The Trump administration’s megabill will have sweeping consequences across many sectors, including energy efficiency. Recent analysis from Energy Innovation shows that the bill “as passed would increase annual energy bills by $20 billion across all American households annually in 2030, swelling to more than $37 billion in higher energy costs by 2035, for a total of $170 billion during the budget window of 2025 to 2034.” Further data from the National Economic Research Associates shows an 8.3% increase in Virginia electricity bills by 2029 from the loss of tax credits alone.
As enacted, the megabill sunsets a number of energy efficiency tax credits that were introduced in the 1970s and significantly expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The tax credits sunset on different dates as outlined below:
- Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit (25C)- December 31, 2025
- New Home Construction (45L) tax credit- June 30, 2026
- Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings (179D) tax credit- June 30, 2026
Since the passage of the IRA, these tax credits have driven millions of dollars of investment in Virginia and save homeowners an average of $130 per year on energy bills.
Additional provisions of the megabill:
- Rescinds all unobligated funds for the State-Based Training Residential Energy Efficiency Contractor (TREC) program. Virginia TREC funds were not obligated prior to passage of the megabill, therefore the commonwealth will miss out on receiving $3.4M in dedicated funds to expand the energy efficiency workforce.
- Repeals the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), including the National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF), the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator (CCIA), and Solar for All. According to other advocacy groups, this could lead – or even require – EPA to terminate existing contracts. Virginia has already received funding for Solar for All, so it is uncertain how that program will proceed.
- Rescinds all unobligated funds for the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. While state CPRG funds have been received, local and Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) projects may be affected.
- Rescinds unobligated funds for the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), which funds critical upgrades in low-income housing on two projects in Virginia, along with others across the country. It is unclear if the GRRP projects in Hampton Roads have been completed and, as such, would be affected by this bill.
- Foreign Entity of Concern (FEOC) provisions will limit the use of credits on projects or companies with ties to certain nations, including China. The requirements for this provision are extremely unclear and need further definition by the Treasury and IRS. However, as written, these provisions could cause prices on goods and materials to skyrocket as well as extreme delays in production. FEOC restrictions will take effect on projects started after January 1, 2026
While these developments will affect some sectors of the energy efficiency industry in Virginia, the following programs are not touched by the megabill at all:
- Home Energy Rebate Program funds
- Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grants (EECBG)
- Renew America’s Schools, though the effects of the FEOC may present challenges to these projects.
Update as of 7/9: DOE announced their plan to release $400M in Weatherization Assistance Program funds. These funds are allocated on an annual, formula basis but had not been disbursed to some grantees earlier in the year. While there is no timeline on when providers will receive the money, this announcement is a step in the right direction. However, to align with the President’s earlier Executive Orders, an additional memo removes requirements that WAP energy audits include non-energy impacts regarding the social cost of carbon. This is a provision the provider networks had been pushing for years as it allows for additional improvements to the health and safety of the home.
Regarding the future of Energy STAR, the program is in a better position than initially thought. The Energy STAR program is statutorily required to exist, therefore the likelihood that it will be eliminated is low. The most likely scenarios at this time are for EPA to implement a fee-for-service model, transfer the program to DOE with budget and staff, or privatize the program. Energy STAR is still operating as usual and will continue to do so unless directed otherwise.
Despite the challenges, the fight is not over. VAEEC Member, the Alliance to Save Energy predicts that there will be another tax package presented to Congress later this year, which will present another opportunity to advocate for the energy efficiency tax credits and other programs. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.
In the first two posts of this series, we looked at the foundation of energy efficiency messaging and how to tailor that message to different audiences. But even the most compelling story or value proposition can fall flat if it’s delivered at the wrong time. Timing isn’t just about when your message goes out; it’s about when your audience is most ready to hear it.
Energy efficiency often becomes top-of-mind when people are reacting to a problem, a spike in their utility bill, an aging HVAC system, or a sweltering heatwave. These are the moments when messaging can feel most relevant and most likely to drive action.
“People search for energy efficiency opportunities in a reactive state of mind,” said Rad Tollet from Brand Federation. That means we need to be proactive. Anticipate seasonal pain points, like the start of summer or winter, and use those moments to promote energy-saving programs or resources before people feel the strain.
