La. trails in energy efficiency

Louisiana still trails much of the nation when it comes to implementing policies to help and encourage utilities and residents in the state to save electricity, according to a new report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. The report, released yearly, ranks Louisiana 46th in the nation for its energy efficiency programs and policies - tied with Kansas and South Dakota. That was down two spots from 2017, but significantly behind efficiency leaders Massachusetts, California, and Rhode Island. The report looked at six categories, including types of policies and public benefit programs in place to encourage efficiency among utilities and everyday electricity users. It also looked at transportation policies, building codes and efficiency standards for household appliances. (Source: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy 10/04/18) The four Gulf Coast states, except Florida, ranked in the 40s: Louisiana (46), Mississippi (44) and Alabama (43). Florida was No. 26 of the 50 states. Although, Florida was the only one of four that lost ground (-1) since the 2017 report.