LOGAN — Utah has been named one of the nation’s most energy-efficient states, according to a new report from the personal-finance website WalletHub.
The Beehive State ranked 7th overall for energy efficiency, placing 5th in home energy use, 9th in vehicle-fuel efficiency, and 23rd in transportation efficiency. The analysis compared 48 states — excluding Alaska and Hawaii — across multiple measures of home and vehicle energy consumption.
The findings come as the U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that renewable energy will supply 26% of the nation’s electricity by 2026. With average American households spending roughly $2,000 a year on utilities and another $3,120 on motor fuel, WalletHub said small improvements in energy efficiency can make a major financial difference.
“Energy efficiency doesn’t just help save the planet – it also helps save you money by lowering the amount of electricity, gas, oil or other types of energy you need to consume,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. While there are some steps you can take to become more energy-efficient on your own, living in the right area can give you a big boost. For example, certain states have much better public transportation systems that minimize your need to drive, at least in big cities. Some places also have better-constructed buildings that retain heat better during the winter or stay cooler during the summer.”
Experts cited in the report recommended low-cost home upgrades such as weather stripping, LED bulbs, insulation, and programmable thermostats, which can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 25%.
Utah’s strong showing reflects growing efforts statewide — including in Cache Valley — to combine renewable energy adoption with more efficient home design. Local governments and utilities have encouraged residents to improve building insulation, upgrade HVAC systems, and take advantage of energy-efficiency rebates through Rocky Mountain Power and Dominion Energy programs.
Vermont ranked first overall, followed by New York and Massachusetts.