Category: Industry Spotlight

Celebrating Womens History Month

As Women’s History Month winds down, we recognize the innovation, achievement, and leadership of women across the energy efficiency industry. Here at the VAEEC, the work women do to advance energy efficiency is obvious – we’re an all women team, with several additional women serving on our Board of Directors and in Executive Leadership. To celebrate, we are recognizing three VAEEC members who lead the pack of women-owned businesses.  

Raye Elliott is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of FLIPP Inc a 501c3 nonprofit headquartered in Dillwyn, VA that exists to reduce employment barriers for disadvantaged populations and to empower low-income communities with renewable energy training. Ms. Elliott serves on the board of the Virginia Renewable Energy Alliance (VA-REA), and more notably skyrocketed FLIPP Inc’s annual revenue from under $50,000 to more than $2.3 million within ten months of being appointed as the Executive Director in 2022. Raye holds a master’s degree in information technology, has a background in Hydropower with the US Army Corps of Engineers, and in Construction and Federal Government Contracting with the Department of Defense. Raye recently designed a renewable energy worker-centered sector strategy that was grant funded in 2023 by the USDOL-ETA just shy of $2 million. She has led FLIPP Inc to be the 2023 recipients of the C3 “Energy Equity Award” & the United States Green Building Council-Virginia Chapter’s 2023 “Community Impact Organization of the Year Award”. Raye believes in an “equity in energy” industry strategy, being a great bridge for the barrier ridden, returning back into the workforce and the un-employed individual that needs meaningful employment within a rapidly growing industry.

Jennifer Jesse is the visionary force behind Quick AC Quote (QUACQ), a distinguished SWAM designated Class A contractor licensed in Virginia and West Virginia, where she serves as both founder and Chief Financial Officer. Under Jennifer’s dynamic leadership, QUACQ has earned a sterling reputation for excellence, specializing in large-scale multi-family HVAC replacement projects with a workforce of 20 dedicated employees. With a remarkable capacity to replace 30-40 heat pump systems weekly, QUACQ also extends its expertise to single-family homes, offering comprehensive weatherization services and addressing diverse heating and cooling needs with unparalleled precision. With over 18 years of dedicated service as a Registered Nurse and a further 9 years as a Realtor, Jennifer’s unwavering commitment to helping others has remained steadfast. Whether providing compassionate care to oncology patients, facilitating significant home purchases, or pioneering energy-efficient solutions since 2019, Jennifer’s passion for making a positive impact shines through in every endeavor. A lifelong learner, Jennifer’s love of acquiring new skills and knowledge fuels her success, a trait she attributes to her consistent dedication to growth and innovation.  

Driven by a constant commitment to excellence and sustainability, Jennifer continues to lead QUACQ with distinction, empowering her team to reach new heights of success. Through strategic initiatives aimed at employment, education, and certification, Jennifer ensures QUACQ remains at the forefront of the industry. With ambitious plans to expand into multiple East Coast states by the end of 2024, Jennifer’s vision for QUACQ transcends mere business goals; it’s about building a better, more sustainable future for generations to come.

Sandra Leibowitz is the Founder and Owner of Sustainable Design Consulting, LLC (SDC), operating from offices in Richmond, Virginia and Washington, DC.  Prior to founding SDC in 2002, Sandra served as Sustainable Design Specialist for three Washington, DC-area architecture and consulting firms, after earning a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon. 

Sandra draws from over 30 years of advanced experience with hundreds of sustainable design projects and dozens of organizational programs to serve institutions, building owners, design, construction and property management professionals with expert green building consulting and process management.  She leads SDC’s team of experienced and credentialed professionals integrating sustainable design, construction, operations, maintenance, measurement, and reporting concepts into projects of varying size and complexity. 

When and why did you start/buy this business? 

Sandra Leibowitz: I founded Sustainable Design Consulting (SDC) in 2002.  By that point, I had been in the DC-area for some six years, working for three architecture and consulting firms.  At that time and in that place, the ideal firm I would have wanted to work for didn’t really exist, so I concluded that I had to either make it myself or just go and join another architecture firm, which would have been the easier path, by far.

