ENERGY STAR® Homes Program
Program Overview
Oncor is the proud sponsor of the Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program as a means to achieve the goals for energy efficiency as mandated by the Texas Electric Choice Act. This bill calls for a reduction in statewide energy consumption by at least ten percent of the utility's annual growth in demand. The goal is to be achieved through market based standard offer programs and limited market transformation programs. In response to this, Oncor is funding various energy efficiency programs, including the ENERGY STAR Homes Program.
The goal of the Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program is to increase the construction and sale of ENERGY STAR labeled homes in the utility’s service areas in order to reduce energy demand and provide utility bill savings for consumers.
The Value of Participating in the Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program
The Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program works with builders to improve the energy efficiency of new homes through the use of advanced building materials and techniques. Oncor is committed to helping builders achieve ENERGY STAR standards in new home construction through financial incentives and technical support and training. Oncor is also committed to working with builders to increase market demand for their new ENERGY STAR labeled homes through consumer outreach, Realtor training, and other public relations activities.
ENERGY STAR Homes Program Elements
Financial incentives are available to builders for each ENERGY STAR home delivered to the program. Requirements for receiving incentives for ENERGY STAR labeled homes delivered to the program are:
- The home must be new, separately metered, residential construction;
- The home must be built in an area where Oncor provides service [Oncor will provide zip codes and maps of service area upon request];
- The HERS testing schedule must be provided for verification purposes; and
- The home must be tested and certified by a certified HERS rater.
Financial Incentives and acceptance into the program are based a competitive application process. To be notified of when next year’s application is available please submit your profile by clicking on the Login button and then Register.
Support Available to Builders Accepted into the Program
- Plan reviews to determine the upgrades / tradeoffs needed to build ENERGY STAR labeled homes and achieve IECC code compliance
- Verification by a third party that all homes are built to ENERGY STAR and IECC standards
- Training for sales staff and preferred realtors on successfully selling energy efficiency
- Workshops on various building topics including energy efficiency, building science, and mold and mildew.
Other Benefits for Builders Participating in the Program
Education and Outreach:
- Consumer seminars will be held throughout the year to increase awareness of the benefits of owning an ENERGY STAR labeled home and to generate demand for ENERGY STAR labeled homes.
- REALTOR trainings will be offered on how to successfully sell ENERGY STAR labeled homes.
- Mortgage lender trainings will be provided to increase awareness of energy efficient mortgages (EEMs) and how consumers can use these loans to afford more expensive homes.
Builders and Raters interested in participating in Oncor's ENERGY STAR Homes Program please submit your profile here.
For more information about the Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program please call 1.800.273.8741 ext. 5 or email: esh@oncor.com.