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Adapt your business model to fit your external environment

To develop a successful business model, Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found it critical to have a strong understanding of the external environment within which they operated. This included who their customers were, who their competitors and partners were, what key policies governed...
Tips for Success

Contractors are your sales team – educate and empower them with the skills to sell home energy upgrades

Many home performance programs have confronted the challenge of how to reach out to more customers and to improve conversion rates of customer interest into completed upgrades. Realizing that the contractor is a primary face-to-face link between customers and the program, some Better Buildings...
Tips for Success

Measure and evaluate performance at key points in the process

Measuring performance at key points in the upgrade process (e.g., assessments, conversion rates, and financing applications) has helped programs understand where their processes are working smoothly and where they are not. This information has helped them continuously improve their program design...
Tips for Success

Revolving Loan Fund Basics and Best Practices

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2009
Organizations or Programs
Texas LoanSTAR,
Montana Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program
This webcast featured four presentations providing examples and best practices for revolving loan funds.
Resource - Webcast

Incorporating Behavior Change Efforts Into Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge,
EnergyWorks KC

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on how programs use behavior change strategies to reduce energy use.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Cost-Effectiveness Tests and Measuring Like a Utility

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge,
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on evaluating and demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of energy upgrades to programs.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Program Course Corrections Based on Evaluation Results

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge

This peer exchange call summary focused on effective program evaluation and incorporating changes into programs based off evaluation insight.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Pay As You Save (PAYS) Tariffed On-Utility Bill Efficiency System

Author(s)
Paul Cillo, Energy Efficiency Institute, Inc.
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Stratford,
NH,
Public Service of New Hampshire,
Kansas How$mart,
Hawaiian Electric Company

Presentation providing an overview of the PAYS financial model, including information on risks and how to manage them, and successful program examples using the PAYS model.

Resource - Topical Presentations

Connecticut Workshop Survey

Author(s)
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
Short survey for Connecticut's Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge workshop participants. The workshop allowed the program to share its energy efficiency offerings with homeowners.
Resource - Templates & Forms

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

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

Leaders of the Pack: ACEEE's Third National Review of Exemplary Energy Efficiency Programs

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Columbia Gas of Ohio,
National Grid,
CenterPoint Energy,
Nicor Gas,
United Illuminating Company,
Eversource Energy,
Yankee Gas,
Connecticut Natural Gas,
Southern Connecticut Gas,
Xcel Energy,
Connecticut Natural Gas

This report presents the results of ACEEE's third national review or utility-funded energy efficiency programs, completed in 2013. The report identifies and profiles 63 leading programs that span the wide array of program types offered to utility customers, and highlights key trends and observations that emerged from reviewing these programs.

Resource - Publications

Revolving Loan Funds

Author(s)
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Publication Date
2009
Organizations or Programs
Texas LoanSTAR,
Utah Revolving Loan Fund for Schools,
Rhode Island Energy Revolving Loan Fund,
Ohio Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund,
Montana Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program,
Arizona Energy Loan Program,
Florida Conversion Revolving Loan Program,
Efficiency Kansas Revolving Loan Program,
North Carolina Energy Program
This report provides information for states intending to set up a new revolving loan fund for state energy programs.
Resource - Publications

Energy Efficiency Finance: Options and Roles for Utilities

Author(s)
Southwest Energy Efficiency Project
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Arizona Public Service (APS),
Enhabit,
Georgia How$mart,
Hawaiian Electric Company,
Kansas How$mart,
How$martKY,
Mass Save,
Public Service of New Hampshire,
Rural Energy Savings Program,
Sempra Energy Utilities,
United Illuminating

This report describes different approaches to energy efficiency finance taken by utilities.