Use the Calendar to Your Advantage:
Planning around seasonal or situational triggers can help your message land:
- Spring and fall: Prime time to promote energy audits, insulation, and HVAC tune-ups.
- Tax season: Remind audiences about credits and rebates tied to energy efficiency upgrades.
- Move-in/back-to-school seasons: Reach renters and new homeowners with simple, low-cost solutions.
Align Timing with Platform
How you deliver the message matters just as much as when. Newsletters may resonate with homeowners. Text alerts or targeted social ads might better reach renters or younger audiences. And in historically underserved communities, trusted local partners, like non-profits, schools, or neighborhood leaders, may be your best messengers.
Repetition Builds Recognition
Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself, thoughtfully. People rarely act the first time they see a message. Use a mix of channels, voices, and formats to keep the message fresh while reinforcing your core point. Repetition builds recognition, and recognition builds trust.
As West Cary Group noted, effective campaigns plan for the full customer journey, not just a single impression. The key is showing up consistently and meaningfully, not just loudly.
Test, Learn, and Adjust
Timing isn’t a perfect science. Track when and how people are engaging with your messages, opens, clicks, participation rates, and feedback, and use those insights to improve. Over time, you’ll gain a clearer picture of what matters most to your audience and when.
Throughout this series, we’ve explored the foundations of energy efficiency messaging: how to make it relatable, how to tailor it for different audiences, and how to time it for the most impact. These strategies are more than just communication tips; they’re tools to help build trust, drive engagement, and ultimately, help more people benefit from energy efficiency.
We hope our Effective Communication, Efficient Energy blog series sparked ideas, offered useful insights, and gave you a strong foundation to build from, whether you’re launching a campaign, crafting an outreach plan, or simply looking for ways to connect with your community.
In last week’s post, we explored the importance of starting with the basics, what energy efficiency is, and why people should care. However, knowing what to say is only half the battle. If we want energy efficiency messaging to resonate, we have to consider who we’re speaking to. Different audiences have different needs, motivations, and frustrations, and our messaging needs to reflect that.
Be Curious:
Energy efficiency isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. What resonates with a homeowner may not connect with a renter, small business owner, or contractor. That’s why understanding your audience is the key to making any message stick.
Communications professionals stress the importance of starting with simple, grounded questions:
“What behavior are we asking them to change, and what’s in it for them? Is it about cost savings, environmental impacts, comfort, control, or something else entirely?” said a representative from West Cary Group.
The answers to these questions can shift dramatically depending on the audience. Contractors and installers, for example, are on the front lines of bringing energy efficiency technologies into homes and businesses. Messaging for them should highlight opportunities for professional growth, available training, financial incentives, and how offering energy-efficient solutions can help them stand out in a competitive market. Meanwhile, low-income renters may feel they have limited control over their energy use. But with the right approach, messaging can make them aware of rebates, tax credits, or community programs that can directly lower their bills and improve comfort, at little or no cost. In both cases, tailoring the message to the audience’s unique circumstances makes engagement and action much more likely.
Once these foundational questions are answered, the next step is developing insights that shape the entire communication strategy.
West Cary Group recommends using a strategic brief that incorporates four core elements:
A deep human truth: What do people believe or feel about the topic, often beneath the surface?
Example: “I’m tired of being targeted and everything feels like a sales pitch, not something that’s actually for me.”
The tension: What’s the barrier or contradiction keeping them from acting?
Example: They distrust utility or government programs that promise benefits but feel like marketing spin.
A fresh idea: What’s a motivating angle that reframes the topic and opens the door for action?
Example: This isn’t a pitch, it’s an opportunity you already paid into.
The solution: What role does the campaign play in shifting perception or behavior?
Example: Frame energy efficiency programs as a benefit customers have earned and highlight real testimonials or neighbor-led stories to shift the tone from promotion to empowerment. At its core, effective messaging isn’t about convincing people; it’s about connecting with them. By starting with the audience’s lived experience, acknowledging their skepticism, and offering clear, personal benefits, energy efficiency becomes a real solution and less of a technical buzzword.
