Providence, RI – Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources today announce that, according to the 2014 edition of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) State Scorecard, Rhode Island is ranked the third most energy efficient state in the nation. The state was ranked sixth in 2013 and has ranked within the top 10 for seven consecutive years.
"I am pleased that Rhode Island is ranked the third most energy efficient state in the country," Governor Chafee said. "We must support efficiency efforts to reduce costs for Rhode Island's residents, small businesses, and industry. The state remains committed to its Least Cost Procurement legislation and prioritizing energy efficiency to help grow our economy."
Rhode Island shares the number three ranking with Vermont and Oregon. The state was also ranked number one, alongside Massachusetts, for "utility & public benefits programs & policies", a rise from second in the 2013 report.
"With the signing of the Resilient Rhode Island Act, we committed to reducing our carbon footprint as a state. Energy efficiency is a way to support our environmental goals while growing our economy and reducing the cost of living for residents. It's a clear win for the State," stated Director Administration Steven Hartford.
ACEEE's report specifically called out Rhode Island as being one of "the states with the most aggressive savings targets." Savings achieved through energy efficiency measures in 2005-2014 are expected to meet approximately 12% of electric demand in Rhode Island by the end of 2014.
Every $1 invested in energy efficiency generates more than $2 in benefits to Rhode Island residents, businesses, and commercial operations. In 2013, Rhode Island's electric energy efficiency programs served more than 200,000 participants, which resulted in more than 1.5 billion kWh saved. Over the course of their lifetime, these measures will create $194 million in benefits for Rhode Islanders and avoid 650,702 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
"Our top three ranking reflects the vision of Governor Chafee and the General Assembly to make energy efficiency RI's first fuel. It is also a testimony to the terrific collaboration between the Office of Energy Resources, the RI Energy Efficiency Council and National Grid," said Dr. Marion Gold, Commissioner of the Office of Energy Resources. "Together, we are working to make it as easy as possible for RI businesses and residents to take steps to lower energy costs, while creating local jobs and protecting the environment. Our high ranking reflects the power of our collaborative efforts."
The 2014 report is the eighth edition of ACEEE's State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. According to ACEEE, the report is intended to provide an annual benchmark of the progress of state energy efficiency policies and programs and encourage states to continue strengthening their efficiency commitments in order to promote economic growth, secure environmental benefits, and increase their communities' resilience in the face of the uncertain cost and supply of the energy resources on which they depend.