Resource - Publications

Energy Efficiency Financing: Models and Strategies

Author(s)
The Energy Foundation
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
Maryland Clean Energy Center Home Owner Loan Program,
Texas LoanSTAR,
Colorado ENERGY STAR Homes,
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Energy Efficient Mortgage Program,
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) PowerSaver,
Community Preservation Corporation Green Financing Initiative,
New Resource Bank,
Sempra Utilities,
United Illuminating

Reviews and summarize energy efficiency financing models and strategies. Models are analyzed according to funding sources, program structures, limits to scale, repayment vehicles, and project risks. Strategies consider applicable building sectors, models, levels of establishment, growth potential, advantages, and disadvantages.

Resource - Publications

Clean Energy Financing Programs: A Decision Resource for States and Communities

Author(s)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Austin Energy,
Bridgeport Housing Authority Energy Efficiency,
City of Pendleton,
OR,
Enhabit,
ClimateSmart Initiative,
Colorado ENERGY STAR Homes,
Connecticut Solar Lease,
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
Long Island Green Homes,
Montana Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program,
Palm Desert Energy Independence Program,
Sonoma County Energy Independence Program,
Sustainable Connections: Energy Challenge,
Texas LoanSTAR

This U.S. Environmental Protection Agency resource is intended to help state and local governments design finance programs for their jurisdiction. It describes financing program options, key components of these programs, and factors to consider as they make decisions about getting started or updating their programs.

Resource - Publications

Shared Value in Utility and Efficiency Partnerships - Lessons in Perseverance, Flexibility and Mutual Respect

Author(s)
Kerry O'Neill, Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
Connecticut's Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge's perspective on their partnership with Northeast Utilities.
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

Listening to Consumer Behavior

Author(s)
Kat Donnelly, Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge
This presentation outlines the steps Connecticut's Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge program took to obtain and sort useful feedback from surveys and volunteer observations.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Technology Solutions and Programmatic Approaches: Driving Innovation in Residential Energy Efficiency Strategies

Author(s)
Kat Donnelly, EMpowerDevices,
Kerry O'Neill, Earth Markets
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge

Connecticut's Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge uses dashboards that display key project data for administrators and contractors to monitor progress over time. The program has evaluated performance at different steps in the process and identified strategies to improve performance where needed, such as sales training for contractors, energy advisors, monthly contractor scorecards, and multiple customer "touches." These improvements increased the close rate from 26 to 60 percent in one year.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

On-Bill Programs that Advance Multifamily Energy Efficiency

Author(s)
Green For All
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
MPower Oregon,
Kansas How$mart,
PSE&G New Jersey Multifamily Program,
Windsor Efficiency PAYS

This report highlights program and policy attributes that enable successful on-bill programs based on analysis of four program case studies.

Resource - Case Studies

State Energy Efficiency Loan Programs

Author(s)
Alliance to Save Energy
Publication Date
2009
Organizations or Programs
Texas LoanSTAR,
Kansas Energy Efficiency Program,
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP)
This brief focuses on loan programs in 30 states that are currently providing low- to no-interest loans to finance energy efficiency improvements--from energy-efficient windows to replacement HVAC systems--in the residential, business, and public sectors.
Resource - Case Studies

Content Type

  • Resource (19)
  • Tips for Success (3)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (3)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (7)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (6)
  • Marketing & Outreach (6)
  • Financing (10)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (1)

Program Design Phases

  • Overview (4)
  • Strategy Development (21)
  • (-) Planning (22)
  • Implementation (21)
  • Evaluation (21)

States or Territories

  • Alabama (1)
  • Arizona (2)
  • Arkansas (1)
  • California (5)
  • Colorado (2)
  • Connecticut (10)
  • Florida (1)
  • Georgia (1)
  • Hawaii (2)
  • Illinois (1)
  • Kansas (1)
  • Maine (1)
  • Maryland (1)
  • Massachusetts (1)
  • Michigan (1)
  • Mississippi (1)
  • Missouri (1)
  • Nebraska (1)
  • New Hampshire (1)
  • New York (1)
  • Ohio (2)
  • Oregon (2)
  • Pennsylvania (1)
  • Texas (2)
  • Vermont (1)
  • Virginia (1)
  • Wisconsin (1)

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.
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