Next week, we’ll explore how timing and delivery can make or break a message. Even the best crafted message can fall flat if it arrives at the wrong moment. We’ll dive into how strategic timing and multi-channel delivery can help ensure your message lands when your audience is most ready to listen.
Why Energy Efficiency?
The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council lives and breathes energy efficiency; however, we recognise that it is a subject most people are not familiar with. Acknowledging this communication gap, the VAEEC is exploring how to best discuss and promote energy efficiency. To guide this work, we interviewed local public relations firms and communications professionals for our June blog series: Effective Communication, Efficient Energy. Each post will build upon the last, sharing key insights, guiding principles, and best practices for communicating a complex topic like energy efficiency to a broad audience.
The What and the Why
When introducing a topic most people aren’t already familiar with, it’s important to start with the basics: What is it, and why should your audience care? Energy efficiency advocates are passionate and informed, but the general public? Not always. SEO data backs this up; most people don’t seek out energy efficiency information until something happens to them, like a surprise high electric bill or the dreaded HVAC breakdown.
“People search for energy efficiency opportunities in a reactive state of mind,” said Rad Tollet from Brand Federation.
So, how do we take that knowledge and run with it?
Communication professionals recommend that we anticipate those pain points and promote energy efficiency programs, resources, and messaging right before peak moments, like the start of summer or winter, when bills often spike. Then we tailor the message to reflect what our audience cares about: saving money. If we want people to see the value of energy efficiency, we have to show it through real-life examples of how it impacts people just like them. Not in abstract numbers or policy jargon, but in stories that reflect their day-to-day realities and frustrations.
This kind of storytelling is strategy, and it’s the foundation of the most effective messaging in the energy world today.
That’s why effective energy efficiency messaging often starts with a simple premise: “This helps people just like you.” Instead of focusing on the technical benefits or environmental impact, though those matter too, we lead with how it can make a difference in someone’s daily life.
“We always start by reframing the message from the reader’s point of view, what would make this feel relevant or actionable?” said a representative from the West Cary Group.
Maybe it’s a single mom who cut her energy bill in half after a home weatherization project. Or a retiree who avoided a costly HVAC replacement thanks to a free energy audit. These kinds of stories show that energy efficiency isn’t just a policy buzzword; it’s a way to save money, reduce stress, and make homes more comfortable and resilient. When people see themselves reflected in the message, they’re more likely to trust it. They’re more likely to take action, and most importantly, they begin to understand that energy efficiency isn’t something abstract or out of reach; it’s a tool that can improve their quality of life, right now.
Several communication professionals recommended searching for and promoting success stories to demonstrate that energy efficiency programs can and will save you money. By highlighting the human impact, we can see how these programs help people save, shifting energy efficiency from an abstract concept to an everyday solution. The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council launched its Energizing Efficiency Campaign in 2023 to do exactly that. By uplifting success stories across the Commonwealth, we hope to enlighten our audience to the numerous benefits of energy efficiency. Applications are currently open and will close on August 4th, 2025. Click here to submit your success story!
But knowing what to say is only half the challenge. Next week, we’ll dive into who you’re speaking to and how to shape your message so it resonates. From renters and homeowners to business owners and community leaders, energy efficiency messaging is most effective when it meets people where they are.
The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) recently hosted the Energizing Efficiency Webinar, an engaging and insightful event that celebrated past Energizing Campaign participants and their energy efficiency projects impacting Virginia, as well as the launch of VAEEC’s 2025 Energizing Efficiency Campaign. Held on Tuesday, February 19th, 2025, this webinar brought together three expert speakers and compelling projects. The event kicked off with an introduction to the VAEEC, and our work as a leading voice for energy efficiency since 2012.
Our first speaker was Jessica Greene, Virginia Energy’s Energy Outreach Coordinator. Jessica started with a history lesson on the Energizing Efficiency Campaign, which invites submissions from across the Commonwealth to highlight impactful energy-saving projects. This campaign provides a platform for all projects—big or small—to showcase their contributions to energy efficiency. She emphasized Virginia Energy’s intent to participate in the 2025 campaign and promoted the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Sub-Grants for local governments.
