Energy efficiency scorecard shows North Carolina is standing still

When it comes to saving money, energy, standing still is not good enough, advocates say

RALEIGH (October 2, 2019) – Today is Energy Efficiency Day, serving as a reminder that energy efficiency is, on average, the least costly way to meet energy needs, as well as an important way to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.

However, a new energy scorecard shows that North Carolina is still not doing enough to take advantage of this resource. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) annual state scorecard shows North Carolina is still ranked 26th in the nation, the same as 2018.

“Whether it’s through improved building codes, weatherization programs, or doing a better job at home to use energy more efficiently, we should all be working to strengthen North Carolina’s investments and policies to promote energy efficiency,” said Al Ripley, director of the NC Justice Center’s Consumer & Housing Project.

Energy efficiency not only can help transform our energy use and emissions, ACEEE research finds, it also saves billions of dollars a year on utility bills, supports 2.3 million jobs, and helps clean the air, in turn improving health outcomes.