Skip to main content
Energy.gov Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Residential Program Guide
  • About
  • Common Topics

Secondary

  • Explore Residential Guide
    • Handbook Index
    • Program Components
    • Program Design Phases
  • Resources
    • Quick Answers
    • Proven Practices
    • Energy Data Facts
    • Tips For Success
    • Resource Library
    • Glossary
  • Tech Solutions
    • About Tech Solutions
    • HVAC
    • Heat Pump Water Heater

Breadcrumbs

EERE » Residential Program Guide » Common Search Topics » Search by Topic

Page title

Search by Topic

Showing results 1 - 30 of 30

Develop data collection and evaluation plans in conjunction with program design

Many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that it was important to communicate during the program design phase with organizations and individuals that will collect or supply data for the evaluation. In this way, the involved individuals and organizations understand why the data is...
Tips for Success

Establish data sharing relationships as early as possible

Though potentially challenging, establishing relationships for sharing energy consumption data is critical for evaluating program impact on energy and cost savings. Many Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found success by approaching utilities during the program planning phase, or at...
Tips for Success

Set realistic expectations for launching and scaling up your program

Many program administrators have found that launching and scaling up a program often takes longer than planned for, especially when forming partnerships with contractors and lenders. New energy efficiency programs often need at least 2-3 years to launch and become fully operational. Across programs...
Tips for Success

Develop partnerships based on an alignment of goals, strong collaboration, and consistent communication

Programs that have developed strong and lasting partnerships have done so by identifying shared goals and seeking ways in which programs and partners can mutually benefit by advancing each other's missions. Even if partners don’t have the same goals as your program, you can still try to find ways to...
Tips for Success

Help contractors understand the program’s financing options and benefits, so they can communicate to homeowners

Homeowners do not benefit from access to financing if they don’t know about or understand options available to them. Contractors are often the primary transaction point for selling upgrades, and many programs have found that ongoing collaboration with contractors through sales training, regular...
Tips for Success

Part III: Keeping it Going: Financing Options for your Clean Energy Programs

Author(s)
Neelam Patel, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Pat McGuckin, The Cadmus Group, Inc.,
Niko Dietsch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Keith Canfield, Clinton Climate Initiative,
James Christensen and Yvette Rincon, City of Sacramento, California
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD),
Home Energy Affordability Loan (HEAL)
This webcast (Part III of a three-part series) covers how to choose and implement financing options that meet local needs.
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

Generating Demand for Multifamily Building Upgrades

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2015
Organizations or Programs
Focus on Energy,
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD),
Mass Save

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on approaches to generate demand for energy efficiency upgrades at multifamily buildings.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Contractor Sales Training

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
EnergyWorks,
Efficiency Maine,
BetterBuildings for Michigan

This peer exchange call summary focused on sales training assistance programs for contractors.

Resource - Topical Presentations

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

Collaborating With Utilities on Residential Energy Efficiency

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP),
EnergyWorks

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how a residential energy efficiency program can work with, for or as utilities.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Mastermind Session: EnergyWorks Philadelphia

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
EnergyWorks

This peer exchange call summary focused on loan product structure and using market research to identify candidates for upgrades of occupied commercial buildings.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Strategies to Address Split Incentives in Multifamily Buildings

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

This peer exchange call summary focused on strategies and challenges of working with rental property owners and tenants on multifamily upgrades.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Program Management and Continuous Improvement for Financing Programs

Author(s)
Chris Lohmann, U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
emPowerSBC,
EnergySmart Colorado

Presentation providing an overview of financing programs, a strategy for continuous improvement, tools for program management, a risk management strategy, and common risks associated with financing programs.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Current Practices in Efficiency Financing: An Overview for State and Local Governments

Author(s)
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Publication Date
2016
Organizations or Programs
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
Kansas How$mart,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Michigan Saves,
Texas LoanSTAR,
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD),
Nebraska Dollar and Energy Savings Program

This report is a guide to all customer-facing financing products—products offered by a lender directly to a borrower—used to pay for energy efficiency. Intended for state and local governments that are deciding whether to start a new program, tune up and existing program, or create a Green Bank, it provides information on the full range of financing product options for target participants, the tradeoffs of various products, and potential advantages and disadvantages for different types of customers.

