Oct 22, 2014 - policies and programs that encourage the efficient use of energy in buildings, ... cities with Property A
MEDIA CONTACT Judy Knight, (404) 602-9644,
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Arkansas and Kentucky Named “Most Improved” in ACEEE 2014 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard Win Signifies Progress, Momentum in the Region ATLANTA, Georgia (October 22, 2014) – The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) is excited to announce that Arkansas and Kentucky have been named “most improved” in the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s 2014 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. “Smart, cost-effective investments in energy efficiency are having an increasing impact on economic growth in communities across the Southeast,” said SEEA President Mandy Mahoney. “SEEA is proud of the homegrown leadership exemplified by Arkansas and Kentucky that has harnessed energy efficiency as the driver of a more vibrant, more competitive region.” The Scorecard, now in its eighth year, ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia on policies and programs that encourage the efficient use of energy in buildings, transportation and industry. It is widely considered the industry authority for tracking state-level energy efficiency activities and progress.
Arkansas Arkansas’ recognition as a “most-improved” state is a testament to the continued leadership of its Public Service Commission and utilities, which have spearheaded the development of highperforming, accessible energy-savings opportunities for homes and businesses across Arkansas. Arkansas passed energy efficiency rules in 2007 and followed up with an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard in 2010, which put in place statewide savings targets. As a result, Arkansas has effectively created a template for energy efficiency advancement in the region. Following Arkansas’ example, both Louisiana and Mississippi have also recently adopted energy efficiency rules. The results of Arkansas’ investment in energy efficiency have been substantial. A new study released by the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation (AAEF) showcases that Arkansas’ energy efficiency programs have yielded a $1.5 billion increase in total statewide output and more than 12,500 high-paying jobs for Arkansans. In addition to utility initiatives, Arkansas also has strong policies in place to encourage efficient energy use in the public sector, as well as two cities with Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing programs under development. “Through innovative programs, both businesses and households in Arkansas have discovered the economic benefits of investing in energy efficiency,” said JD Lowery, director of the Arkansas Energy Office, a division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We're creating jobs while saving Arkansans money. Everybody wins."
In Arkansas, SEEA has strongly supported and promoted the best practices adopted by the Arkansas Public Service Commission, and collaborated with local stakeholders on energy code adoption and implementation, energy efficiency financing and regulatory policy.
Kentucky In this year’s scorecard, Kentucky rose in the ranks from 39 to 33, leading to its designation as a “most improved” state. Kentucky has achieved significant statewide utility program savings without having mandatory savings targets in place. In addition, Kentucky has recently strengthened its building energy codes and enacted ambitious financing and lead-by-example policies. Kentucky is served by SEEA and its sister organization, the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA).
About the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance SEEA drives market transformation in the Southeast’s energy efficiency sector as a convener for collaborative public policy, thought leadership, programs and technical advisory services. SEEA is one of six U.S. regional energy efficiency organizations; it serves 11 states in the Southeast, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Visit SEEA online at www.seealliance.org. ###
