NM ranked 24th in energy efficiency

A new report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranked New Mexico 24th nationwide in energy efficiency, a move upward of nine spots from 2019’s report card and the biggest increase.

Work to implement the Energy Transition Act and the state’s recent adoption of the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code are responsible for the upward jump in ranking, according to a news release from the state’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department.

The report analyzes policies and programs relating to energy efficiency in all 50 states and highlights the best practices states are taking in five areas – energy-saving targets, vehicle efficiency, building codes, appliance and equipment standards, and state government initiatives. The New Mexico report card identifies the state’s progress on incentivizing electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations, sustainable building tax credits, and the work of the Climate Change Task Force as key steps in improving energy efficiency statewide.

“The ACEEE report highlights that our efforts are working to use energy more efficiently across the economy,” EMNRD Cabinet Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst said. “It also identifies areas where the state can improve, which is a helpful tool as we continue to look for new ways to expand our energy efficiency efforts.”

Utilities also are strengthening efficiency programs in response to the Efficient Use of Energy Act. The act set a new 2025 target to achieve savings of 5% relative to 2020 sales, raised the cap on efficiency spending and incentivized utilities to save energy.

The implementation of the 2018 IECC codes is important because buildings use more than 40% of the total energy consumed in the country.