Maryland's efforts to become more energy efficient are gaining recognition.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has ranked Maryland as a top 10 state in energy efficiency. The organization recently published its
2011 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard rankings and cited Massachusetts and California as the top two states.
The council bases its rankings on states’ efforts to use energy efficiently in their residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors.
Maryland received high marks in transportation and transit-oriented development. The council recognized Maryland’s high standards for tailpipe emissions and land use transportation planning.
Energy efficiency goals and programs under the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act of 2008 also contributed to Maryland's high score. That legislation directs the Maryland Public Service Commission to require Maryland's electric utilities to provide energy efficiency services to its customers to achieve 10 percent of a 15 percent per-capita electricity use reduction goal statewide by 2015.
The governor’s office estimates that since 2009, Marylanders have saved more than $117 million through efficiency upgrades, reduced consumption and investments in renewable energy options.
Source: Maryland governor’s office
Writer: Amy McNeal