Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Home Energy Score provides reliable information about a home’s estimated energy use, like a miles-per-gallon rating for a car. The Score is based on a standard assessment of energy related assets, allowing consumers to easily compare energy use across the housing market. Its versatility and credibility have made it an ideal tool for states, local governments, utilities, and nonprofits to meet their climate goals.
The Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) is a collaboration of nine Bay Area counties working to help the state meet its climate goals through energy savings. StopWaste, the Home Energy Score partner that runs BayREN’s Home Energy Score program, has innovated how local governments can leverage Home Energy Score.
To increase awareness and promote action in improving residential efficiency, the BayREN voluntary Home Energy Score program offers a $200 rebate per Score, trains Home Energy Score Assessors, connects customers with energy rebates via its Home+ program, and more.
In 2020, BayREN introduced an electrification checklist to the Home Energy Score to support state and local decarbonization goals and prepare the workforce for the decarbonization transition. The optional electrification checklist, which provides an additional $50 rebate, has experienced significant uptake, with more than 90% of Scores in 2023 using it to encourage electrification measures.
The tremendous growth of this voluntary program has motivated other communities to implement home energy labeling programs. DOE recognized the BayREN program in 2023 with a Home Energy Score Partner Innovation Award for the creation of their voluntary electrification checklist and accompanying training for Home Energy Score Assessors.
BayREN continues to expand its electrification efforts with the release of a custom Home Energy Score Report that includes an electrification pathway for improvements. The “Home Energy Score: Energy Savings Pathway Report” provides customers with a Score for their home along with tiered options that show what the home could score with various efficiency improvements.
The BayREN program is the first Home Energy Score program to implement this unique approach, paving the way for other local governments nationwide to follow. Beginning in 2026, BayREN will expand its voluntary program statewide with support from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The statewide Home Energy Score program will be based on the Bay Area program and will provide Scores, Assessor trainings, rebates, and marketing throughout the state of California with local options available for outreach and customization.
Read more about Home Energy Score and find a Partner in your area today. Email the Home Energy Score team at homeenergyscore@ee.doe.gov to get involved.