Bringing the Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to Low-Income Communities: Case Studies and Program Profiles
In February 2024, EPA published a series of program profiles to highlight effective efforts by state and local agencies, non-profits, and community-based organizations to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy to low-income and disadvantaged communities. The series builds on a set of case studies and profiles published in 2017. EPA selected programs for inclusion based on their demonstrated ability to achieve results through on-the-ground implementation and their potential to be scalable, replicable, and sustainable, and to highlight a diverse range of communities (geography, size) and types of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
The 2024 series includes the following profiles, which describe successful programs, their key features and approaches, partners, funding sources, and achievements.
In February 2024, EPA hosted a three-part webinar series on the updated Bringing the Benefits profiles. The series showcased successful models for delivering programs to low-income and disadvantaged communities, featuring on-the-ground experts sharing their practical insights on how to design and deliver effective programs. View the webinar recordings.
2024 Program Profiles
Energy Efficiency and Weatherization
- Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancements Program (BAMBE) (pdf)
- City of Ann Arbor Aging in Place Efficiently Program (pdf)
- Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (CSNDC) Clean Energy Program (pdf)
- Community Energy Efficiency Project (pdf)
- Cooling Portland (pdf)
- COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Whole-Home Repairs Program (pdf)
- EmPower+ by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (pdf)
- Knoxville Smarter Cities Partnership: Home Energy Efficiency (pdf)
- Nonprofit Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP) (pdf)
- Pembroke-Hopkins Park Energy Efficiency Pilot (PEEP) (pdf)
- Project Warm (pdf)
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
- California Energy Commission Tribal Program (pdf)
- Nebraska Dollar and Energy Saving Loans (DESL) Program (pdf)
Renewable Energy
- District of Columbia Solar for All (pdf)
- Groundswell SharePower™: Community Solar Subscription Service (pdf)
- Renewables & Resilience Incentive Program for Human Service Providers (pdf)
Workforce Development
- Efficiency For All Connecticut Workforce Program (M=Power) (pdf)
- Isles Center for Energy and Environmental Training (CEET) (pdf)
2017 Program Profiles
Introduction and Program Finder
The 2017 series included two types of publications:
Profiles describe successful programs, their key features and approaches, partners, funding sources, and achievements.
Case studies dig deeper to focus on information that can help other organizations replicate successful programs. Case studies provide more detail and include additional sections covering keys to success and tips for replication and sustainability.
Profiles
- DTE Energy Low-Income Energy Efficiency Assistance Program
- Help My House
- Chumash Community Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Project
- Duke Energy: Neighborhood Energy Saver Program
- Duluth Flood Recovery Program
- Elevate Energy: Energy Efficiency Services for Affordable Multifamily Buildings
- GRID Alternatives: Solar Programs in Underserved Communities
Case Studies
- California Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing Program - Benefitting Both Owners and Tenants
- Energy Outreach Colorado: A Nonprofit Hub for Energy Assistance
- Efficiency Vermont - Embedding Energy Efficiency into Low-income Programs and Services
- EmPOWER Maryland - Leveraging Relationships and Experience
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Low-Income Communities: A Guide to EPA Programs
This guide helps state and local staff connect with EPA initiatives that can assist them in expanding or developing their own EE/RE and climate initiatives in ways that benefit low-income communities.
The guide can also be used by low-income community leaders and stakeholder groups to better understand the benefits of participating in EPA initiatives to help community members save energy costs, improve the health and safety of their homes, and protect the environment.