What’s Next for Whole House Energy Program Designs? Suzanne Sebastian, Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility Katherine Johnson, Johnson Consulting Group

A bit of Background DESEU: Non-profit organization offering a one-stop resource Home Performance with Energy Star since 2010 HP Program Evaluation & Benchmarking Study in 2016

Whole House Energy Program Design Great Idea Holistic Approach Deep Savings Opportunities Difficult to implement Lots of moving parts Concerns about costs Results in lower participation

Challenge: How to simplify the program design Results Adapting Evolving

Numbers of Interviews Completed HPwES Sponsors/Former Sponsors 3 DOE Staff 3 HPwES Implementers 2 Subject Matter Experts 2 Total 10

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR in 2016 (Source: https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/improvements/professionals/activity)

Rebate strategies: prescriptive to a performance-based approach This change is already occurring in several HPwES Programs, including those offered by EmPOWER Maryland and Focus on Energy. Other program sponsors are also considering making these changes as a way to increase the focus on more comprehensive energy efficiency projects.

HPwES program offerings consolidated under one umbrella. Several programs are already simplifying by moving offering of a “one-stop-shop” offering programs to customers regardless of their income level. Examples include NYSERDA which work with one pool of approved contractors and it will serve as one point of entry for customers.

Encouraging more HVAC contractor participation. Many HPwES programs are actively recruiting HVAC contractors. This new strategy is allowing customers to pursue HVAC upgrades first, or in conjunction with air and duct sealing installations. This approach may lead customers to install more comprehensive retrofits.

Offering concierge-type models to assist customers. Support High-touch models NYSERDA’s Assisted HPwES Program’s increased participation among low income households because they received ongoing support from the local CBOs. Idaho Power’s Weatherization Solutions Program relies on installers from four private contracting firms.

Creating specific measure bundles that include financing and rebates. Decision Costs Rebates Financing

DESEU’s Approach Now & Going Forward Concierge Service - Delaware Home Energy Advisors More HVAC - HVAC plus Home Audit gets rebates Umbrella Program - HP, Assisted HP, Downtown HP Bundled Offering - Rebates plus financing seamlessly NOW Concierge Service - Contractor Ranking & Rating System Umbrella Program - Adding Home Energy Check ups Future

For More Information Suzanne E. Sebastian Program Manager Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility Email: suzanne.sebastian@deseu.org Website: www.energizedelaware.org Katherine Johnson President Johnson Consulting Group Email: kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com Website: www.johnsonconsults.com