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Oncor's Multifamily HVAC Program Receives Additional National Honor

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has again identified Oncor's Multifamily HVAC Program in its national review of energy efficiency programs. The program, implemented by EnerChoice LLC, will receive an Exemplary Program Award based on its effectiveness and innovation in helping customers achieve greater levels of energy efficiency.

ACEEE's conducted its fifth national review of exemplary energy efficiency programs this past year. These reviews showcase outstanding programs and honor the organizations and people behind their design and delivery. As with ACEEE's previous exemplary program reviews, nominations were solicited from across the country.

ACEEE staff reviewed and scored programs based on various attributes, including customer-friendly services, effective program design, cost-effectiveness, and strong results. These scores guided subsequent discussions to reach consensus and select the programs that are exemplary in their category.

The Oncor Multifamily HVAC Program replaces electric resistance heating systems with energy-efficient heat pumps in multifamily residences across the service area. "The program's innovation lies in the combination of a high-savings measure with a high-volume market and the use of a reverse bid process. An annual request for proposals is held for building owners and contractors with the most impactful and cost-effective proposals selected for funding," states the ACEEE report. This year's report is available here: ACEEE's Fifth National Review of Exemplary Energy Efficiency Programs..

"Reducing peak demand is critical to maintaining the reliability of ERCOT and this program specifically targets electric resistance heat in multifamily homes, which is a large component of winter peak demand, said Phil Audet, principal at EnerChoice. "Customers benefit from lower utility bills and owners can improve their properties and reduce maintenance costs." Other utilities in Texas have adopted similar programs.

Oncor's Multifamily HVAC Program was also recognized by ACEEE in their previous review, conducted in 2019.


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Oncor's Multifamily HVAC Program Receives National Honor

Austin, Texas – The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has identified Oncor's Multifamily HVAC Program as outstanding in its national review of energy efficiency programs. The program, implemented by EnerChoice LLC, will receive an Exemplary Program Award based on its effectiveness and innovation in helping customers achieve greater levels of energy efficiency.

"These programs are delivering energy savings that help customers reduce their costs and maintain comfortable, durable, safe homes and productive businesses. They also make an important environmental contribution by reducing pollution from the use of fossil fuels," said Rachel Gold, ACEEE's Utilities Program senior manager.

The Multifamily HVAC Program replaces electric resistance heating systems with high-efficiency heat pumps in multifamily residences across the Oncor service area. "The program's innovation lies in the combination of a high-savings measure with a high-volume market and the use of a reverse bid process. In 2017, its first full year following a 2016 pilot, the program achieved growth in participants, savings, and cost effectiveness," stated ACEEE's report.

"We are excited about the future of the Oncor Multifamily HVAC program," said Phil Audet, founder and principal at EnerChoice. "It's a great way to increase efficiency in multifamily homes, and the program will continue to improve as bidding among HVAC companies and property owners gets more competitive. Other utilities are adopting this program for their customers as well."

Oncor's Multifamily HVAC Program is among 53 outstanding programs profiled in the full report, The New Leaders of the Pack: ACEEE's Fourth National Review of Exemplary Energy Efficiency Programs.

About ACEEE

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors. They work for a future in which energy efficiency helps the United States achieve economic prosperity, energy security, and a healthy environment. ACEEE has reviewed utility-funded energy efficiency programs nationwide every five years since 2003 to identify trends and present effective approaches.


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EnerChoice Joins TEPRI to Advance Programs That Reach More Multi-Family Residents in Texas

AUSTIN, TEXAS – The Texas Energy Poverty Research Institute (TEPRI) is excited to welcome EnerChoice as we work together towards our mission to inspire lasting energy solutions for low-income communities.

Phil Audet, Founder and Principal at EnerChoice, describes the partnership with TEPRI as "a great way to increase the awareness of electric utility programs that are directed toward multifamily housing." He looks forward to collaborating with TEPRI to allow these programs to reach more multifamily residents in Texas.

EnerChoice LLC is a Texas company whose mission is to assist utilities and their customers increase their energy efficiency. In the never-ending quest for newer, more-sustainable sources of energy, the potential to meet a substantial part our future energy needs by increasing the efficiency of existing buildings is often overlooked.

TEPRI is a collaboration of power market participants that includes diverse stakeholders in both public and private sectors. By supplying these key players with knowledge and research about energy poverty in Texas, TEPRI hopes to inform efforts to lower the energy burden in lower-income communities.

In Texas, there are thousands of older, all-electric multifamily properties with energy intensities that far exceed those of newer homes and buildings. As TEPRI research has shown, this energy burden often falls upon the shoulders of lower-income 2 families. EnerChoice aims to meet a substantial part of our future energy needs by increasing the efficiency of our homes, schools, and businesses.

About TEPRI

TEPRI was founded by former Public Utility Commission of Texas Chairman Becky Klein in 2015 with the goal of bringing together a diverse collaboration of community stakeholders to work toward generating solutions to solve energy problems. By studying and sharing what is working across the country, the institute spreads best practices in energy conservation, efficiency, and reducing energy burdens. Members of TEPRI are leveraging resources to spearhead innovative and in-depth research at the nexus of energy and poverty.