Energy Efficiency State-by-State

On average, American families spent around $2,000 a year on utility bills. And they spend roughly another $2,000 on fuel for the car. This year it is very likely that the utility bills will be much higher as a result of all the lockdowns. Electricity bills increased year-over-year in 23 states. Between the increase in remote working and the number of children nationally who will be learning from home, it is little wonder electric bills are rising. During the summer, more people not only stayed home but remained indoors more than ever before. The same scenario is likely to stretch through the coming winter, with gas bills rising as the temperatures drop. 

It may help utility bills that gas priced dramatically decreased with the decrease in demand also caused by the pandemic. That area seems to be getting back on the road to something near normal. This fall and winter will be the deciding factor on whether everything else ever sees normal ever again. 

Energy Efficiency at Home and in the Car

A company called WalletHub took a look at 48 of the states and came up with a list showing the most energy-efficient states down to the least energy-efficient states. Hawaii and Alaska were not included in the study. One reason may be that Hawaii residents pay the highest electricity bills of all 50 states.

They looked at each state in two areas:

• Home Energy Efficiency
• Auto Energy Efficiency

Home energy efficiency was determined by calculating the ratio of total residential energy consumption to annual degree days. And Auto energy efficiency was determined by dividing the annual vehicle miles driven by the gallons of gasoline consumed.

Each dimension was weighted proportionally to reflect national consumption patterns and graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing optimal energy efficiency.

Where does your state rank?