A new national analysis has ranked Utah seventh overall for energy efficiency, highlighting the state’s strong performance in both home and vehicle energy use. The report, released by WalletHub, places Utah fifth in home energy efficiency and ninth in vehicle fuel efficiency, signaling the state’s growing leadership in sustainable living.

Energy-Efficient Homes Driving Utah’s Ranking

Experts say Utah homeowners can make simple yet impactful upgrades to save on utility bills while reducing energy waste. “Installing high-efficiency HVAC systems and programmable thermostats can dramatically cut heating and cooling costs,” said Betty Simkins, an Oklahoma State University professor, and Russell Simkins, a retired energy consultant.

The pair recommends homeowners focus on:

• Upgrading insulation and sealing leaks to reduce energy loss by up to 40%
• Installing Energy-Star certified appliances
• Replacing outdated windows and exterior doors for better insulation

“These improvements can yield a return on investment of up to 100%, especially for homes that are underinsulated or use outdated systems,” they noted.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American household spends more than $2,000 annually on utilities — with nearly half going toward heating and cooling. The agency estimates that adopting energy-efficient measures could reduce household energy costs by as much as 25%.

Transportation Efficiency and Public Transit

Utah also scored highly in vehicle efficiency, ranking ninth nationally, thanks in part to growing investment in public transportation. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has been recognized multiple times as one of the best systems in North America by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

The FrontRunner commuter rail, which connects cities along the Wasatch Front, was specifically cited for its energy efficiency. During a recent visit, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised FrontRunner as “a model for other states” seeking sustainable transit systems.

Lawmakers are looking to build on that success. Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, has proposed expanding FrontRunner service ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics to meet growing population and commuter demand. Plans are also underway to launch a rapid bus transit line linking Murray, Taylorsville, and West Valley City — a project in the making for nearly two decades.

Meanwhile, Sen. Mike Lee and Rep. Burgess Owens introduced the Safe Transit Accountability Act in September to streamline decision-making and safety oversight within local transit agencies.

A Model for Sustainable Growth

Utah’s top-ten ranking underscores its progress toward becoming one of the nation’s most energy-efficient states. “Living in an area with strong public transit and well-constructed homes gives residents a major advantage in reducing energy costs,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst.

With continued focus on sustainable infrastructure, energy-smart construction, and efficient public transit, Utah is positioning itself as a national leader in responsible energy use — a key goal as the state prepares for rapid growth and global attention during the 2034 Olympics.