Samantha Hudson, Sustainability Division Director at Henrico County, detailed the impressive sustainability measures integrated into five of Henrico County’s Libraries, which achieved LEED Gold certification in 2021. Key features of the libraries include enhanced energy efficiency, reduced energy use by approximately 50% compared to the baseline model, improved indoor air quality, daylight accessibility, and sustainable materials. All features contribute to decreasing the building’s carbon footprint. Her presentation included multiple gorgeous photos of the Fairfield Library, which she encouraged participants to visit if they could.
Bryan Burris, Vice President of Energy Conservation at project:HOMES, presented their weatherization efforts on Tangier Island, a remote community in the Chesapeake Bay with limited access to resources. This project, supported by the Community Energy Innovation Prize, tackled key challenges such as high contractor costs and aging infrastructure. Notable achievements include training local subcontractors to sustain long-term efficiency improvements, as well as upgrading insulation, air sealing, and HVAC systems to enhance energy conservation.
The Energizing Efficiency Webinar successfully highlighted the VAEEC’s commitment to energy conservation, innovation, and community engagement. The event not only provided a platform to showcase impactful projects but also reinforced the importance of sustainable practices in shaping a more energy efficient future. With initiatives like the 2025 Energizing Efficiency Campaign now underway, we continue to lead the charge in making energy efficiency a cornerstone of its clean energy vision.
The Virginia Energy Efficiency Council (VAEEC) applauds E4TheFuture and Building Performance Association’s 2024 Energy Efficiency Jobs in America report, highlighting the significant role of energy efficiency in Virginia’s energy landscape. With 76,685 jobs, energy efficiency stands as the largest energy sector in the Commonwealth. Energy efficiency jobs encompass a wide range of activities, including the manufacturing and installation of high-efficiency systems, design and construction of high-performance buildings, and the upgrading of HVAC and water heating equipment. Notably, 94.5% of Virginia’s energy efficiency businesses are small enterprises with fewer than 100 employees, emphasizing the sector’s contribution to local economies.
The report reveals that energy efficiency jobs are distributed across all counties in Virginia, with significant concentrations in metropolitan areas such as Richmond, Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, and the Virginia-Arlington-Alexandria region. This widespread presence shows the sector’s importance to the state’s economy and its potential for further growth.
However, the report highlights areas requiring attention. While energy efficiency workers constitute 22% of Virginia’s construction workforce, there is a need to enhance diversity within the industry. The data indicates that minorities and women are underrepresented. VAEEC’s Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative aims to improve this by advocating for targeted training and support to ensure the workforce reflects the communities it serves. Read more about the initiative here.
VAEEC remains committed to advancing energy efficiency across the Commonwealth. We are celebrating the achievements to date and are dedicated to addressing the challenges identified in the report. By advocating for a more inclusive workforce and supporting small businesses, we aim to amplify the benefits of energy efficiency for all.
The federal elections cast a long shadow over many of the energy efficiency, climate, and financing programs that were established under the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. While there is a lot of uncertainty, here’s what we currently know.
The Good:
- The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Priority Climate Action Plan projects have been selected and money is in hand. The Comprehensive Climate Action Planning process is underway. The DEQ received one-time CCAP funds to create the plan, but there was never a goal to provide additional funds to states to implement. Instead, the goal is to drive policy decisions down the line at the state and local levels. DEQ is collecting public feedback via this survey through January 15th.
- The Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant funds that are allocated via formula funding to localities have been secured and will be dispersed as planned. Applications closed on October 31st, and the DOE announced $18M in awards this week.
- Virginia Energy received the state allocation and is utilizing a portion of it to administer subgrants to localities that were not eligible for formula funding. Applications for awards of between $10,000 to $100,000 are open through November 29th. Learn more on the VA E website.
- An additional allocation of EECBG funds is being used to establish the One-Stop Shop for consumers and contractors to more easily access energy efficiency, solar, EV, and battery storage upgrades. This program is expected to launch in Q1 of 2025.
- The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grants for Region 3 via the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative are open through the end of the year. As these funds are being passed through GHHI, they are considered secure. We encourage our members to apply!
- The Rural Energy Assistance Program (REAP) announced over $256M in investments across 41 states, with many projects in Virginia (start at page 188). The REAP program predates the IRA and BIL and benefits many constituencies that are represented by incoming federal lawmakers, so we predict that these funds will be safe.
