States energy efficiency goals help aid in reducing climate change. A growing number of states is adopting ambitious clean energy goals, aiming to zero out emissions in the power sector and, in some cases, the statewide economy.
In the past year, legislatures in California, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Puerto Rico, and Washington have all passed bills aimed at making their state’s electricity sector carbon free by 2045-2050.
More states have pledged to meet similar goals through executive orders and regulatory frameworks, most recently New Jersey, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. To date, 25 governors have signed on to the US Climate Alliance, pledging to reduce emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Using Efficiency to Meet Clean Energy Targets
So these goals mean transitioning to clean and renewable energy generation. I mean each of these states will also need a big ramp up. Especially in energy efficiency to reach its targets.
It’s because energy efficiency reduces loads. Again it’s cutting the amount (and therefore cost) of renewable energy needed to meet the goals. Efficiency also reduces energy needs. Especially on very hot and cold days. Thereby helping to aid grid reliability. Especially at times when the grid is most stressed.
It is also clear that states and regions need to lean heavily on energy efficiency. All on the road to zero emissions. Many already are.
In addition, New Mexico was the third state to pass legislation. All requiring 100% of the state’s electricity generation to come from renewables. That’s following California and Hawaii. During its 2019 legislative session, New Mexico also passed legislation. Laws that will extend its energy efficiency targets and help incentivize utilities to save energy…
To continue reading about States Energy Efficiency goals, please the blog post. So visit: https://www2.aceee.org/ By Annie Gilleo, Senior Manager, State Policy
Source: ACEEE