Raye Elliott: In September 2020, FLIPP Inc was birthed by myself and my cousin AJ; we started out simply wanting to change mindsets and ended up transforming lives. Our inspiration for the company’s mission was a combination of personal passion and wanting to provide high-quality progressive career avenues for all. The ongoing fight the Historic Union Hill community had to prevent the Dominion Energy ACP from polluting our community was definitely a catalyst event (where we lived our entire childhood lives at), the stagnation observed of the Buckingham County Economic Development and the lack of opportunity in the area.

Jennifer Jesse: Several years ago, I embarked on the journey of founding a HVAC company in Virginia. Our inception as an HVAC enterprise stemmed from a deep-seated desire to aid individuals in need, aiming to provide them with enhanced energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions for their residences. As our commitment to serving our community intensified, our company evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of energy efficiency weatherization measures, meticulously designed to not only optimize home comfort but also alleviate the financial burden associated with homeownership.

What are some ways women can access leadership roles in EE? 

Jennifer Jesse: Women can access leadership roles in the energy efficiency (EE) industry through a combination of education, experience, networking, and mentorship. Seeking out opportunities for hands-on experience, volunteering, and professional development can help build skills and credibility. Networking with other women in the industry, joining professional organizations, and seeking out mentors can also provide valuable support and guidance on the path to leadership.

Sandra Leibowitz: You can do what I did: launch your own consultancy, but starting and maintaining a small business can be very challenging in and of itself.  These days, there are many existing opportunities in EE policy and practice, both in the public and private sectors.  When climbing one of those ladders toward leadership, becoming known externally as a subject matter expert, professional advocate and/or community leader can be very helpful.  Of course, some leadership roles are more about organizational management, so if that’s a skillset of yours, as it is among mine, then show your worth by taking on higher and higher levels of internal responsibility.

Raye Elliott: Creating an environment “from the top down” within an organization that encourages women obtaining leadership roles, making gender diversification a NECESSITY and not a PERK, awareness of these roles and proper engagement.  

What advice would you give women who are trying to enter the industry? 

Raye Elliott: Be persistent, gain experience, get credentialed and master the art of networking. 

Jennifer Jesse: My advice to women entering the energy efficiency industry is to be confident in your abilities and passionate about your mission. Don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities, take on challenges, and advocate for yourself. Seek out like minded individuals who can offer support and guidance along the way. Remember that your unique perspective and experiences are valuable assets that can contribute to the industry’s success.

Sandra Leibowitz: Spend at least a few months checking out the types of organizations that you think you might want to work for and read the job descriptions that are offered.  Join professional and/or local community organizations and pour some of your time and energy (don’t overdo it!) into initiatives that excite you.  Send out resumes to the employers that interest you and request informational interviews, because you never know when the perfect opportunity may open up – it’s so helpful to employers to already have a pipeline of promising candidates at their fingertips when an opening occurs.  And don’t forget to keep your LinkedIn profile updated!

What barriers and opportunities do you perceive for women in EE? 

Jennifer Jesse: Women in the energy efficiency industry face both barriers and opportunities. Some barriers include gender bias, lack of representation in leadership roles, and limited access to resources and opportunities. However, there are also opportunities for women to excel in the industry, such as the growing demand for sustainable solutions, the emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and the increasing recognition of the importance of women’s contributions. By advocating for gender equity, supporting one another, and leveraging our strengths, we can overcome barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Raye Elliott: Barriers for women in EE I’ve observed are 1. stereotypes as to what jobs women ‘should’ do, 2. systemic inequality of opportunity and 3. Just being in a “male-dominated” industry is deemed as a danger to the men because we are a minority and viable competition. 

Opportunities are 1. We are many times under-estimated and are able to easily surpass our male counterparts, 2.  Where there’s threats there are always opportunities – due to the high disparity there’s an increased emphasis on women in leadership roles and 3. I’ve begun mentoring other women to enter into the renewable energy and energy efficiency sector. If we support, mentor, create avenues for advancement and empower one another, we help ease the transition together.

Sandra Leibowitz: Depending on the specific job and work environment, EE can still be very male-dominated.  That’s really not true of sustainable design or green building anymore, so in this case I’m speaking less from direct experience than I am from an observer’s viewpoint.  Also, employers know that women tend to be adept at organizing people, programs, and initiatives – which can be a double-edged sword.  On the one hand, doing what comes naturally can help raise your profile and get you a seat at the table.  On the other hand, women shouldn’t step into or stay in roles just because men won’t – or still assume that it’s ‘women’s work’.

