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Establish collaborative partnerships with contractors and communicate with them early and often

Contractors are more likely to serve as program champions when the program engages with them throughout program design, delivery, and improvement. Your contractors are the primary contact points with your customers, and the quality of their interactions and services strongly influences how customers...
Tips for Success

Leverage financial sector marketing channels

Lenders can be a valuable partner for programs in marketing loan products and driving demand for home energy upgrades. They are often a trusted source of information in a community, and they have access to potential customers and partners such as existing customers, loan aggregators, and large...
Tips for Success

A Field Guide to Utility-Run Behavior Programs: Making Sense of Variety

Author(s)
State and Local Energy Efficiency Action Network
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Vermont

This webcast covers a report that is a comparative analysis of utility-run behavior programs, which lays the groundwork for further program development by developing a classification scheme, or taxonomy, that sorts programs into discrete categories.

Resource - Webcast

Financing Programs: RFP & Contract Terms and Conditions

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
SustainableWorks,
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton,
Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2),
City of San Diego Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program

This webcast discusses financing program RFPs and contract terms and conditions.

Resource - Webcast

Workforce Development and Sales Training for Energy Efficiency Contractors

Author(s)
Elizabeth Stuart, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Maine,
Efficiency Vermont
This webcast reports on the energy efficiency services sector workforce size, expectations for growth, and training needs and features a case studies from Efficiency Vermont and Efficiency Maine.
Resource - Webcast

Targeted Marketing and Program Design for Low- and Moderate-Income Households

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Indianapolis Better Buildings Program,
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton

This peer exchange call summary focused on what energy efficiency programs are doing to target low- and moderate-income households.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Five Steps to a Profitable Contractor Base

Author(s)
Courtney Moriarta, SRA International, Inc.,
Emily Levin, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation,
Tiger Adolf, Building Performance Institute,
Brad Geyer, Fayette County Better Buildings Initiative,
Sammy Chu, Suffolk County Department of Labor,
Sam Flanery, Building Science Academy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Vermont,
Fayette County Better Buildings Initiative,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

Presentation on five steps to building a profitable contractor base. The steps include sensible program design and administration, certification and credentialing, communicating with contractors, contractor requirements (business vs. trade), and training and sales support.

Resource - Topical Presentations

The Smart Energy Home: Strategies to Transform the Region

Author(s)
Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc.
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Vermont

Home energy management systems (HEMS) continue to present a unique opportunity and challenge. While energy savings have been documented for many HEMS, some of the most promising opportunities from these devices and systems can be found in the internet of things (IoT) and smart home technologies. This report presents market updates, a regional goal, and strategies to drive market transformation and achieve the many benefits from HEMS and the Smart Energy Home.

Resource - Publications

Building Better Energy Efficiency Programs for Low-Income Households

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Vermont

This report details opportunities for scaling up program activity and increasing savings from programs reaching the people who need it most. It discussed best practices from existing programs for overcoming many of the key challenges that program administrators face, including how to address housing deficiencies that prevent energy efficiency upgrades, how to address cost effectiveness challenges, and how to serve hard-to-reach households.

Resource - Publications

Big Savers: Experiences and Recent History of Program Administrators Achieving High Levels of Electric Savings

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Arizona Public Service,
Northern States Power,
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComED),
Efficiency Vermont,
Energy Trust of Oregon,
Eversource Energy,
Fort Collins Utilities,
Narragansett Electric,
National Grid Massachusetts,
Otter Tail Power,
Pacific Gas and Electric,
Southern California Edison,
Seattle City Light,
Tucson Electric Power

Energy efficiency savings have grown substantially in the past ten years, and national leaders in program administration have emerged as savings levels have increased. This report reviews annual program performance for 14 leading energy efficiency program administrators, with a focus on costs, electricity savings, cost effectiveness, and portfolio design.

Resource - Publications

Reaching More Residents: Opportunities for Increasing Participation in Multifamily Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Focus on Energy,
National Grid Rhode Island,
DC Sustainable Energy Utility Low-Income Multifamily Initiative,
Bay Area Regional Energy Network Multifamily Building Enhancements,
Con Edison Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program,
Con Edison Multifamily Low Income Program,
Puget Sound Energy,
Xcel Energy,
Elevate Energy,
Energy Trust of Oregon,
Public Service Electric and Gas Multifamily Program,
Pacific Gas & Electric Company,
Arizona Public Service (APS) Company,
Austin Energy,
Efficiency Vermont,
CenterPoint Energy,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

The multifamily sector can be hard to reach when it comes to energy efficiency programs. Besides being diverse and complex, the sector presents a unique set of challenges to efficiency investments. The result is that multifamily customers are often underserved by energy efficiency programs. Drawing on data requests and interviews with program administrators, this report summarizes the challenges to program participation and identifies best practices that programs can use to reach and retain large numbers of multifamily participants.

