Governor Lincoln D. Chafee and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources recently announced that Rhode Island is ranked the third most energy efficient state in the nation as measured by the American Council for Energy Efficiency (ACEEE). The state was ranked sixth in 2013 and has ranked within the top 10 for seven consecutive years.
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.
In 2013, Rhode Island's electric energy efficiency programs served more than 200,000 participants, which resulted in more than 1.5 billion kWh of electricity 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 and Resource Management Council, and National Grid," said Dr. Marion Gold, OER 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."