Making it Count: Understanding the Value of Energy Efficiency Financing Programs Funded by Utility Customers

In some jurisdictions, policy makers are considering large-scale financing programs that use utility customer funds to attract larger amounts of private capital. In some cases, these strategies support a goal to shift away from traditional energy efficiency program strategies (such as rebates and technical assistance and audits) and toward financing over time. However, unique aspects of financing programs may create challenges in adapting traditional regulatory planning, evaluation, and performance tools that are used to assess the impacts and cost-effectiveness of efficiency programs (such as potential studies, cost-effectiveness screening, and impact evaluation).

The report lays the groundwork for a dialogue to explore regulatory and policy mechanisms for ensuring that efficiency financing initiatives provide value for society and protection for consumers. Featuring case studies of Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, California, and Maryland, Making it Count explores emerging questions that jurisdictions will need to answer when considering an increased reliance on financing, including:

• Can financing be placed in a regulatory context that preserves accountability while providing sufficient flexibility to program administrators and customers?
• Can the tools that have been used to screen traditional energy efficiency programs for cost-effectiveness and assess potential savings and impacts be adapted in ways that make them work for energy efficiency financing programs?

To view the full report, click here.

Yale Center for Business and the Environment, SEE Action, and LBNL hosted a two-part webinar series related to this report.

"Making it Count: Understanding the Value of Energy Efficiency Financing Programs," was presented on Feburary 11, 2016 and featured report authors Chris Kramer (Environmental Futures Group) and Chuck Goldman (LBNL). To view a recording of this webinar, click here. A downloadable presentation is located at the bottom of this page.

"Making it Count 2: Understanding the Value of Energy Efficiency Financing Programs Funded by Utility Customers," was presented on February 18, 2016 and featured panelists Bryan Garcia (Connecticut Green Bank), Deana Carrillo (CAETFA), and Andy Brydges (Connecticut Green Bank). The panel was moderated by Chuck Goldman (LBNL). To view a recording of this webinar, click here. A downloadable presentation is located at the bottom of this page.