Resource - Publications

Energy Efficiency as a Low-Cost Resource for Achieving Carbon Emissions Reductions

Author(s)
National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency
Publication Date
2009
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Vermont

This report summarizes the scale and economic value of energy efficiency for reducing carbon emissions and discusses barriers to achieving the potential for cost-effective energy efficiency.

Resource - Publications

Energy Island: A Guide to Creating Your Island Energy Challenge

Author(s)
RePower Bainbridge,
Conservation Services Group,
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
This guide is designed to serve as a "how-to" reference for island communities (or small, similarly sized, more isolated communities) that want to develop and implement a residential energy-efficiency and conservation program. The purpose of this guide is to help communities chart a course for successful program development based on the lessons learned during implementation and operation of RePower Bainbridge, an energy-efficiency program on Bainbridge Island, Washington.
Resource - Publications

Partnering with Utilities and Other Ratepayer-Funded Energy Efficiency Program Administrators

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Colorado ENERGY STAR Homes,
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge,
Silicon Valley Energy Watch Program,
The Home Energy Rebate Option,
New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR,
Efficiency Vermont,
Energy Trust of Oregon,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)
The objective of this document is to help state and local governments understand the role of program administrators (PAs) and assist them in developing successful partnerships with utility and other energy efficiency PAs. The majority of this paper presents information on partnering and leveraging current energy efficiency activities. However, it also includes information for governments in areas without active PAs, as well as an appendix with a case study describing how state and local governments can fill gaps and administer programs in the absence of a PA.
Resource - Publications

Powering the New Energy Future From the Ground Up

Author(s)
Climate Solutions
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Hailey's Community Climate Challenge,
EnergySmart,
Eugene Water and Electric Board,
Community Energy Challenge,
Hailey's Community Climate Challenge,
Jackson Hole Energy Sustainability Project,
Knoxville,
TN,
Oberlin Project,
Energize New York,
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton,
Burlington Sustainability Action Team,
Gainesville Regional Utilities,
Hillsboro Solar Advantage,
Issaquah,
WA,
MPower Madison Program,
Solarize Pendleton,
Clear the Air Challenge,
Santa Fe,
NM,
West Union,
IA,
Sustainable Williamson,
CharlestonWISE,
City of Aiken,
SC,
City Green Initiative,
Kilowatt Cruncher Challenge,
Smarter Sustainable Dubuque,
Small Cities Climate Action Partnership,
City of Grand Rapids,
MI,
Town of GreenÞeld,
MA,
City of Keene,
NH,
Home Energy Affordability Loan (HEAL),
Clean Local Energy Accessible Now,
RichmondBuild Pre-apprenticeship Construction Skills and Green Jobs Training Academy

This report from Climate Solutions analyzes small- to medium-sized American cities that are using successful methods to further clean energy economic development. Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners that are featured in the report include Bainbridge Island and Bremerton, Washington; Boulder, Colorado; Bedford, New York; Madison, Wisconsin; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The report includes details on the how the featured cities funded their projects, found successful models to reach their goals, and to see which new projects are off to a promising start.

Resource - Publications

The Bottom Line on Public-Private Finance Tools for Energy Efficiency

Author(s)
World Resources Institute
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
ClimateSmart Initiative,
Efficiency Vermont,
Sonoma County Energy Independence Program

Outlines five public-private financing mechanism options for energy efficiency upgrades programs, including on-bill financing, PACE financing, and loan loss reserve funds.

Resource - Publications

Driving Demand for Home Energy Improvements

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
City of Houston's Residential Energy Efficiency Program,
Energy Smackdown,
Hood River Conservation Project,
City of Houston's Residential Energy Efficiency Program,
Jasper Energy Efficiency Project,
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
Long Island Green Homes,
Marshfield Energy Challenge,
New London Resource Project,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Take Charge Challenge,
Twin Cities One Stop Program,
Efficiency Vermont,
WeatherizeDC

This guide provides an assessment of various approaches to Marketing & Outreach for home energy efficiency improvements.

Resource - Publications

Existing Homes Program Guide

Author(s)
Consortium for Energy Efficiency
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Ameren Illinois Utilities,
Avista Utilities,
BC Hydro,
Cape Light Compact,
All-Electric Home Performance Tune-Up,
Efficiency Vermont,
New Jersey Natural Gas,
Northeast Utilities Home Energy Solutions,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
PSE&G Whole House Energy Efficiency Program,
Vectren Energy Delivery's Home Energy Savings Program,
Focus on Energy

This guide provides background on the home improvement market in the U.S. and Canada and end users and systems in existing homes, as well as a description of energy efficiency program approaches and strategies.