- Virginia Energy is awaiting the formula award for the Revolving Loan Fund. The funds are anticipated to be received later this year.
- While not strictly EE-focused, the state’s award for the Solar For All program and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program are both secure.
The Bad:
- The consensus among many policy analysts is that, if the ink on a contract is not dry and/or money for a climate-related program is not in hand, those funds will not be dispersed. Many incoming federal lawmakers campaigned on promises to repeal or strip the IRA, so the future of unsecured funding is uncertain at best.
The Big Question-mark- What does this mean for Virginia?
- The biggest uncertainty is around the Home Energy Rebate Programs. While Virginia is further along in the application process than many other states, its plan has not been submitted or approved by DOE. A recent article in the Washington Post states that “Any states without an accepted plan and a signed contract could lose out on that funding under a new administration. Congress could rescind the unspent funds, or the Trump administration could slow the process of evaluating applications.” Virginia Energy has selected its implementation vendor and intends to submit applications by next month. Hopefully, DOE will expedite the approval process before the inauguration so that more states can launch these valuable programs.
- The Training Residential Energy Contractor funds were approved by the DOE but have not been received. Likewise, the state was notified that they would be awarded Residential Energy Auditor Funds via the competitive grants under the BIL, but are still in negotiations on that award and are uncertain when the funds will be received.
- The tax credits for heat pumps, heat pump hot water heaters, EV chargers, and rooftop solar are predicted to be first on the administration’s chopping block. “The parts most vulnerable are consumer-facing: Tax credits for electric-vehicle purchases, tax credits for rooftop solar, for heat pumps,” Ben Cahill, director of energy markets and policy at the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, said. However, analysis from Power Brief and Crux anticipates that changes to the IRA will be “more surgical in nature” as many of the tax credits and domestic manufacturing goals align with the administration’s policy claims.
Energy efficiency will continue to be the cheapest, easiest, and most accessible way to a cleaner and greener future. As the co-founder and President of VAEEC Member AnnDyl Policy Group stated in the Washington Post, “Energy efficiency has always been bipartisan. Wanting to breathe clean air and have a home that’s comfortable are nonpartisan issues.” While the clouds of change over DC may look daunting, we will persevere and keep working towards our collective mission – to advance energy efficiency across Virginia.
The Commonwealth’s energy efficiency community gathered on October 2nd and 3rd for the VAEEC’s annual Energy Efficiency Forum. Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, award winners, and attendees for making this event a great success!
Day one was fully virtual in an effort to make the event more accessible and to provide a diverse array of speakers from across the country. It consisted of a keynote address and four breakout sessions:
Keynote Address: Congresswoman Jennifer McLellan offered some insight into the energy efficiency wins from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. We appreciate her ongoing support of our organization and recognition of the foundational importance of energy efficiency.
Our Manager of Research and Strategic Partnerships (and resident federal funding lead), Rebecca Hui, then gave a few more updates on state programs facilitated by the IRA and led the audience through a live poll to get feedback on Virginia Energy’s proposed One Stop Shop program. The link is live through October 8th, so please participate if you were not able to attend the event.
As in previous years, we held concurrent breakout sessions.
Data Center Demand – How Do We Respond? The panelists in this session discussed energy efficiency, electrification, and demand response solutions to the rising energy demand from Virginia’s data center industry. Over 70% of the world’s internet traffic runs through the state, making data centers a huge economic driver – but also a massive energy consumer. The expert panelists helped separate fact from fiction on this hot topic. Speakers included Richard Anderson (Siemens), Haneepha Degarmo (Voltus), Keith Dennis (Beneficial Electrification League), Robert Lazaro (Northern Virginia Regional Commission), and John Morrill (Fairfax County, Moderator).
Best Practices for Workforce Success: Workforce development is a key tenet of many programs funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This year’s panel gave updates on the VAEEC’s workforce initiative, as well as discussed opportunities for registered apprenticeships, on the job training, and success stories from other states. VAEEC Workforce Development Director, Erika Reel, moderated the panel, which included Roxana Ayala (ACEEE), Sherie Fulcher (Southern Air), and Dan Taylor (BlueGreen Alliance).
