where each state is at reaching energy efficiency goals. The Top ten for 2008 are:

1. California
2. Oregon
3. Connecticut
4. Vermont
5. New York
6. Washington
7. (tie) Massachusetts, Minnesota
8. 0
9. Wisconsin
10. New Jersey

”Outside of the top ten, there has been significant movement up the ladder since last year’s scorecard. Idaho was the “most improved” state, having moved up twelve spots compared to last year’s scorecard. Other states that climbed the rankings are Florida, which moved up ten spots, and Maryland and Ohio, which each ascended eight spots in the rankings, putting all of these states in the second tier in our scorecard and giving them the title of “most improved” states.”