Tell me a little about your background. How did you get into the EE industry?

Raye Elliott: I have a background in hydropower and solar workforce development; renewable energy placed me on a path to learning how integral energy efficiency is and its importance. I had my in-depth exposure with energy efficiency when I worked with the Department of Defense as a construction contracting official and our armory renovations as well as our newly constructed Joint Forces Headquarters buildings had to be LEED certified. I was surprised and fascinated with how much work and the consideration that went into ensuring a “Green Building” was achieved by focusing on the holistic approach to minimize its environmental impact.

Jennifer Jesse: With a background of being a Registered Nurse and Realtor and an understanding of business, I was fortunate enough to step into a platform inside the EE industry that allows me to keep assisting those in need.  It has always been my desire to help and extend out a hand when possible to ensure those who are in need are heard and taken care of.  Energy Efficiency has allowed me to not only help people but also help this wonderful planet we live on.  It has felt like a true blessing to do something so meaningful.

Sandra Leibowitz: I started in this direction – which I guess was originally called ‘environmental architecture’ – way back in 1992 as I was graduating college, where unfortunately I learned little about all this at that time.  I did so because I loved architecture, yet considered myself an environmentalist, so put it together for myself by choosing architecture as my environmental career.  After grad school at the University of Oregon, where I immersed myself in what we then called ‘ecological design’, I moved to DC, where we instead tended to call it ‘sustainable design’.  Over several years working for others, I began what would become my ultimate professional career as a ‘green building’ consultant / consulting firm leader.  Living in Richmond for many years further expanded my community into the Central Virginia region.

What is something you wish people of other genders knew about your experiences? 

Sandra Leibowitz: Women leaders seem to be expected to make everyone happy all the time.  Besides being impossible generally, it’s both unrealistic and unfair to think that others’ happiness is under our control.  Furthermore, we don’t tend to burden male leaders with that expectation.

Raye Elliott: It’s extremely hard breaking into an industry that is both white-washed and male dominated. Folks that aren’t clear on my experience and contributions (and those that are clear), have judged, discriminated, and tested me two or three times more than the guys. I personally have been held to a higher standard and had to prove myself more than men I am acquainted with, within the EE and renewable sectors.

Jennifer Jesse: I wish people understood the resilience, determination, and perseverance required to navigate these challenges and succeed in leadership positions as a woman. It’s not just about breaking through the glass ceiling; it’s about constantly pushing against barriers, advocating for oneself and others, and overcoming stereotypes and biases that can undermine our credibility and contributions. Overall, I wish people of all genders would recognize the importance of supporting and empowering women in leadership roles, not just for the benefit of individual women but for the success and resilience of businesses and organizations as a whole.

What’s your favorite EE tip? 

Raye Elliott: Turn off the lights when they’re not in use. This is approximately 12% of a usual residential utility bill.

Jennifer Jesse: My favorite EE tip would be to regularly maintain and tune up your HVAC system with the easiest being checking and replacing your filter regularly. Proper maintenance ensures that your heating and cooling equipment operates at peak efficiency, reducing your energy bills, improving comfort, and reducing your carbon footprint. Regular maintenance and smart usage practices are key to maximizing the efficiency and performance of your HVAC system. 

Sandra Leibowitz: Bigger isn’t necessarily better – that can be said of buildings themselves, their equipment, and the organizations that own and occupy them.  Take a ‘right-sizing’ approach to EE and life in general!

2023 Energy Efficiency Forum Recap

The Commonwealth’s energy efficiency community gathered on October 4th and 5th 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: Dr. Bob Holsworth is a Managing Partner at DecideSmart, a consulting firm that provides strategic solutions for complex challenges. Bringing decades of experience in the political sphere, he provided an analysis of Virginia’s election landscape and what that can mean for the Commonwealth’s clean energy future. 

