Build It Green Launches Nation’s First Residential Pay-for-Performance Energy Retrofit Program

Groundbreaking new Cool Savers program changes how home upgrades are incentivized. End Quote

Oakland, CA (1888PressRelease) March 23, 2019 - Build It Green (BIG) is proud to announce the launch of Cool Savers, the nation’s first residential pay-for-performance (P4P) energy retrofit program. P4P is a game-changing new approach to residential energy efficiency that provides incentives based on actual metered energy savings, rather than a traditional up-front rebate. The Cool Savers program, available to Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) customers, works with participating contractors to evaluate homes for energy saving opportunities and perform the appropriate retrofit work.

P4P Is the Future and BIG Is Leading the Way
“Pay-for-performance is the future of residential energy efficiency programs, and as a leading program implementer in California, BIG is proud to pioneer this new approach,” said Karin Burns, Build It Green Executive Director. “We believe that P4P will unleash a new wave of market innovation and investment in residential energy efficiency. Implementers like BIG have the flexibility to design programs that deliver real energy savings in the most cost-effective manner. That’s a win for utilities, contractors, and consumers.”

How Cool Savers Works
Cool Savers will generate energy savings through retrofit, operational, and behavioral measures. The program will bundle an exclusive manufacturer discount on the highest-efficiency AC and furnace units, then pair these HVAC upgrades with a smart thermostat and duct sealing. In addition, Cool Savers will offer consumers a “Cool Rewards Bonus”—up to $1,000—if they are among the top energy savers after 12 months. Each month, consumers will receive an energy report that details how much they’re saving and how they rank among all “Cool Savers.”

Incentivizing Performance and Quality
“For the first time, contractors will be able to view a performance dashboard that details the energy-saving performance of their project portfolios over time,” explained Burns. “They can see how well their jobs are saving energy and, using that feedback, find ways to improve quality.”

Cool Savers will be delivered by up to 10 participating contractors, and the program will also be supported by BIG’s partner, the Electric & Gas Industries Association (EGIA). For the program launch, six participating contractors are already on board and will offer Cool Savers in selected PG&E service areas:

• Synergy Companies
• Bailey’s Heating & Air Conditioning
• McClelland Air Conditioning
• Sierra Pacific Home
• Certified Heating & Air Conditioning
• Oasis Air Conditioning Inc.

For more information about Cool Savers, visit CoolHomeSavers.com.

About Build It Green
Build It Green is a nonprofit with a mission to create a world of healthy and sustainable homes for all people. We are driven by the recognition that housing is fundamental to our well-being and to our clean energy future. In California and beyond, Build It Green brings innovation to market, helping consumers, professionals, and public agencies to succeed. Together, we hold a vision that all communities will thrive—built on a foundation of homes that support our well-being and strengthen our resilience to climate change. Learn more at www.builditgreen.org.

The Cool Savers energy efficiency program is funded by California utility customers and administered through PG&E under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. The program is implemented and managed by BIG and their authorized representatives.

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