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Leverage the many complementary benefits of energy efficiency programs to broaden your organization’s reach and partnership opportunities

Home energy assessments and upgrades can offer more than just energy savings benefits. They can make homes safer, enhance home value, and reduce health risks for residents. Better Buildings Neighborhood Program partners found that emphasizing the full range of benefits that upgrades offered helped...
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

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

Coordinating Energy Efficiency With Water Conservation Services

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
EnergyWorks KC,
Austin Energy

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on strategies and advantages of combining energy and water conservation services.

Resource - Topical Presentations

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

Programs: Operating as a Prime Contractor

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
SustainableWorks,
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA),
CharlestonWISE

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on the challenges, strategies and advantages of  operating as a prime contractor.

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

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

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

Home Energy Makeover Contests: Who Are the Winners and Losers in Motivating Existing Homeowners to Make "Whole House" Energy Saving Improvements

Author(s)
UtilityExchange.org,
Building Performance Institute
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Atlanta SHINE,
DecaturWISE,
CharlestonWISE,
Enhabit,
Energy Upgrade California,
Help My House,
FirstEnergy,
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP),
NOLA WISE

This paper first details industry best practices for contest administration, including tips for developing an overall contest plan and timeline, product sponsor recruitment, building a dynamic informational website, maximizing customer participation, selecting the winning home, seamless installation management, capturing and documenting project results, conducting a high profile media open house and facilitating customer workshops that educate homeowners and strengthen trade ally relationships. This paper then presents results and key lessons learned from more than 20 contests supported with funds from local community sustainability programs, utility energy efficiency programs, and U.S. Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds between 2008 and 2012.

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

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

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

City of Greensboro Better Buildings Project: Market Assessment

Author(s)
Environmental Finance Center at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
BetterBuildings for Greensboro
This market assessment for the City of Greensboro, North Carolina identifies the customers and potential demand for an energy efficiency upgrade financing program.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Expanding North Carolina Energy Efficiency and Renewable Lending Programs: Market Snapshot

Author(s)
Environmental Finance Center at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
BetterBuildings for Greensboro,
Charlotte NC,
CarrboroWISE,
Chapel Hill WISE,
Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA),
Raleigh NC,
Asheville NC

This market assessment evaluates lending options for funding energy efficiency upgrades in North Carolina.

Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Using Data to Monitor Market Transformation - Charleston WISE

Author(s)
Betsy Kleinfelder, The Sustainability Institute
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
CharlestonWISE
As part of its "intentional learning" process, Charleston WISE collects information from homeowners that helps the program systematically test assumptions and implement continuous improvement.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

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

Program Design Flowchart for Greensboro, North Carolina

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

Example of a program design flowchart showing key steps and relationships for the energy efficiency program in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Resource - Program Materials

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 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

Content Type

  • Resource (23)
  • Tips for Success (1)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (10)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (12)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (1)
  • Marketing & Outreach (8)
  • Financing (6)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (1)

Program Design Phases

  • (-) Strategy Development (24)
  • Planning (23)
  • Implementation (24)
  • Evaluation (8)

States or Territories

  • Alberta (1)
  • Arizona (2)
  • British Columbia (1)
  • California (8)
  • Connecticut (2)
  • DC (1)
  • Florida (1)
  • Georgia (1)
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  • Illinois (1)
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Organizations or Programs

  • Enhabit (43)
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  • Energy Upgrade California (23)
  • New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (22)
  • Michigan Saves (19)
  • Efficiency Maine (18)
  • RePower Bainbridge (18)
  • Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) (16)
  • Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) (15)
  • RePower Bremerton (14)
  • RePower Kitsap (14)
  • (-) Efficiency Vermont (13)
  • EnergyWorks (13)
  • Community Power Works (12)
  • Connecticut Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge (12)
  • Elevate Energy (12)
  • EnergySmart Colorado (12)
  • Energy Impact Illinois (11)
  • Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) (10)
  • NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad (10)
  • EnergySmart (9)
  • Focus on Energy (7)
  • BetterBuildings for Michigan (6)
  • Denver Energy Challenge (6)
  • Long Island Green Homes (6)
  • NeighborWorks of Western Vermont (6)
  • Texas LoanSTAR (6)
  • Be SMART (5)
  • (-) BetterBuildings for Greensboro (5)
  • Energy Outreach Colorado (5)
  • Energy Trust of Oregon (5)
  • Mass Save (5)
  • Milwaukee Energy Efficiency (Me2) (5)
  • Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) (5)
  • ShopSmart with JEA (5)
  • Arizona Public Service (APS) (4)
  • Cambridge Energy Alliance (4)
  • Energize Phoenix (4)
  • Kansas How$mart (4)
  • NOLA WISE (4)
  • Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) (4)
  • Build It Green (3)
  • (-) CharlestonWISE (3)
  • Community Energy Challenge (3)
  • (-) EnergyWorks KC (3)
  • Green Works Orlando (3)
  • Home Energy Affordability Loan (HEAL) (3)
  • Public Service of New Hampshire (3)
  • Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) (3)
  • SustainableWorks (3)
Residential Program Guide is a resource of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office.
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