Supporting Rural Communities with State Energy Efficiency Policy

This report analyzes state policies that are successfully using energy efficiency to maximize energy and utility bill savings for rural Americans, ultimately helping to keep money in rural communities and support their economies. State legislators, regulators, policymakers, and efficiency program administrators all play important roles in developing and implementing these policies. We explore seven examples of state energy efficiency policies that benefit rural residents, businesses, and institutions across different climates and political environments. Examples are located in Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, and Vermont. For each policy, we identify notable elements, describe policy impacts, and offer recommendations for states.

For a summary of findings from this paper, view the fact sheet below. 

Suggested Citation

Shoemaker, M., and J. Singletary. 2021. Supporting Rural Communities with State Energy Efficiency Policy. Washington, DC: ACEEE. aceee.org/research-report/u2012.

 

This Article Was About

Agriculture and Rural Communities Energy Equity Energy Efficiency as a Resource