Building code enhancements are making new homes more energy efficient, but how do utilities encourage owners of existing homes to take a comprehensive approach to home improvement rather than just replacing a furnace when it breaks? Several utilities and energy organizations are demonstrating that a comprehensive approach can achieve energy savings of 50% or more in existing buildings.
These energy efficiency demonstrations are being achieved by conducting Home Energy Makeover  Contests, modeled after reality television shows. The contest takes a building-science approach to the selection of a home that best demonstrates the potential for energy savings based on BTU-per-square-foot and other factors.
The winning home receives a makeover using energy-saving products and services donated by local suppliers. Then, all contest entrants (i.e. contest losers) and other community members are invited to tour the newly-improved, winning home and learn how to conduct their own energy makeover at their own expense using the local suppliers. In all cases, the winning home owners make a compelling case to the home visitors and media for the non-energy benefits that the improvements achieve in comfort, health, safety and more.
This innovative contest approach illustrates that there is a viable market to encourage homeowners to make more comprehensive home energy improvement choices. This presentation will compare and contrast Home Energy Makeover Contests conducted in Colorado, Maine, California and Oregon, as well as a workshop variation conducted in Colorado and Wyoming.
Presenters are:
• Phil Hayes, Residential Program Manager, Anaheim Public Utilities
Phil Hayes is Residential Program Manager for Anaheim (Calif.) Public Utilities. The City of Anaheim is California’s 10th most populous city and covers 50 square miles, with more than 345,000 residents. The utility recently conducted a Home Energy Makeover Contest with to showcase its Home Investment Program that leverages the national Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® initiative.
Details at www.egia.org/anaheim.
• Bruce Matulich, Executive Director, Electric and Gas Industries Association
Bruce has extensive experience in developing and implementing utility and third-party energy efficiency programs, having developed and managed some of the most extensive energy efficiency programs in the country. Bruce spent 18 years at Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), leading the Company’s energy efficiency and load management activities as Director of Energy Efficiency Services and Director of Products and Services.
Details at www.egia.org
• Ed Thomas, Director, UtilityExchange.org
Ed Thomas is the Director of UtilityExchange.org, an affiliate of the Electric & Gas Industries Association (EGIA). Ed is perhaps best known in the energy utility industry as an engaging presenter and innovative program designer. Also, Ed has produced a series of regional workshops titled "Beyond Home Energy Audits with Home Performance" and "Utility Efficiency Exchange" as well as the Peak Load Management Alliance Web Workshops.
Details at www.utilityexchange.org
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This UtilityExchange.org event is hosted by Electric & Gas Industries Association (EGIA).
(EGIA) is a 75 year old non-profit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions through the home improvement, appliance retailer and renewable energy industries. EGIA serves a rapidly growing nationwide network of contractors, distributors, manufacturers and retailers. EGIA is a national leader in providing resource efficiency services, utility sponsored financing, and rebate administration to utilities, municipalities and water companies. Details at www.egia.org |
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