Maryland Named a Top Ten State for Energy Efficiency for the 4th Year in a Row

ANNAPOLIS, MD – For the fourth consecutive year, Maryland has been named a top ten state by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Its annual State Energy Efficiency scorecard benchmarks the progress of state energy efficiency policies and programs. Under Governor O’Malley’s leadership, Maryland has risen from the #20 spot in 2006 to its current position at #9.

Governor O’Malley has made energy efficiency a priority. One of the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s 16 strategic goals is reducing both per capita peak demand and per capita electricity consumption in Maryland by 15 percent by 2015. As of 2013, peak demand is down 14.6 percent and per capita consumption is down 10.1 percent. Additionally, as a result of the State’s energy efficiency efforts, Marylanders have saved $3.2 billion in lifetime energy costs.

“Maryland’s top ten leadership position recognizes the progress our State has made by setting real energy efficiency goals with specific deadlines, measuring our performance openly for all to see, and driving real results for the people we serve,” said Governor O’Malley. “Reducing energy costs and consumption helps our State build a stronger economy and a more sustainable energy future.”

The ACEEE cites Maryland’s commitment to state-led energy efficiency programs, in particular the EmPOWER Maryland initiative, which aims to reduce energy consumption by 15 percent by 2015, as a significant factor in determining its top ten ranking.

The scorecard names Maryland as a leader in incorporating energy efficiency into government operations, reducing energy use in public buildings, and utilizing energy service companies to finance and deliver energy-saving projects. Under the O’Malley-Brown Administration, 21 Energy Performance Contracts have been implemented, helping Maryland achieve contractually guaranteed energy and operational savings of approximately $310 million over the life of the contracts.

Maryland made significant progress on the scorecard by ramping up its utility programs and delivering above average electricity savings, as well as implementing statewide building energy codes. Regionally, Maryland tops its neighbors in Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

The ACEEE measures six primary policy areas that typically pursue energy efficiency, including utilities, transportation, building codes, heat and power policies, government-led energy-efficiency initiatives, and appliance standards.

The American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors.