North Carolina is the 24th most energy-efficient state in the U.S. according to the new State Energy Efficiency Scorecard from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Massachusetts is the most energy efficient in the nation followed by California, New York, Oregon, and Connecticut, reports ecobuildingpulse.com.
The ACEEE’s annual scorecard assesses policies and programs focused on improving energy efficiency in homes, businesses, industries, and transportation systems. It considers utility and public benefits programs and policies; transportation policies; building energy codes and compliance; combined heat and power policies; appliance and equipment standards; and state government-led initiatives around energy efficiency.
The ACEEE summary reports North Carolina utilities have expanded energy efficiency programs in recent years, however their levels of investment and performance still remain below the national average. Utility efficiency programs are likely to continue expanding given the recent efforts by utilities and stakeholders. In 2011, the newly-merged Duke Energy Progress (formed by two operating companies, Duke Energy Carolinas and Progress Energy Carolinas) reached a settlement agreement with clean energy groups that, among other things, sets an annual energy efficiency savings target of 1% of retail sales starting in 2015, and a 7% cumulative target from 2014 to 2018. Achievement of the target will require successful development, regulatory approval and implementation of energy efficiency programs.
Click here for a further description of North Carolina’s energy efficiency efforts. Read More.