Inclusive Decarbonization : Decarbonization plays a critical role in stabilizing our climate, but how do we ensure that it is available to all? The panelists discussed insights and opportunities for decarbonization plans that center equity and uplift disadvantaged communities. Speakers included Erin Cosgrove (NEEP), McKenna Dunbar (Sierra Club, Moderator), Maggie Kelley Riggins (SEEA), and Jamal Lewis (Rewiring America).
How Are We Talking About Energy Efficiency? This unique, interactive session walked speakers and participants through the process of planning and executing a green building plan for the city of Fiction, VA. Using the framework of federal grants and real-world processes, our panelists discussed how to overcome many of the communication barriers between different stakeholders to getting a project across the finish line. The session was moderated by Rebecca Hui, and speakers included Andrew McKinley (VIA design architects), Michele Mitch-Peterson (Siemens), Dawn Oleksy (City of Richmond), and Blair St. Ledger-Olson.
Attendees gathered in person for day two at the University of Richmond Jepson Alumni Center in Richmond. The day began with an opening presentation from Executive Director, Chelsea Harnish. Attendees were provided with updates and a brief overview of the Commonwealth’s energy efficiency industry, as well as a second round of live polling. This poll is also open for seven days, so please sound off!
The day also included a keynote address, a plenary panel, the ninth annual Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards ceremony, and an on-site reception.
Keynote Address: Long-time energy efficiency ally and former SCC commissioner Angela Navarro served as our keynote speaker. Her address gave crucial context to the state’s legislative and regulatory landscape.
“It’s no secret that energy efficiency policy in Virginia has a long and somewhat frustrating history… but there is so much momentum today.”
Multifamily Multiverse – Navigating the Funding Maze Beyond Weatherization: After a break for networking and snacks, attendees came back together for the plenary session focused on the complexities of serving and funding multifamily housing. There are dozens of state and federal programs focused on low-income and multifamily housing, and navigating the processes can be daunting. Our expert panelists took a deep dive into the opportunities, challenges, and new programs on the horizon, tying it all together with a case study from Piedmont Housing Alliance. Speakers included KC Bleile (VEIC), Stephen Evanko (Dominion Due Diligence Group), Phil Cunningham (Virginia Housing), Sunshine Mathon (Piedmont Housing Alliance), and Rebecca Hui as the moderator. The panelists, along with the audience, answered a last round of poll questions focused on multifamily challenges.
Energizing Efficiency Campaign & Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards Ceremony: Next, we had the honor of hosting our ninth annual Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards ceremony. We started off by highlighting the submissions to our Energizing Efficiency Campaign. From these submissions, three were chosen by the VAEEC’s Education & Events Committee to receive a 2024 Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Award for their incredible energy efficiency contributions. For information on each winning project or program, visit our 2024 Awards page.
The event concluded with an on-site networking reception. It is always a pleasure to connect with many of our members and others in the industry face-to-face, and this was no exception.
Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, award winners, and event attendees for making this one of our best events to date. View photos of the event below. Additional event information, including speaker biographies and sponsor features, can be found in the event program.
Best Practices for Workforce Success
Data Center Demand – How Do We Respond?
How Are We Talking About Energy Efficiency?
Inclusive Decarbonization
Multifamily Multiverse
Event attendees will receive recordings for each of the four breakout sessions in the post-event email. Presentation PDFs can be viewed at the links above.
2024 has been a busy year for the VAEEC and the industry. The recently released US Energy and Employment Report states that the energy efficiency sector saw a 3.4% growth rate, adding over 75,000 jobs nationwide in the highest jump since 2018. Federal incentives are also pushing energy efficiency measures faster than ever before. Our staff has been hard at work to be part of that progress.
Utility Programs
During the General Assembly Session, the VAEEC was instrumental in the passage of both the Savings Achieved Via Efficiency Act (SAVE) and the updates to the High Performance Building Act. The SAVE Act creates a single cost/benefit test for utility energy efficiency programs that is based on the National Standards Practice Manual. Stakeholder proceedings to design the new test kick off in September, with expert technical assistance from Energy Futures Group and E4TheFuture. This updated test will allow for deeper energy savings and align Virginia with best practices across the country.
