Question 1

What is the WattGap Score?

Accepted Answer

The WattGap Score is a 0-100 rating measuring how much money a home is leaving on the table through unclaimed rebates, suboptimal rate plans, aging equipment, and missed efficiency programs. A higher score means more savings opportunity. Scores are calculated using 7 weighted factors: climate intensity, utility territory, home age, home size, rebate availability, energy cost burden, and income-qualified program eligibility.

Question 2

Why do cold-climate states rank higher?

Accepted Answer

Cold-climate states have more heating degree days, which means higher energy consumption and more savings opportunity from heat pump upgrades, insulation, and weatherization. A home in Minnesota spending $3,000/year on heating has more room to optimize than a home in Florida spending $800/year on cooling. The score reflects opportunity, not quality of housing stock.

Question 3

How are state scores calculated?

Accepted Answer

Each state score is the average WattGap Score across 5 representative ZIPs (major population centers). ZIP-level scores use U.S. Census ACS median values for home age, size, and heating type, combined with NOAA climate data and program availability. This gives a realistic picture of the typical home in each state, not the best or worst case.

Question 4

How often is this data updated?

Accepted Answer

State scores are refreshed quarterly as underlying data sources update. Census ACS data updates annually. Climate data refreshes daily. Rebate program data is checked weekly. The methodology is consistent across updates so scores are comparable over time.

Question 5

Can I use this data in my research?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please cite as: "WattGap State Energy Optimization Scores, Q2 2026. https://wattgap.com/data/scores-by-state." The underlying methodology and data sources are documented on our methodology page. We welcome inquiries from researchers, journalists, and policy analysts.

Average WattGap Score by State