“Regardless of the election results, there will be a slate of new legislators. Education will be important.” – Dr. Bob Holsworth, DecideSmart

 

Technology: What’s New and What’s Next?: The panelists in this session discussed heat pumps and heat pump hot water heaters, demand response AI programs, and data center cooling technologies. The discussion helped to sift facts from fiction and suss out what the on-the-ground realities are, and what we can look forward to in the future. Speakers included Richard Anderson (Siemens), Millie Knowlton (CPower), Andrew Grigsby (Viridiant), and Adam Sledd (Dominion Energy Innovation Center, moderator).

“The question we try to answer is, how can we leverage technology to help humans?” – Richard Anderson, Siemens

 

Implementing Green Building Policies in a Dillon Rule State: As a Dillon Rule state, Virginia localities are limited as to what they can and cannot mandate. However, jurisdictions are finding creative ways to make progress happen in their communities. Join speakers from Arlington County and the City of Alexandria as they discuss their green building policies and programs,  and how they have established minimum standards for new development and major renovations. This was an interactive session where audience members were encouraged to engage with speakers to learn how to implement their own green building policies. VAEEC Board member, Bill Eger (Arlington County), moderated the panel, which included Arlington County’s Paul Roman and the City of Alexandria’s Valerie Amor, and Robert Kerns.

“The idea of ‘business as usual’, ‘we’ve always done it this way’, is one of the biggest challenges in getting developers on board. We’ve got to embrace new ways of doing things to implement green building strategies.” – Valerie Amor, City of Alexandria

 

Rural Energy Efficiency: No Town Left Behind: According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 88% of Virginia is considered rural. However, this population is often overlooked in energy efficiency policy and programs. This panel focused on how to reach rural communities and what opportunities are available to them. Speakers included Adia Holland (U.S. Department of Agriculture), Lance Hostutler (Optimum Building Solutions LLC), Will Payne (Energy Delta SWVA), and VAEEC Board Vice Chair, Leigh Anne Ratliff (Trane Technologies, moderator). 

 

Case Study Session: Green Building Certifications: Green buildings are environmentally responsible, resource-efficient, and create healthier, more comfortable spaces. Numerous certification systems exist to assess a building’s sustainability and designate it as a green building. This case study session was designed for attendees to benefit from shared knowledge and experience through presentations and audience Q&A. The certifications featured included EarthCraft, Zero-Energy Ready, and Pearl Certification for single-family homes, multifamily buildings, and whole communities. The session was moderated by VAEEC Board member, Bryna Dunn (Moseley Architects), and speakers consisted of Stephen Dareing (Viridiant), Jay Epstein (Healthy Communities), and Casey Murphy (Pearl Certification).

“I want to make low-performing homes the green avocado refrigerators of 2023.” – Casey Murphy, Pearl Certification 

 

After the virtual day wrapped up, attendees had the opportunity to join one of two regional happy hours to further connect with other energy efficiency professionals. This was the first time we have offered a regional happy hour in conjunction with a virtual event. What a great way to spend 2023 #EnergyEfficiencyDay!

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 on the organization’s 2023 accomplishments and our 2024 priorities, as well as an overview of the Commonwealth’s energy efficiency industry. The day also included a keynote address, a plenary panel, the eighth annual Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards ceremony, and an on-site reception.

Keynote Address: Attendees were then treated to a keynote address from Dr. Karma Sawyer, Director of Electricity Infrastructure & Buildings (EI&B) Division at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratories (PNNL). In this role, Dr. Sawyer is responsible for shaping and managing a vision and strategy to ensure that PNNL addresses the U.S. Department of Energy’s most important energy efficiency, clean energy, and electricity infrastructure challenges. She discussed energy efficiency as it relates to cutting-edge research, building codes, market transformation, federal funding, and emerging technologies, with a specific focus on equity.

 

The Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative: A Holistic Path to Workforce Development: After a break for networking and snacks, attendees came back together for the plenary session focused on the VAEEC’s Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative. For the last two years, the VAEEC has been developing the EEWI to address Virginia’s growing workforce needs. This panel provided updates from staff and our expert partners as we build out each piece of the puzzle – recruitment, training, placement, and sustainable retention. Speakers included Laura Hanson (Tidewater Community College), Phil Hull (CHP Energy Solutions), Michael Flanagan (Quick AC Quote), Crystal McDonald (D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility), and Rebecca Hui (Virginia Energy Efficiency Council, moderator). 

