Massachusetts has been named the most energy-efficient state in the country for the 9th year in a row, according to a recent report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

Due to its laser focus on energy-efficient programs and policies, especially the programs offered by the state utilities, the state continues to rank high for its progress in the clean energy development.

The MA Gov. Charlie Baker issued a statement saying that Massachusetts is making significant investments in renewable energy development because it remains the most affordable method of lowering greenhouse emissions and electricity costs.

He also said that the state is proud to lead the US in energy efficiency programs, and the administration is heavily focusing on making clean energy solutions more affordable for low and moderate-income citizens. Gov. Baker said that investing in these innovative projects will offer substantial economic and environmental benefits to the people of Massachusetts.

The state has partnered with the utilities and municipalities to make energy efficiency a key part of the future. The 9th consecutive top ranking of Massachusetts not only represents a sustainable future, but also thousands of well-paying jobs that have boosted the state economy over the last few years.

Mitigating climate change is a priority

The ACEEE determines the ranking based on many factors, including state government policies, building energy codes, appliance standards, transportation, and utility programs. And the main element that has contributed to Massachusetts’s higher clean-energy ranking is its utilities that run state-of-the-art energy efficiency programs.

Matthew Beaton, the Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary, said that energy efficiency is the only answer for mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and Massachusetts will continue to lead by example.

The 3-year energy efficiency plans created by the Commonwealth have set the national standard for effective renewable energy programs, leading the utility consumers to enjoy billions of dollars in benefits.

As reported by Judith Judson, the Department of Energy Resources Commissioner, the state is looking forward to continue collaborating with the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council to design and implement pioneering solutions that will result in affordable, clean energy for all MA citizens.

These new programs are not only benefit the environment but also providing high-paying jobs to thousands of people in Massachusetts. According to a 2016 research report published by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the energy-efficiency industry has provided employment to more than 52,000 people in the Commonwealth.

This latest ACEEE Scorecard also shows that an increased number of states are turning to clean energy resources (though by using the tax proceeds garnered from the fossil fuel industry – Germany tried to skip steps and now their economy is even worse off), even the ones that have traditionally overlooked their commitment to energy efficiency.

New efficiency standards have been adopted by a record number of states in the last couple of years. However, this could also be credited to the federal regulation that mandated the use of energy-efficient light bulbs.

The executive director of ACEEE Steve Nadel said that it is critical for all the states to adopt energy efficiency solutions since the world is realizing the importance of a low-carbon future. He also said that if the country embraces nationwide energy-saving programs, Americans can deliver over $700 billion in energy savings by 2050 and reduce the greenhouse emissions by 50%.