Happy Energy Efficiency Day! It’s a perfect time to spread the word about the benefits of efficiency, including that it saves money, cuts pollution, and creates good jobs.

Some Good and Bad Efficiency News in the Northeast

• Bad News: Vermont Governor Phil Scott issued an executive order declaring that builders can construct homes to a 2020 energy code, rather than to the current 2024 code. The newer code—developed by the state’s Department of Public Service and approved by a legislative committee—saves homeowners money each year, delivering energy bill reductions that exceed incremental mortgage costs. A recent multi-stakeholder plan seeks to help the state improve code compliance.

• Good News: Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently announced a plan to speed up housing construction by streamlining the environmental review for qualifying projects. To qualify, housing development projects must meet several criteria, including meeting density requirements and energy efficiency standards set out in the state’s stretch code. The proposal is open for public comment.

• Good News: New York utilities recently set new weatherization requirements for their maximum incentive heat pump programs. Starting in March 2026, homes that have successfully participated in a weatherization program or received a qualifying assessment will be eligible for significantly higher incentives to install a heat pump. The change will help ensure that homes are ready for heat pumps before installation and help manage future costs to the electric grid.

Source: aceeenews@aceee.org