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

State and Regional Policies that Promote Energy Efficiency Programs Carried out by Electric and Gas Utilities

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2007
Organizations or Programs
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Flex Your Power Program,
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD),
Focus on Energy,
Austin Energy
This report provides comprehensive information on state, federal, local, and utility incentives and policies that are in place to support renewable energy and energy efficiency.
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

What Have We Learned from Energy Efficiency Financing Programs?

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD),
Enhabit

This report presents results, recommendations, and case studies of energy efficiency financing programs.

Resource - Publications

Energy Efficiency Residential Marketing Keep it Simple. Keep it Focused.

Author(s)
Nancy L. Hohns, EnergyWorks
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
EnergyWorks
This presentation describes the brand, messaging strategy, and campaign tactics used by Philadelphia EnergyWorks to reach its target audience.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

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

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

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

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

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

Marketing and Outreach Partnerships

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
EnergyWorks
In this video interview segment, Liz Robinson with EnergyWorks in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, talks about the faith-based partnerships EnergyWorks developed to help promote the program.
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

In the City of Brotherly Love, Sharing Know-How Leads to Sustainability

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
EnergyWorks
Philadelphia EnergyWorks helped sustain future programs by sharing marketing insights and program data with a local utility partner.
Resource - Case Studies

Content Type

  • Resource (25)
  • Tips for Success (5)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (9)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (9)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (4)
  • Marketing & Outreach (10)
  • Financing (9)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (2)

Program Design Phases

  • Overview (5)
  • Strategy Development (34)
  • (-) Planning (30)
  • Implementation (29)
  • Evaluation (11)

States or Territories

  • Arizona (2)
  • California (8)
  • Colorado (2)
  • Florida (2)
  • Georgia (2)
  • Hawaii (1)
  • Illinois (1)
  • Indiana (1)
  • Kansas (1)
  • Louisiana (1)
  • Maine (1)
  • Maryland (1)
  • Massachusetts (2)
  • Michigan (2)
  • Mississippi (1)
  • Nebraska (1)
  • New York (2)
  • Ohio (2)
  • Oregon (2)
  • Pennsylvania (11)
  • Texas (2)
  • Virginia (4)
  • Washington (11)
  • Wisconsin (2)

Organizations or Programs

  • Enhabit (45)
  • Energy Upgrade California (29)
  • Austin Energy (27)
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (26)
  • Efficiency Maine (19)
  • Michigan Saves (19)
  • Elevate Energy (18)
  • Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) (16)
  • RePower Bainbridge (16)
  • Efficiency Vermont (15)
  • Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) (14)
  • RePower Kitsap (14)
  • EnergySmart (13)
  • (-) RePower Bremerton (13)
  • Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge (12)
  • Energy Impact Illinois (11)
  • EnergySmart Colorado (11)
  • Community Power Works (10)
  • (-) EnergyWorks (10)
  • 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.
Contact | Building Technologies Office

OFFICE of
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

Forrestal Building
1000 Independence Ave. SW
Washington DC 20585

Link to Facebook Link to Twitter Link to Youtube Link to Linkedin

An office of

Energy.Gov

About EERE

Careers and Internships

EERE Home

Publications Library

Contact EERE

Energy.gov Resources

Budget & Performance

Directives, Delegations & Requirements

FOIA

Inspector General

Privacy Program

Small Business

Staff & Contractor Resources

Federal Government

The White House

USA.gov

  • Web Policies
  • Privacy
  • No Fear Act
  • Whistleblower Protection
  • Information Quality
  • Open Gov
  • Accessibility
  • Vulnerability Disclosure Program