Resource - Publications

Using Community-Based Social Marketing to Drive Demand for Energy Efficiency

Author(s)
RePower Bainbridge
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
This presentation explores the community-based social marketing aspects of RePower Bainbridge and includes insights on knowing your audience, market barriers, and leverage opportunities.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

RePower Program -- People Will Talk: Making Energy Efficiency a Neighborhood Issue

Author(s)
Helen Biersack, RePower
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
This presentation describes Washington's RePower program and lessons learned on community engagement as a driver of demand.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Shared Value in Utility and Efficiency Partnerships - Vermont Energy Investment Corporation

Author(s)
Nikki Kuhn, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Energize Phoenix,
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge,
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP),
Long Island Power Authority (LIPA),
Efficiency Vermont
Presentation that focuses on grantee program-utility partnership models.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Request for Proposals for Energy Efficiency Loan Products

Author(s)
Dan Curry, BetterBuildings for Greensboro
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
BetterBuildings for Greensboro

This presentation provides an overview of the lending RFP issued by the city of Greensboro's Better Buildings Program, including a description of the roles and responsibilities for the city and its financial partners.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

RePower Considers Business Model Options

Author(s)
RePower Bainbridge
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
The RePower programs in Washington State convened local community leaders, organizations, contractors, and program partners for a planning summit to consider the benefits and challenges of different business models for the post-grant period. Participants considered four models: non-profit organization, utility, county or city government, and private sector.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

City of Greensboro Request for Proposal: Business Process Management Information Technology Tool

Author(s)
BetterBuildings for Greensboro
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
BetterBuildings for Greensboro
Example Request for Proposal (RFP) to provide The City of Greensboro with an estimate for the work required to create a Business Process Management Information Technology Tool (BPM IT Tool) for a municipal energy efficiency project.
Resource - Program Materials

Sample RFP: Energy Efficiency Credit Enhancement Grant

Author(s)
State of Washington Department of Commerce
Publication Date
2009
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
A sample request for proposals from Washington state to develop an energy efficiency credit enhancement grant program.
Resource - Program Materials

Sample RFP: City of Bainbridge Island Energy Revolving Loan Fund/Loan Loss Reserve Administration

Author(s)
City of Bainbridge Island, Washington
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
A sample request for proposals from Bainbridge Island, Washington, related to establishing a revolving loan fund and loan loss reserve.
Resource - Program Materials

Sample RFP: Greensboro Energy Efficiency Loan Products

Author(s)
BetterBuildings for Greensboro
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
BetterBuildings for Greensboro

A sample RFP from Greensboro, North Carolina, for energy efficiency loan products.

Resource - Program Materials

Partnerships Can Benefit Energy Efficiency Programs and Utilities

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton

In this video interview segment, Yvonne Kraus of Conservation Services Group describes how program and utility partnerships can co-benefit each other.

Resource - Case Studies

Creating a Solid Foundation Takes Time and Patience

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Vermont

In this video interview segment, Emily Levin of Vermont Energy Investment Corporation talks about how there is no silver bullet and its about creating a new industry, which takes time.

Resource - Case Studies

Understanding Your Market

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton

In this video interview segment, Will Ranes of RePower Kitsap discusses the importance of understanding your market, including being able to speak the language of utilities and other key players.

Resource - Case Studies

Understanding Your Market Through Research and Testing

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Efficiency Vermont

In this video interview segment, Emily Levin of Vermont Energy Investment Corporation shares the importance of market research.

Resource - Case Studies

Messaging to Motivate

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
RePower Kitsap,
RePower Bainbridge,
RePower Bremerton
In this video interview segment, Yvonne Kraus of Conservation Services Group in Bainbridge Island, Washington, discusses why the RePower program created multiple branding and messaging themes.
Resource - Case Studies

Content Type

  • Resource (30)
  • Tips for Success (2)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (11)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (16)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (2)
  • Marketing & Outreach (11)
  • Financing (8)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (3)

Program Design Phases

  • Overview (1)
  • Strategy Development (32)
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States or Territories

  • Alberta (1)
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Organizations or Programs

  • Enhabit (45)
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  • Efficiency Maine (19)
  • Michigan Saves (19)
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  • Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) (16)
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  • (-) Efficiency Vermont (15)
  • Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) (14)
  • (-) RePower Kitsap (14)
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  • Energy Impact Illinois (11)
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  • BetterBuildings for Michigan (9)
  • NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad (9)
  • Energy Trust of Oregon (8)
  • Focus on Energy (8)
  • Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) (8)
  • Mass Save (7)
  • Long Island Green Homes (6)
  • Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2) (6)
  • Texas LoanSTAR (6)
  • Arizona Public Service (APS) (5)
  • Cambridge Energy Alliance (5)
  • Energize Phoenix (5)
  • Energy Outreach Colorado (5)
  • NeighborWorks of Western Vermont (5)
  • Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) (5)
  • Be SMART (4)
  • Build It Green (4)
  • Community Energy Challenge (4)
  • Denver Energy Challenge (4)
  • Efficiency Nova Scotia (4)
  • Energize Connecticut (4)
  • Kansas How$mart (4)
  • Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) (4)
  • Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) (4)
  • (-) BetterBuildings for Greensboro (3)
  • CharlestonWISE (3)
  • Home Energy Affordability Loan (HEAL) (3)
  • NOLA WISE (3)
  • Public Service of New Hampshire (3)
  • ShopSmart with JEA (3)
  • Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) (3)
Residential Program Guide is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office.
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