Illinois is the 11th most energy-efficient state, according to the ACEEE’s 2014 State Efficiency Scorecard. Despite a fall from its No. 10 rank in 2013, Illinois is still higher than most of its Midwestern neighbors.
The organization ranks states based on their policies and programs that improve energy efficiency in our homes, businesses, industries and transportation systems. Illinois scored a total of 27 points out of 50, one point higher than it did the previous year. Check out the full Illinois report here.
Illinois’ score is linked to the strength of its building energy codes and improved compliance with those codes, ACEEE said. (Buildings use more than 40 percent of the total energy consumed in the United States.) The ACEEE recommended that Illinois could improve its score with more robust efficiency programs through utilities, better efficiency policies in transportation and policies that encourage more efficiency in power generation (combined heat and power).
Minnesota snagged the top spot in the region, edging Illinois by only two points, while Wisconsin was recognized as being one of the four most improved states in efficiency.
For more information on how to cut your utility bills, visit our energy efficiency page, at www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org, or check out CUB Energy Saver, a free tool that recommends actions consumers can take to cut their electric bills.
