By Steven Nadel, Executive Director

So, in ACEEE’s annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. Michigan is up 15 slots from its score 5 years earlier. The main reason for its rise in rank was the state’s performance on utility-sector energy efficiency programs and policies. Energy efficiency measures installed under utility-sector programs reduced statewide electricity use. I mean by about 1% of the state’s total electricity consumption in 2013. That’s with the most recent year for which data are available.

This placed Illinois 13th among US states in electricity savings. That’s up from a tie for dead last in the 2009 Scorecard.

Efficiency Programs

Under Illinois law, utilities collect the money for efficiency programs through rates, keeping 75% of the funds to operate their energy efficiency programs. They remit the remaining 25% to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which uses these funds to operate energy efficiency programs for low-income households and for state and local government facilities. Both the utilities and DCEO have done well.

A 2014 ACEEE analysis found that Illinois electric utilities have exceeded their energy saving goals every year. All the while the gas utilities have just about met theirs. A 2014 independent evaluation of DCEO’s programs estimated that they have an overall benefit-cost ratio of 2.26.

General Fund

Unfortunately, in late February, Illinois’ new governor, Bruce Rauner, proposed a budget that would divert $265 million of ratepayer funds intended to be used for energy efficiency and low-income energy assistance to the state general fund. All to apply to a state budget shortfall (further information here). This includes DCEO’s energy efficiency programs that are discussed above as well as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps pay the energy bills of low-income families. Even though the proposed budget isn’t effective. I mean it’s reported that senior staff at DCEO’s energy efficiency programs have already been laid off. Then the remaining staff was told not to sign any new contracts. I mean or to approve any new rebate applications. Most legal observers believe the legislature must approve the diversion-its approval is far from certain-but the governor appears not to be waiting…