With the acceleration of urbanization, energy consumption and carbon emissions have increased, posing serious challenges to urban environments and sustainable development. This study focuses on the collaborative impact of triple pilot policies on energy efficiency, aiming to explore effective strategies for enhancing urban energy efficiency through policy combinations. Difference-in-difference modeling was employed to analyze the data. The findings indicate that the combined effect of the triple pilot policies significantly improves urban energy efficiency. Each individual pilot policy can also promote energy efficiency, but the dual policies demonstrate stronger impacts than a single policy, and the triple policy has the strongest effect. Among the dual policies, the combination of low-carbon and smart city pilots exhibits the most significant synergy. Furthermore, these pilot policies enhance energy efficiency by promoting green innovation in cities. Finally, the triple pilot policies have a greater impact on enhancing energy efficiency in eastern and special cities. Based on these findings, this study provides policy recommendations for promoting collaborative development and enhancing energy efficiency.