Massachusetts has retained its title as the most energy-efficient U.S. state for the fifth consecutive year, achieving 44 of a possible 50 points on the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) recently released annual scorecard. In contrast, 40 states merited less than half of the available points, which ACEEE allocates in six categories including availability of incentives, transportation policies, energy codes for buildings, state government initiatives, combined heat and power policies and standards for appliance efficiency.

The survey coordinators see signs of optimism in the 20 states achieving better energy efficiency scores than in 2014, and particularly commend California, Maryland, Illinois, Texas and the District of Columbia for improved results. Notably, California attained the maximum available points in four of six categories to place a mere half-point behind Massachusetts. It was one of only two states (along with Illinois) to receive full marks for energy codes and the only state to get full marks for appliance standards.

“California’s energy code is one of the most aggressive and best enforced energy codes in the country, and has been a powerful vehicle for advancing energy efficiency standards for building equipment. Many specifications are performance-based, offering flexibility for designers. The code also stands out because it includes field verification requirements for certain measures,” the ACEEE report affirms. “California was the first state in the country to adopt appliance and equipment efficiency standards. Not only has California adopted the greatest number of standards, many other states’ standards are based on California’s. This year, California adopted additional standards for plumbing products that will save both water and energy.”

Massachusetts gained the edge via 20 out of 20 possible points for utility programs and incentives. Last year, the state measured electricity savings equivalent to 2.5 per cent of sales.

“Massachusetts has one of the most aggressive energy efficiency resource standards in the country. Utility revenues are decoupled from sales, and performance incentives are in place to encourage program administrators to meet or exceed energy savings targets,” the ACEEE reports states.

At the other end of the scale, North Dakota placed last for the third consecutive year. Its 2015 score of 4 out of a possible 50 points showed no movement from the previous year.

“Regulators and policymakers have not indicated that they are interested in pursuing comprehensive energy efficiency policies. However, the state may find that there are significant benefits for its residents should it choose to do so,” the ACEEE report suggests.

While Massachusetts and California were the only states to attain energy efficiency scores higher than 40, all states in the top 10 scored at least 31 points. They also include Vermont, Oregon, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maryland, Washington and New York with Illinois and Minnesota tied for tenth.