Energy efficiency doesn’t often make front-page news, but behind the scenes, this resource is steadily transforming energy markets — although the changes can be difficult to track.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) documented the progress states have made on efficiency measures in its latest State Scorecard.

“In the absence of a national uniform energy standard…state policies are often the key drivers in spurring investment in efficiency,” said Weston Berg, ACEEE research analyst and Scorecard lead author.

In this year’s ranking, Massachusetts edged ahead of California to reclaim its first-place position — posting the state’s highest-ever efficiency savings of 3 percent of sales. The state’s Green Communities Act of 2008 continues to be a strong driver, as well as the $15 million Affordable Access to Clean and Efficient Energy Initiative and other affordable housing grant programs.

Read more (Green Tech Media)