Policy Outreach & Analysis
Multi-fuel Programs
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), more than three-quarters of all households in the U.S. that heat with oil are in the Northeast. In New England, that's about 46 percent of homes. There are no ratepayer funded efficiency programs for people who heat with oil, propane or wood. In most cases, only those who heat with natural gas or electricity can tap into energy efficiency program rebates for measures such as high-efficiency heating equipment and weatherization. Low income customers can get help through the federal Weatherization Assistance Program and (WAP) Heating Emergency Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program (HEART-WAP), regardless of fuel. Some states are finding ways to offer assistance to customers who heat with alternate sources, and federal funding opportunities such as SEEARP may encourage such uses. Extending rebates or financing assistance so more people can increase their building's efficiency is key to reaching carbon reduction goals and helping residents and businesses save on their energy costs.
Multi-fuel Programs
NEEP supports a whole-building approach to new construction and retrofits, emphasizing a comprehensive, integrated approach to delivering energy efficiency. As such, we promote holistic energy assessments and a plan that looks at the building as a system, regardless of fuel types. While acknowledging restrictions in some jurisdictions to using electric ratepayer funds for non-electric or thermal savings measures, we do see the value of leveraging existing programs and relationship between customers and their energy providers. Off-setting the initial cost of efficiency investments can help customers overcome a critical hurdle and reap long term savings. Some of the creative ways of doing this include on-bill financing or financing through local property tax bills. Additionally, NEEP supports the use of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceeds to be directed at programs that cut therm usage, including insulation, air sealing and installation of efficient heating and water heating equipment.
Multi-fuel Programs
NEEP is working with state policymakers and energy efficiency program administrators to find ways to extend opportunities to the thousands of residents in the Northeast who are currently ineligible for programs that will help reduce their heating bills. We are involved in stakeholder meetings and frequently provide guidance to regulators and program administrators, sharing best practices and new models from around the region.
| Resource | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Energy Efficiency Policy Tracker | Here you can find current information on energy efficiency policy throughout the Northeast, including legislative and regulatory developments. You can also access current energy efficiency program plans and reports. |  |