Efficiency First

Efficiency First chapters are working at the local and state level to promote Home Performance industry growth and provide direct value for Efficiency First member companies.

Here’s what some of our local and state chapters have been working on (view the complete list of Efficiency First chapters to find one near you or learn about starting one: www.efficiencyfirst.org/chapters).

California:

• Energy Upgrade California programs are starting to roll out. Efficiency First is monitoring programs to make sure they launch effectively.
• PACE — Wrote a letter to the California Energy Commission with recommendations for other uses for funding previously dedicated to PACE
• HERSII — Advocating for a HERSII system that incorporates certifications like BPI and does not impose unnecessary requirements.

North Bay Chapter: Coordinating a letter campaign to support PACE legislation including recruiting partners such as the local builders exchange, chambers of commerce, and other business groups; Identifying solutions for barriers to market transformation such as incentive/bridge financing and training for software.

Los Angeles Chapter: Helping to plan the ACI regional conference in January 2011; Working with local program coordinators in preparation for the Energy Upgrade California program

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter: Submitted feedback regarding contractor requirements proposed for Santa Clara County’s planned residential retrofit programs.

San Diego Chapter: Working with the Efficiency First National Real Estate Council to pilot a “Building a Local Green Network” program; Advocating to oppose Prop 23; Working with SDG&E to make the Energy Upgrade California program successful.

Sacramento Chapter: First chapter meeting set for September 15.

Maine:

• Rallying support for Home Star and thanking Senator Snowe for her co-sponsorship.

Massachusetts:

• Submitted a proposal to redesign the Mass Save program, to open the program up to the private Home Performance market.
• Gathered support from 80+companies in support of the proposal.
• Finalizing details for Home Star meetings with Senators Brown’s and Kerry’s offices.

New York:

• Wrote a letter to NYSERDA outlining Efficiency First’s response to Green Jobs Green New York proposed program, with New York Efficiency First members signed on in support.

New Jersey:

• Drafting industry recommendations for potential changes to the New Jersey Energy Master Plan that would impact New Jersey’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.

Maryland:

• Coordinating involvement in a local MD Clean Energy Summit.
• Working on a shared platform to approach utility programs to improve.

Michigan:

• Developed partnership with Michigan SAVES, a new financing program in it’s pilot faze.
• Began work with local programs to ensure they rollout effectively and promote industry growth.

Oregon:

• Working with local program entities to ensure Clean Energy Works program success.

Vermont:

• Communicating with local program regarding software selection, and working to ensure that local programs align with potential incentives at Home Star.

Virginia:

• Chapter launch event at the Governor’s Energy Summit in October.

Washington:

• Working with programs, especially Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light, on successful program implementation.
• Promoting Home Star Readiness and BPI Accreditation, by working with multiple organizations and state government agencies.
• Advocate for the business and customer needs in discussions related to workforce development and labor rules.

For more information on Efficiency First chapters, check out http://www.efficiencyfirst.org/chapters.