On March 5, the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board released its 2012 Programs and Operations Report, which reveals some impressive data about the state's energy efficiency programs. 

According to the report, residents and businesses in the New England state saved a whopping $53.8 million thanks to green technology initiatives in 2012. Much of this success resulted from state incentives that individuals were able to take advantage of, reports The Day, an eastern Connecticut news source. These included free energy audits, rebates and financing options for the purchase of energy-efficient equipment. 

The data shows that more than 500,000 homeowners and renters participated in these energy-saving programs, which cut costs by about $27.9 million. Businesses and municipalities, on the other hand, saved approximately $25.9 million with their efforts. 

"We saw a tremendous growth in the participation … which means more money saved by our residents and businesses and a healthier environment for Connecticut," said Dan Esty, commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and chairman of the Energy Efficiency Board. "Our commitment to energy efficiency is a key component of our state's first-ever Comprehensive Energy Strategy and the foundation of [Gov. Dannel Malloy's] commitment to bring cheaper, cleaner and more reliable power to our state."

As of December 2012, says the source, 31 of the state's towns and cities had signed onto the Clean Energy Communities program, through which they pledged to reduce energy-consumption by 20 percent over the next five years.

If you're interested in making energy-efficient upgrades to your home, you'll be happy to hear that the state of Maryland's provides multiple rebate offerings, including those available from Pepco and Potomac Edison, which make the initial implementation more cost-effective. To get started, contact a home inspection contractor to perform an energy audit.