Residential (1–4 Unit)
This award category recognizes programs that provide comprehensive weatherization for single-family homes and multifamily homes of up to four units. The winning programs are commendable for offering additional services like health and safety repairs, appliance upgrades, electrification, and solar installation.
Leader of the Pack: Casa Verde Program, CPS Energy; Texas
Program start year | 2012 |
Annual net energy savings | 6,444.6 MWh |
Number of participants | 1,975 customers in FY2024, with an original goal of 3,500 |
Budget for most recent year | $16.5 million |
Program website | |
Link to most recent evaluation report | https://www.cpsenergy.com/content/dam/corporate/en/ Documents/ |
Since 2012, CPS Energy has managed the Casa Verde Weatherization Program to assist San Antonio residents with high energy burdens—defined as the portion of income spent on energy. The program uses energy burden census tract data to target outreach toward the most energy-burdened residents. To qualify, households must either report an annual energy burden of 10% or greater or have an annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Program administrators engage in participant recruitment through enrollment drive-through events and resource fairs.
In addition to weatherization services, the Casa Verde program offers LED lighting, air infiltration reduction, attic insulation, and solar screens. Participants first undergo a home diagnostic test to evaluate the home's condition, identify safety concerns, and ensure compliance with building codes. Once the diagnostics are complete, weatherization work begins. This process includes health and safety upgrades such as the installation of carbon monoxide detectors and vented heat sources. For its commitment to effective community engagement, prioritizing health and safety, and reducing energy burdens, CPS Energy's Casa Verde program is recognized as a Leader of the Pack.
Key accomplishments and program features:
- The program has successfully weatherized nearly 36,000 homes since 2012.
- Participants save an average of $30–$40 on monthly energy bills, while enjoying improved indoor comfort and a safer, healthier living environment.
- Casa Verde aligns with the goals of San Antonio's Sustainable Tomorrow Energy Plan, which aims to weatherize 16,000 homes between 2023 and 2028.
- The program complements CPS Energy's new Weatherization Repair Assistance Program, which conducts necessary home repairs to prepare homes for weatherization.
- The program collaborated with Memphis Light, Gas and Water to share best practices and assist in expanding its own weatherization program.
Exemplary Program: EmPower+, NYSERDA; New York
Program website | https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/EmPower-New-York-Program |
Link to most recent evaluation report |
EmPower+ serves low- and moderate-income homeowners with comprehensive energy efficiency services. In addition to weatherization, the program offers efficient appliances, minor home repairs, and beneficial electrification.
Key accomplishments and program features:
- EmPower+ served over 22,000 low- and moderate-income customers in 2023, achieving annual savings of 630,000 MMBtu and 33,000 metric tons of CO2 reductions.
- Approved customers are enrolled in community solar (if available in their area).
- Low-income participants receive most services free of charge, while moderate-income participants are eligible for grants of 50% of total project cost up to $5,000.
- The program is delivered by a contractor network of approximately 180 businesses.
- The program currently has an annual budget of approximately $160 million, which braids ratepayer funds, New York State on-budget funding, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative funds, and funds from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.