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Residential & Business Energy Savings Links
Texas Electric Choice
A Public Utility Commission of Texas web site where customers can choose the retail electric provider that meets their own requirements. Some electric providers offer lower rates, wind or solar power, or the promise of better customer service. At this site customers can shop and compare.
Partnership Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH)
PATH is a program supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It is dedicated to accelerating the development and use of technologies that radically improve the quality, durability, energy efficiency, environmental performance, and affordability of America's housing. PATH is a voluntary partnership between leaders of the homebuilding, product manufacturing, insurance, and financial industries and representatives of Federal agencies concerned with housing.
Green Communities
Green Communities is a five-year, $555 million initiative to build more than 8,500 environmentally healthy homes for low-income families.
Low-Income Assistance
Low-Income Assistance Programs
A Public Utility Commission of Texas web site.
TDHCA Weatherization and Low-Income Energy Programs
A Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs web page with guidelines for eligibility for energy assistance programs, weatherization and utility bill assistance. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and weatherization programs are available in each Texas county. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income Texans, particularly the elderly and persons with special needs control energy costs to ensure a healthy and safe living environment. The WAP funds the installation of weatherization materials and provides energy conservation education.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Clearinghouse (LIHEAP)
DOE funded, LIHEAP expands and enhances information exchange on low-income energy issues through the national low-income energy network. The LIHEAP Clearinghouse serves as a web-based information service for state, tribal and local LIHEAP providers, as well as others interested in low-income energy issues.
Professional Home Energy Raters
If you want to improve the efficiency of your home, especially if you have high energy bills or your home is uncomfortable, consider contacting a professional to conduct a home energy audit. Your first step should be to contact your electricity provider to see if they offer free or discounted energy audits to their customers. If not, you can hire a home energy professional, such as a certified Home Energy Rater, to evaluate your home's energy efficiency. Many home energy raters work with small businesses as well.
What to Look for in a Professional Home Energy Auditor
This U. S. Department of Energy web site gives tips on what to look for in a home energy auditor. Professional energy audits generally go into great detail. The energy auditor should do a room-by-room examination of the residence, as well as a thorough examination of past utility bills. Before contracting with an energy auditing company, it is suggested that you take the following steps:
- Get several references, and contact them all. Ask if they were satisfied with the work.
- Call the Better Business Bureau and ask about any complaints against the company.
- Make sure the energy auditor uses a calibrated blower door.
- Make sure they do thermographic inspections or contract another company to conduct one.
Find a Home Energy Rater in Texas
This ENERGY STAR database lists home energy raters who have qualified at least one ENERGY STAR new home in the last 12 months. Many home energy raters work with small businesses as well.
Texas HERO
The Texas Home Energy Raters Organization (HERO) is a not-for-profit professional organization that promotes the benefits of energy conservation initiatives and monetary incentives to homeowners, homebuilders and businesses. Texas HERO consists of independent energy management professionals located throughout Texas. Many home energy raters work with small businesses as well.
RESNET Home Energy Ratings
Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) sets the standards for raters, rater trainers and energy auditing software that are used in the housing industry. A rating is required to qualify the home for an energy-efficient mortgage and for a home to be labeled as ENERGY STARŪ. RESNET can help you find a rater near you. RESNET is a national network of mortgage companies, real estate brokerages, builders, appraisers, utilities and housing and energy professionals whose mission is to improve the energy efficiency of the nation's housing and to qualify more families for home ownership by expanding the national availability of mortgage financing options and home energy ratings.
GENERAL LINKS
ENERGY STAR
Energy Star offers businesses and consumers energy efficient solutions - helping to save money while protecting the environment for future generations. Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy that identifies energy efficient products. Energy Star programs and products help save the environment and save consumers money by using less energy through advanced design or construction.
Building America
Building America is a private/public partnership sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy that conducts research to find energy-efficient solutions for new and existing housing that can be implemented on a production basis.
The Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor
The Energy Efficient Rehab Advisor describes the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) guidelines for conducting energy efficient housing rehabilitation. HUD recommends following these guidelines when undertaking any type of renovation project in single family and multifamily housing, whether it is privately-owned or public housing. The Advisor's energy efficiency recommendations are based on ENERGY STAR specifications, where applicable. ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency.
Incentives for Energy Efficient Home Construction and Improvements
A guide to available incentives, programs, financing institutions, and lending agencies that can help finance renewable energy systems and/or energy efficient homes and home improvements.
National Energy Affordability and Accessibility Project (NEAAP)
NEAAP is a resource tool for anyone interested in the impacts of energy restructuring and energy market changes on low- and moderate-income households. It is a consumer-oriented website featuring state-by-state overviews on the status of restructuring, news and analysis on consumer-related restructuring activity, consumer protections under restructuring, and details on energy programs available to all residential consumers, including the low income.
Austin Energy
Austin Energy has a comprehensive energy efficiency program. Austin Energy provides energy conservation information for both homes and businesses, equipment purchasing guidelines, conservation ideas. Austin Energy also offers rebates and low-interest loans to help residential and business customers make energy efficiency improvements.
City Public Service (CPS)
CPS is a San Antonio municipally owned energy provider offering a variety of rebates and programs that help conserve energy, preserve the environment and save money on utility bills.
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