Energy Efficiency Programs

PSD designs and implements successful and award-winning residential energy efficiency programs, with a focus on performance-based approaches to capture energy savings. Our expertise in building science and technology solutions optimizes the delivery of residential efficiency programs, ranging from equipment rebates to whole-home approaches. Our technology platform and online portal streamline the rebate submission process, while PSD’s RESNET and BPI experts inform our new construction and home performance solutions.

PSD delivers portfolio-centric solutions for diversified commercial applications through engineering and field staff who bring extensive field-based experience in designing and managing commercial audit and retrofit programs. PSD has led or contributed to engineering analyses of commercial buildings, measure development of modeling software, and the development of training curriculums for certifications such as Building Energy Simulation Analyst (BESA) and Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP). PSD has an unparalleled understanding of federal software tools and data standardization efforts, enabling cutting-edge commercial program design and implementation.

PSD’s expertise in building science and technology optimizes the delivery of retrofit efficiency programs, ranging from prescriptive rebates to whole-home approaches. Our technology platform and online portal streamline the project submission process, while PSD’s QA and building science experts inform our commercial and home performance solutions.

Existing Homes

Program Features

• Multiple program design options
• Trade ally marketing and sales support
• Single and multi-family homes
• Custom technology solutions and support

Commercial Buildings

Program Features

• Benchmarking and advanced modeling
• In-house engineering project support
• Custom design assistance
• Custom grant programs
• Multi-measure QA services
• Community engagement

Prescriptive Rebates

Program Features

• Prescriptive and custom modeled rebates
• Online portal submission directly from customer or trade ally
• Program design and incentive optimization
• Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream rebate programs

Pay-for-Performance

Program Features

• Automated energy data analysis with real-time realization rates
• Integrated with multiple open source third-party NMEC methods
• Custom technology solutions and support

Award Winning New Homes Programs

Building residential and multifamily homes the right way avoids the costs and challenges associated with delayed improvements. This includes a tightly sealed thermal envelope, effective insulation, and controlled ventilation to reduce indoor air pollutants and excessive moisture accumulation. Customer satisfaction is dependent on cost savings, as well as home comfort, safety, and durability.

Our building science experience and expertise enables us to find creative and responsive solutions to the challenges of managing efficiency programs. The nation’s largest utilities have entrusted PSD with the management of our award-winning New Homes Programs.

Flexible Participation Pathways

PSD’s expertise in building science and technology solutions optimizes the delivery of residential new construction programs by utilizing the PSD Compass software platform and online contractor portal to streamline the submission process, while PSD’s RESNET experts inform our new construction participation pathways outlined below.

• Above code
• ENERGY STAR®
• Zero Energy Ready
• Performance-based incentives
• Affordable housing
• Manufactured homes

Industry Leadership, Support, & Partnerships

Builder/Rater Support and Development

A strong contractor eco-system is essential for program success. We successfully develop workforces capable of delivering statewide energy efficiency programs. As a HERS Rating Provider, we understand the needs of this network of trade-allies.

Industry Engagement

Our team has been instrumental in the creation of new industry standards. They hold positions such as Provider Representative on the RESNET Board of Directors, Vice Chair of the RESNET Standard Development Committee 900 for Quality Assurance, past President of the Northeast Home Energy Ratings Alliance (NEHERSA), and member of RESNET’s QA Committee. We are one of only three RESNET EnergySmart Providers in the US.

ENERGY STAR Partnership

All of our residential new homes programs are affiliated with the EPA’S ENERGY STAR for New Homes.

New Homes Implementation Technology

Our technology is a configurable building performance solution for managing Residential New Construction Programs. It seamlessly connects Program Implementers to deliver program goals for Utility Customers, Trade Allies, Quality Assurance, Utilities / Agencies, Municipalities, and other third parties.

• Compass Program Management Software – Residential Configuration
• Data management platform integrated with REM/Rate and Ekotrope

Workforce Development

• Building science training & support
  • HERS Rater Training and Certification
  • BPI Building Analyst Certification
  • ENERGY STAR New Homes Rater
  • ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Rater
  • EPA WaterSense Inspector
• Accurate and thorough modeling support
• Access to educational webinars
• Discounts on PSD trainings, including ENERGY STAR and WaterSense

Low to Moderate Income – Ensuring that housing for low to moderate income families is healthy, comfortable and affordable is a responsibility PSD supports through our building science skills and modeling solutions:

• Weatherization – PSD combines field inspections of contractor installations with training designed to target weatherization challenges, ensuring that dollars spent on low-income upgrades yield the biggest bang for the buck. PSD supports New Jersey Comfort Partners, the FirstEnergy WARM program, and PECO’s LIURP services.
• Electrification – PSD supports NYSERDA in training EmPower+ and NY State Weatherization Assistance Program contractors in optimizing cold climate heat pump load calculations, sizing, and selection techniques. EnergyPlus modeling predictions and metered equipment performance will help contractors confidently select smaller heat pumps that are less expensive to operate and less expensive to install.
• New Construction – PSD works with affordable housing funders like the PA Housing Finance Agency, to align utility incentives with affordable housing funding cycles. For example, FirstEnergy offers special incentives for affordable housing developers in Pennsylvania.