Most, least energy-efficient states named in WalletHub analysis (2024)

Massachusetts is the most energy efficient state and South Carolina is the least, according to new data analysis from WalletHub.

The personal finance web site examined home and vehicle energy consumption data from government sources for its analysis. For the home efficiency score, the report compares per capita residential energy consumption with annual heating and cooling degree days. Its results do not include Alaska or Hawaii.

Rounding out the five most-efficient states in WalletHub’s analysis were New York, Rhode Island, Utah and Vermont. California ranked 6th.On the other end, Alabama, West Virginia, Arkansas and Mississippi were among the least-efficient.

WalletHub’s conclusions are similar to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s own 2020 assessment of state energy efficiency policies and program performance.

California topped ACEEE’s 2020 rankings, followed by Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island and New York.South Carolina ranked 40th.

Energy efficiency can have big impacts on consumer bills heading into the winter.The average U.S. family “spends at least $2,000 per year on utilities,” according to the finance site. “Heating and cooling of spaces alone accounting for more than half the bill.”

U.S. consumers are already struggling with high energy prices. Data from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association shows utility arrearages rose to $16 billion in August,roughly doubling since the end of 2019.

Most, least energy-efficient states named in WalletHub analysis (2024)

FAQs

Most, least energy-efficient states named in WalletHub analysis? ›

According to WalletHub's study, New York was the overall most efficient state, with Vermont, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Utah high atop the list as well. On the flip-side, South Carolina was the least energy-efficient state, with Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky, and Arkansas keeping it company toward the bottom of the ranks.

Which state is the least energy efficient? ›

WalletHub determined that the least energy efficient states are South Carolina, West Virginia and Alabama. Energy consumption has a profound impact on the planet and on American's pockets.

What are the best states for energy efficiency? ›

Top finishers in this year's scorecard include California, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, and Maine, which was the most-improved state in 2022. The state scorecard shows that energy efficiency is a key resource, with utilities saving 26.6 million MWh of electricity nationwide in 2021.

What do you mean by least energy efficient? ›

Energy efficiency is defined as energy out divided by energy in. You have to be specific about how these are defined. For example, with solar panels, do you count the energy used in building them and the energy lost in inverters? The least efficient sources are those which produce no energy at all.

What is the least energy-efficient city in the US? ›

As you can see, Boston is deemed the most energy-efficient big city in the nation, while Oklahoma City is seen as the least.

Which state has the least reliable power grid? ›

Louisiana ranked as the least reliable power grid in the country with 4,811 minutes of power outage per customer each year.

Which US states consume the most energy? ›

Leading states in electricity consumption in the United States in 2022 (in terawatt-hours)
CharacteristicConsumption in terawatt-hours
Texas475.4
California251.9
Florida248.8
Ohio149.5
9 more rows
Mar 28, 2024

What state produces the least renewable energy? ›

Kentucky uses the lowest percentage of renewable energy, with less than 1% of its energy consumption coming from renewables. Texas produces the most renewable energy (measured in megawatt-hours) of any state. Several states have committed to using only carbon-free power over the next few decades.

What state has the most reliable electricity? ›

  • Nebraska. #1 in Power Grid Reliability. ...
  • South Dakota. #2 in Power Grid Reliability. ...
  • Illinois. #3 in Power Grid Reliability. ...
  • Delaware. #4 in Power Grid Reliability. ...
  • Florida. #5 in Power Grid Reliability. ...
  • Connecticut. #6 in Power Grid Reliability. ...
  • Rhode Island. #7 in Power Grid Reliability. ...
  • Nevada. #8 in Power Grid Reliability.

What wastes the most energy in a house? ›

What Can I Unplug? These Household Items Cost the Most Electricity
  • Cooling and heating: 47% of energy use.
  • Water heater: 14% of energy use.
  • Washer and dryer: 13% of energy use.
  • Lighting: 12% of energy use.
  • Refrigerator: 4% of energy use.
  • Electric oven: 3-4% of energy use.
  • TV, DVD, cable box: 3% of energy use.
Sep 1, 2022

Which is the least energy-efficient light source? ›

  • Traditional or incandescent light bulbs were invented more than 100 years ago and are extremely inefficient. ...
  • Halogen light bulbs use the same filament technology as traditional bulbs but run at a higher temperature, making them slightly more efficient.
Jan 4, 2024

What provides the least amount of energy? ›

Tertiary consumers receive 10% of the energy available at the secondary level (0.1% of the original energy). As a result, tertiary consumers have the least amount of energy and are therefore at the top of the pyramid (the smallest part).

What is the most efficient city in the US? ›

1) New York – 77.5 / 100. New York City currently holds the top spot in the ACEEE ranking, 4.5 points above the second place. The city has been characterized by its energy leadership, with demanding construction codes and incentive programs for those who exceed their requirements.

Where is the cheapest energy in the world? ›

Based on the reports, here are the top countries with affordable electricity:
  • Zambia. ...
  • Uzbekistan. ...
  • Suriname. ...
  • Iraq. ...
  • Zimbabwe. ...
  • Bhutan. Electricity Cost in Cents per Kilowatt-Hour (kWh): 1.5. ...
  • Angola. Electricity Cost in Cents per Kilowatt-Hour (kWh): 1.4. ...
  • Kyrgyzstan. Electricity Cost in Cents per Kilowatt-Hour (kWh): 1.
Nov 18, 2023

Which country has the least access to energy? ›

South Sudan ranked as the least-electrified country in the world in 2021, with only 7.7 percent of its population having access to electricity.

Which state of water has the least energy? ›

Answer is A.

Solids have the least amount of energy, while gases (like water vapor) have the most. This is because solids are condensed so that the molecules are held tightly in their bonds. A gas does not have a shape or specific form.

Which US state has the most energy? ›

Texas is the largest energy producing state in the United States. In 2021, it accounted for 23.8 percent of the country's total energy production, with the majority originating from crude oil and natural gas.

Which state has the lowest residential energy use per person? ›

Rhode Island had the lowest per capita total primary energy consumption at about 169 MMBtu per person.

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