Prairie State Wire

Illinois ranked among the top 20 states for policies and programs aimed at reducing emissions, saving energy and advancing clean-energy goals, according to a new study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

The Prairie State came in 16th overall in the ACEEE analysis, scoring 24.5 out of a possible 50 points. In comparison, No. 1 California received a score of 47. Illinois’ rank dropped two places compared to its 2020 rank.

California finished at the top of the ranking due to its clean-energy construction codes, tough vehicle emission standards and its advanced appliance standards.

Nationwide, the yearly cost savings resulting from energy-efficiency programs funded by electricity ratepayers declined 2.43% compared to the previous year’s data. But the savings in energy represented the equivalent of powering about 2.4 million households annually, according to the ACEEE study.

Maine, which passed legislation to advance electrification and efficiency for affordable housing and put in place incentives for weatherization and heat pump purchases, was named the most improved state in the study. 

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How States Ranked on Energy Efficiency in 2022

Rank	State	Total Score (50 Points)	Change in Rank From 2020
1	California	47	0
2	Massachusetts	44.5	0
3	New York	39	2
4	Vermont	36.5	-1
5	Maine	35.5	11
6	District of Columbia	35	2
7	Rhode Island	33	-3
7	Maryland	33	-1
9	Connecticut	32.5	-2
10	Minnesota	32	-1
11	Oregon	31.5	-2
12	Washington	31.5	0
13	Colorado	30.5	-2
14	New Jersey	28.5	3
15	Michigan	26	-2
16	Illinois	24.5	-1
17	Hawaii	23	-3
18	Delaware	21.5	2
19	New Hampshire	20	-1
20	Virginia	19.5	5
21	Pennsylvania	18.5	-2
21	Nevada	18.5	0
23	Utah	17	-1
24	New Mexico	17	1
25	North Carolina	14.5	2
26	Wisconsin	13	0
26	Arizona	13	-3
28	Tennessee	11	1
29	Missouri	10	4
29	Montana	10	0
29	Texas	10	0
29	Florida	10	-2
33	Idaho	9.5	-4
34	Indiana	9	3
35	Iowa	8	1
35	Nebraska	8	6
37	Arkansas	7.5	-4
38	Kentucky	7	-5
39	Georgia	6.5	3
39	Alaska	6.5	4
41	Oklahoma	5	-4
41	Alabama	5	3
43	North Dakota	4.5	5
44	West Virginia	4	4
44	Ohio	4	-7
46	Mississippi	3.5	2
46	Louisiana	3.5	-1
46	South Dakota	3.5	-1
49	South Carolina	3	-9
49	Kansas	3	-2
51	Wyoming	2	0

Source: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy