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 - 21 of 21

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

Incentivize the action you want your customer to take

Successful programs know that it is not enough to get customers interested in their services. They know that homeowners that receive assessments but don’t undertake upgrades don’t receive the benefits of energy efficiency—and programs don’t get credit for energy savings. Instead of emphasizing...
Tips for Success

Provide customers with a single point of contact to help them through the upgrade process

While homeowners may be interested in the benefits of an energy upgrade, many are deterred from completing an upgrade project because of the complex and unknown process. Often, a significant portion of homeowners who receive energy assessments do not continue with the upgrades. As part of the Better...
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

Follow through with customers

Following up on leads that result from your marketing and outreach efforts quickly and consistently will help your program convert them from interested parties to satisfied customers. Many programs found a sizable drop-off in action if they or their contractors were not able to follow up within a...
Tips for Success

Engage media to garner attention and credibility

Many successful programs found that getting media attention for their offerings and benefits helped add credibility to marketing efforts and expand their reach. By positioning "green" stories or home improvement mini-segments on local television or radio stations, they provided timely content that...
Tips for Success

Leveraging Partnerships with Faith-Based Organizations

Author(s)
Rev. Fletcher Harper, GreenFaith,
Paul C. Raver, Jr., Green Market Solutions,
Alexis Chase, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Georgia Interfaith Power & Light's Power Wise,
GreenFaith,
Maryland Home Performance with ENERGY STAR,
New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR,
PSE&G Whole House Energy Efficiency Program
This webcast explores how faith-based organizations and their partners have used energy efficiency as an organizing motivator to upgrade the institutional building and then members' homes.
Resource - Webcast

Quality Assurance Strategies

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA)

This peer exchange call summary focused on the challenges and effective combinations of quality assurance strategies.

Resource - Topical Presentations

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

Leveraging Service Calls and Emergency Repairs for Energy Efficiency Marketing

Author(s)
U.S. Department of Energy
Publication Date
2014
Organizations or Programs
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA)

This summary from a Better Buildings Residential Network peer exchange call focused on driving demand for energy efficiency by leveraging service calls and emergency repairs.

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

Unique Fee-for-Service Revenues

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

This peer exchange call summary focused on unique fee-for-service revenues as related to program sustainability.

Resource - Topical Presentations

The Energy Efficiency Market in the Greater Cincinnati Region: Energy Savings Potential and Strategies to Improve Performance of Residential and Nonprofit Buildings

Author(s)
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy,
University of Cincinnati Economics Center
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA)

This report analyzes the energy efficiency opportunity presented to the greater Cincinnati region. Analysis of the region and the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA) programs shows potential energy cost savings, including positive cash flow from energy cost savings that consistently exceed loan payments, for both residential and nonprofit participants. Investment in energy efficiency could make counties more competitive, create jobs, reduce pollution, and help homeowners and nonprofits make cross-cutting building improvements.

Resource - Publications

Best Practices for Energy Retrofit Program Design: Business Models Recommendations

Author(s)
Home Performance Resource Center
Publication Date
2010
Organizations or Programs
Austin Energy,
Long Island Green Homes,
New Jersey Home Performance with ENERGY STAR,
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA),
Enhabit

This paper, which is based on detailed case studies of nine existing state and local programs, presents recommendations for energy upgrade programs to facilitate industry growth and support contractor business models.

Resource - Publications

Reactions to the Residential Retrofit Roundtable Recommendations

Author(s)
Richard Faesy and Chris Kramer, Energy Futures Group (Prepared for the Energy Foundation)
Publication Date
2013
Organizations or Programs
Enhabit,
Michigan Saves,
BetterBuildings for Michigan,
Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP),
NeighborWorks H.E.A.T. Squad,
Energy Works,
Keystone Home Energy Loan Program (HELP),
Efficiency Maine,
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA)

This report explores the approaches and research needs identified in the Building Retrofit Industry and Market (BRIM) Initiative through in-depth discussion with residential energy upgrade experts including a discussion of Marketing & Outreach and the program/contractor interface.

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

Overview of Marketing Methods for Local Retrofit Programs

Author(s)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Cambridge Energy Alliance,
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA),
Neighborhood Energy Action Partnership,
WeatherizeDC
This report shares strategies for marketing local energy efficiency programs, particularly through focused messaging, leveraging partnerships, and social media.
Resource - Publications

What's Working in Residential Energy Efficiency Upgrade Programs: Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance

Author(s)
Andy Holzhauser, Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA)
Presentation on the organization, funding structure, and market focus of the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance.
Resource - Program Presentations & Reports

Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance 2012 Green Business Award

Author(s)
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance
Publication Date
2012
Organizations or Programs
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA)
This article promotes the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance's 2012 U.S. Green Building Council /Business Courier Green Business Award for Education/Outreach Ð Nonprofit. The award celebrated the program's outreach approach of reaching out to homeowners directly through community engagement and neighborhood canvassing.
Resource - Program Materials

Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance: Strategic Plan

Author(s)
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance
Publication Date
2011
Organizations or Programs
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance (GCEA)
This strategic plan describes the goals, objectives, market, and business model for the Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance's energy efficiency program and service offerings.
Resource - Program Materials

Content Type

  • Resource (15)
  • Tips for Success (6)

Resource Type

Program Components

  • Market Position & Business Model (7)
  • Program Design & Customer Experience (6)
  • Evaluation & Data Collection (2)
  • Marketing & Outreach (6)
  • Financing (2)
  • Contractor Engagement & Workforce Development (1)

Program Design Phases

  • Overview (5)
  • (-) Strategy Development (21)
  • Planning (19)
  • Implementation (24)
  • Evaluation (9)

States or Territories

  • California (2)
  • Colorado (3)
  • Connecticut (2)
  • Florida (2)
  • Kansas (1)
  • Louisiana (1)
  • Michigan (3)
  • Missouri (2)
  • New Jersey (2)
  • Ohio (12)
  • Oregon (5)
  • Pennsylvania (1)
  • South Carolina (1)
  • Texas (3)
  • Vermont (1)
  • Virginia (1)
  • Washington (1)

Organizations or Programs

  • Enhabit (43)
  • Austin Energy (28)
  • 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.
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