The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has released its annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, and the three states that comprise National Grid’s service area — Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island — have once again ranked among the top five in energy efficiency.

“With an unprecedented number of people working from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, energy efficiency programs that give businesses and households the ability to save money and reduce their emissions are more important than ever,” said Badar Khan, National Grid’s U.S. President. “We’re proud to have spearheaded innovative energy efficiency initiatives during this challenging time to ensure our customers continue to have access to these important clean energy programs.”

Reducing energy use through efficiency initiatives and demand response is the first pillar of National Grid’s Net Zero by 2050 Plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change on behalf of its customers and communities. The plan builds on the company’s Responsible Business Charter, which established National Grid’s commitments to the environment, employees, customers and communities, and aligns with New York’s ambitious, nation-leading climate and clean energy initiative: the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

In addition to supporting the CLCPA, National Grid works closely with state regulators and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and partners with commercial and industrial customers and municipalities to help them achieve their energy efficiency targets and save money. Over the last five years, the company’s New York customers have received more than $263 million in incentives for installing a variety of energy efficiency projects that have saved 1.6 million megawatt-hours of electricity and more than 6.9 million dekatherms of natural gas. This resulted in a carbon reduction of 1.6 million tons, which is the equivalent of taking nearly 335,000 cars off the road.

Some of the 2020 successes from these partnerships include:

• Companies like Beech-Nut Nutrition in Amsterdam and Greenpac Mill in Niagara Falls are enrolled in National Grid’s Strategic Energy Management Partnership to improve energy efficiency at their facilities.
• Nestlé Purina partnered with National Grid on an innovative LED lighting project to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,100 tons. 
• The cities of Olean and Lackawanna have converted their streetlights to greener, cleaner burning LEDs that will deliver long-term cost and energy savings.
• National Grid partnered with the Capital District Transit Authority to help lay the groundwork for the City of Albany’s four new electric buses.
• National Grid partnered with NYSERDA to launch a new home energy savings program in Central New York.
• A pilot program in Clifton Park allows residents to take control of their energy choices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Customers can complete a home energy assessment to create a home energy profile, determine their estimated savings and learn how to take advantage of rebates on energy-saving products.

More information about National Grid’s energy saving programs is available here. Among the company’s offerings:

• Large multifamily, commercial, and industrial customers in downstate New York can participate in our gas demand response program, which substantially curtails some or all quantities of peak-day gas loads. While the program targets peak-day gas reductions, it also may help address peak-hour gaps depending on the program’s event window.
• National Grid also partners with heat-watch and multi-family customers, to help them achieve their energy efficiency targets and save money. A total of 40 buildings with very high energy usage participated in the program by installing an energy management system. According to company estimates, customers will save a combined 900,000 therms over the life of the measure. Completed through the company’s Direct Install Program at no cost to the customer, the program will result in lower operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions, and increased tenant comfort.

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