New Jersey Ranked 18th for Energy Efficiency in 2026
A state analysis reveals how New Jersey households compare to national trends for home and auto energy use.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Appliances
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New Jersey secured an 18th-place ranking for energy efficiency in 2026, earning a total score of 62.32 out of 100. The study evaluated efficiency across 48 states to determine how effectively residents utilize energy resources.
Why it matters
With the average American family spending at least $2,000 annually on utilities, these rankings highlight how state-level efficiency factors impact household budgets. Understanding these metrics helps families identify where their state succeeds and where energy-saving improvements remain possible.
New Jersey placed 10th for automobile efficiency and 26th for home energy efficiency out of 48 states studied. The report excluded Alaska and Hawaii due to data limitations.
The players
WalletHub
A personal finance website that produces recurring data-driven reports on state-level rankings for consumer and household metrics.
The details
WalletHub conducted this evaluation by comparing performance metrics for both home and automobile energy consumption. The study tracks how efficiently residents convert energy into utility and transportation outcomes rather than measuring total usage alone. These rankings provide a comparative baseline for state performance across the mainland United States.
Timeline
The 2026 state rankings were determined during that year.
The full report findings were released in October 2026.
The Home Front
This study updates state-level performance benchmarks regarding home energy consumption patterns. It highlights how New Jersey fits into a broader national landscape of residential efficiency regulation and utility costs.
Homeowners should review their own utility bills against regional averages to identify potential savings opportunities. Considering an energy audit through local utility programs can help clarify if your home performs above or below these state-level trends.
The takeaway
While New Jersey ranks in the top half of states for efficiency, the $2,000 average annual utility spend remains a significant household cost. Residents should consider checking their home's insulation and appliance efficiency as a proactive step toward lowering their monthly overhead.
Further reading
Learn more about managing your home energy use in the Appliances section.
More information
View the complete rankings and methodology in the WalletHub 2026 energy efficiency report.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WRNJ Radio.
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Do you believe you can meaningfully reduce your household utility bills through energy efficiency?