Energizing Efficiency Campaign & Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards Ceremony: Next, we had the honor of hosting our eighth annual Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Awards ceremony. We started off by highlighting the 18 submissions to our inaugural Energizing Efficiency Campaign. Case studies can be viewed for each of these participating projects or programs on our 2023 Energizing Efficiency Campaign page. From these 18 submissions, five were chosen by the VAEEC’s Education & Events Committee to receive a 2023 Virginia Energy Efficiency Leadership Award for their incredible energy efficiency contributions. For information on each winning project or program, visit our 2023 Awards page

The event concluded with an on-site networking reception sponsored by Dominion Energy. 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. Click here to view photos of the event. Additional event information, including speaker biographies and sponsor features, can be found in the event program.

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.

VAEEC’s 2020 in Review

2020 has been a unique year for sure. However, looking back, VAEEC and Virginia’s energy efficiency industry saw several monumental wins this year. In fact, Virginia had its best year on the ACEEE’s annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. For the first time ever, we broke into the Top 25 and Virginia was ranked #1 in the Southeast. This is a reflection of the hard work and efforts of the Commonwealth’s energy efficiency industry throughout 2020. We look forward to continuing to advance energy efficiency even further in the new year.

For our part, the VAEEC worked tirelessly with fellow stakeholders to pass several key pieces of historic energy efficiency legislation, including the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA). This landmark law will pave the way for a carbon-free Virginia by 2045, ensuring investments in energy efficiency, solar, wind, and more. The VCEA mandates 5% energy savings from the investor-owned utilities by 2025, marking Virginia as just the second state in the Southeast to establish a mandatory stand-alone Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS). Additional laws established mandatory benchmarking for state buildings, enabled an on-bill tariff program for electric co-ops, and added an energy audit to the residential disclosure during homebuying. We also saw the passage of a law permitting the state energy office to develop a statewide Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE, program.

The VAEEC also advanced energy efficiency in the Commonwealth beyond legislation. We identified the need to change Dominion Energy’s definition of low-income eligibility requirements and worked with our members to make it happen. The new definition will allow weatherization providers to serve even more households across Virginia. Three localities passed C-PACE ordinances and one launched a program. Blower door testing and increased ceiling insulation requirements were included in the recently adopted final draft of the Uniform Statewide Building Code.

At the end of each year, the VAEEC completes a program evaluation, which goes hand-in-hand with our Strategic Plan to answer:

  • What impacts is the organization trying to achieve?
  • What strategies will help us achieve our goals?
  • How will we know if our work is successful?

As you might remember, VAEEC staff and Board members met last summer to develop our 2020-2022 Strategic Plan. Taking feedback from our members, we created focus areas for our next three years of work:

  1. Advancement of New Energy-Efficiency Technologies
  2. Government Engagement
  3. Utility Programs and VCEA Implementation

Our evaluation focuses on each of these areas, prompts us to think about the goals, strategies, and metrics for each, and assesses whether or not we are on track to achieve our goals. To provide our membership with a snapshot of these goals and whether or not we are on track to achieve them, we are sharing our program evaluation infographics. Take a look below to get a glimpse of all of the EE advancements we were able to achieve in this unprecedented year.

To learn more about the VAEEC’s 2020 achievements, watch our short video below.

Our work would not be successful without the support of our members. Thank you for your dedication to the organization and to Virginia’s energy efficiency industry. We look forward to working with you in the new year to make 2021 our strongest year for EE yet.

Featured Member of the Month: Schneider Electric

April 2016

Schneider Electric

Business Silver

Schneider_Electric_CMYK-with-trademarkSchneider Electric is the global specialist in energy management and automation. With revenues of ~$30 billion in FY2015, their 160,000+ employees serve customers in over 100 countries, helping them to manage their energy and process in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. From the simplest of switches to complex operational systems, their technology, software and services improve the way their customers manage and automate their operations. Their connected technologies reshape industries, transform cities and enrich lives. They call it “Life Is On.”