There are also two open proceedings to set the energy savings targets for Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company, as codified in the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA). Stay tuned for our September blog post for a deeper dive into these hearings and other info on utility programs – it’s an exciting time!
Programs
In late June, we welcomed our new Workforce Director onboard and have been working hard to launch the Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative. This program focuses on training and placement of HVAC and weatherization workers in the Hampton Roads area. It is already garnering a lot of interest from the community, and we are excited to see the progress. We also added a workforce page on our website to track the success.
We have also been deeply engaged with Virginia Energy and other partners around the federal funds coming from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These complex laws have a lot of components and shifting deadlines, so we have worked to act as a resource for members and advocates to ensure that these funds are put to their best possible use.
Events
In May, we welcomed three new Board members and over 100 attendees at our Spring 2024 Forum. Guests braved high humidity and blustery storms to network and learn from our expert speakers, then moved to Capital Ale House for a fun happy hour. Thanks to everyone who came out!
Looking forward, we hope to see all of you in a few short weeks at the Energy Efficiency Forum on October 2nd and 3rd. Registration is open and we are still accepting sponsors to help make the event a success.
We also are excited about the Virginia Clean Energy Summit on October 16th and 17th in Richmond, and are looking forward to the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance Summit and Virginia Governor’s Housing Conference coming up in November. Fall is a busy time for energy efficiency professionals!
EE is all around!
Conferences aren’t the only reasons for VAEEC staff to travel. Over the year, we’ve been lucky enough to catch some examples of energy efficiency in the wild. Rebecca visited the LEED certified National Building Museum with friends and family, and learned more about all the ways that buildings affect people and the environment. Jessica spotted the energy efficiency grades in New York City building windows. One of the VAEEC kids even started at a local LEED certified high school!
On the flip side, Chelsea had the opportunity to educate an AirBnB owner on what not to do when an overloaded outlet took out their hot water on vacation!
With Q4 just around the corner, we’re excited to finish 2024 with the same progress and momentum that we’ve seen so far.
The High Performance Buildings Act of 2021 was enacted to drive more efficient, resilient, and future proof buildings. It updated the building performance standards for state and public buildings and created new building performance standards for local governments. During the 2024 General Assembly Session, the VAEEC and other stakeholders worked with the bill patron to update the law to better suit the localities’ needs and clarify unanswered questions.
The major changes to the law, which takes effect July 1st, include:
- Clarification of the definition of “appropriate resilience features”. The bill language allows localities to identify potential hazards and determine what measures are effective to mitigate those risks to their specific buildings. This allows for more flexibility, as a coastal locality may have very different needs from one in the Piedmont or Southwest Virginia.
- Removal of the Virginia Energy Conservation and Environmental Standards (VEES) as a high performance building certification program, and inclusion of Earthcraft Light Commercial certification for buildings under 50,000 square feet. The VEES is not consistently updated, so removing it as a potential certification ensures deeper energy savings and higher standards in line with LEED, Earthcraft, and Green Globes.
- Specifying that the term “locality” is inclusive of school systems. In many Virginia cities and counties, the school system is a separate entity from the local government, which led to confusion about which buildings were included under the law.
- Closing loopholes in the definition of Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) charging infrastructure and the timeline for the design phase of a building. Both sections of the 2021 law included language that confused the intent of the law and made it easy to seek exemption from the requirements. The 2024 update strikes language around the number of charging stations and types of chargers required, and plainly states what types of equipment should be considered in the design phase of the building. It also adds a timeline for localities to enter the design phase after budgeting and contracting for the work.
- Clarification on how to adapt buildings that don’t qualify for high performance building standards, such as firehouses. The 2024 law now states that, if a building type is under 20,000 square feet and not eligible for certification, that the locality must model energy savings equivalent to the ENERGY STAR Target Finder value for the building type, or equivalent standards.
The 2024 update also includes sections that added definitions for “commissioning” and “major disruption” to further ensure that new and renovated public buildings are achieving maximum comfort, health, and energy savings, while also allowing the localities the flexibility to do what is best for their community.
For a deeper dive into the nuts and bolts of the High-Performance Buildings Act, register for our upcoming webinar on July 9th.