In the past 23 years, Schneider Electric’s Energy and Sustainability Services team has successfully implemented more than 550 energy savings performance contract (ESPC) projects across the nation and has helped clients around the world save nearly $2 billion. This project delivery method helps publicly funded entities make capital improvements over longer payback periods and offers many long-term benefits such as improved facility efficiency, occupant comfort, financial management and environmental protection.

Two areas where they focus are on schools and cities. Here is an excerpt from their in-depth and compelling Sustainability Mythbusters piece on the hidden value of sustainability for municipalities and schools: Screen Shot 2016-04-18 at 12.03.05 PM

The word “sustainability” may conjure thoughts of recycling, reusable cloth bags and big piles of compost. But for many government entities, sustainability has little relation to these stereotypical green ideas and much more to do with operational efficiency, improved outcomes and a better bottom line. Not only are schools and municipalities adopting sustainability initiatives to satisfy government mandates and public pressures, but they are also using it as tool to become more competitive in today’s economy. In fact, government organizations practicing sustainability are outperforming their peers in areas like job growth, student recruitment, and increased tax revenue. Learn more about how your city, school or university can benefit from a modern sustainability program.

Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Mythbusters piece explores the top 5 misconceptions about sustainability, while highlighting specific case studies, trends, implications and facts around the topic.

1. There is no demand for sustainability in municipalities and schools
2. Sustainability does not make business sense
3. Sustainability is all about being green
4. Sustainability is too expensive
5. The impacts of sustainability are limited

Learn more at www.enable.schneider-electric.com or contact your local representative:

Barry Wilhelm
Schneider Electric
Energy and Sustainability Services, Team Leader
Phone: 804 486 1005 | Mobile: 540 798 3220
Email: barry.wilhelm@schneider-electric.com

Featured Member of the Month: Opower

December 2015

Opower logo

 

 

“Optimizing Communications to Low-Income Utility Customers”

Starting this month, we’re modifying our approach to the Featured Member of the Month. In this space we’ll be sharing profiles of VAEEC members and their most innovative and relevant programs in an effort to foster more information sharing and knowledge building among our network. Thanks to Opower for being our “guinea pig” with this new approach and for sharing their story.

Finding ways to save energy and shrink utility bills can make a huge difference for low-income families across the U.S. struggling to make ends meet.

VAEEC member Opower – a company that helps utilities around the world reduce energy consumption and improve relationships with their customers – engages more than 500,000 low-income customers across the U.S. through targeted, personalized communications, empowering low-income families with the information they need to lower their bills.

There are often assumptions that low-income customers would have trouble reducing their energy usage because they have fewer appliances to turn off. Yet Opower has found that EE savings are on par with average customer savings. Further, low-income customers are even more likely than non-low-income customers to take equipment-based actions – things like insulating doors, installing efficient appliances/lighting, insulating attic, etc. — in response to Opower’s Home Energy Reports (HERs). These actions might be undertaken on their own or through weatherization programs that utilities and others offer. And low-income customers report higher rates of satisfaction with the HERs than average customers.

“Opower is committed to giving utilities tools to bring more value to their customers and their communities. There’s a great deal we can do to help low-income families by empowering them with insights that are tailored to their needs and provide practical ways they can reduce energy costs,” says Alex Laskey, Opower President and Co-Founder.

The lessons Opower has learned (and shared through various resources like the white papers which you can access below) in their outreach to low-income customers has huge implications.

“The U.S. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program reaches fewer than 25% of eligible households, yet the needs of low-income families are growing. As funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and LIHEAP decrease or fades away completely, it is critical to help families maximize the value of every available dollar. Energy efficiency offers a promising opportunities to help low-income families manage their energy costs,” says Jim Kapsis, Opower’s Vice President of Global Policy & Regulatory Affairs.

You can download two of Opower’s white papers on this topic on their website:

Unlocking Energy Efficiency for Low-Income Utility Customers: Four Key Lessons from Real-World Program Experience

Beyond Weatherization: How Innovative Program Strategies Can Enhance Core Low-Income Programs

 

 

Featured Member: Trane

TRREDPC3

 

 

 

Trane’s Performance Contracting Portfolio consists of healthcare, higher education, laboratories, military bases, local governments, and K-12 schools.  Having worked with many PC clients in the Commonwealth, Trane has earned a reputation for responsible project development, quality design and execution, and “getting results” for customers.