Utility energy efficient homes programs are increasingly using HERS® raters for verification of the performance of homes. A recent report published by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) found that a majority of utility new homes programs rely on HERS® ratings for compliance verification. It is critical to utility new homes programs that the calculated savings meet public utility commission criteria. Utilities require that the energy savings calculations are accurate and consistent. In the HERS® industry, new HERS® software programs are accredited by RESNET. Utility program managers have been hesitant in approving the new software programs accredited by RESNET. This issue is critical to resolve as the demand for HERS® ratings increases while maintaining credibility with program sponsors. At the recent 2017 RESNET Building Performance Conference there was an open dialog on this subject. As a result of this dialog, RESNET would recruit volunteers to serve on an advisory council. The advisory council would research this issue and provide a set of recommendations to the RESNET Board of Directors. The council would be composed of HERS® Software Providers, HERS® Raters and utility new homes program managers. The following volunteers have agreed to serve on the advisory council: Utility New Homes Programs Representatives Ben Adams, MaGrann Associates Chris Baggett, Arizona Public Service Amy Bryan, Jackson EMC Rob Buchanan, Alliant Energy Tim Carter, Georgia Power Matthew Christie, TRC Steve Ellison, ICF International Richard Faesy, Energy Futures Group, Inc. Marc Faircloth, Duke Energy Carolinas Rick Gazica, ICF International Kathy Greely, PSD Nick Jones, Eversource CT Michael Laughlin, Eversource NH Jennifer Parsons, United Illuminating Bruce Peterson, Xcel Energy Alice Rosenberg, Consortium for Energy Efficiency Terry Rother, Salt River Project Bryan Taylor, Questar Gas Mark Wyman, Energy Trust of Oregon HERS® Industry Representatives AJ Afkham, GreenWorks Energy Specialist Inc. Ken Bailey, HERSmv Rusty Buick, EnergyLogic Robert Burns, Pivotal Energy Solutions Chris Chitester, Energy Inspectors Steve Easley, Steve Easley & Associates Inc. Philip Fairey, Florida Solar Energy Center Joseph Ferringo, DPIS Builder Services Reed P. Frank, Jr., TopBuild Home Services Mat Gates, Residential Science Resources, LLC Ben Hallowell, American Energy Advisors Jim Hodgson, CHEERS Cy Kilbourn, Ekotrope Steven Klass, Pivotal Energy Solutions Nathan Kleist, Energy Diagnostics, Inc Tony Lisanti, Integral Building & Design, Inc. Patrick Nielsen, Broan Harry B. Oakley, New Ecology, Inc. Tom Patton, Fox Blocks – Airlite Plastics Company Judith Porter, NORESCO Jenny Propst, Southern Energy Management Ken Riead, Doff Industries Sharla Riead, Accurate Rater Network Rob Salcido, Ekotrope Craig Schnieder, Intelligent Energy Solutions Jonathan Scribner, Home Energy Solutions Josh Spence, PEG Amber Stewart, Tierra Resource Consultants, LLC Rob Vieira, Florida Solar Energy Center Amber Wood, NORESCO There will be two co-chairs of the committee. One representing utility residential energy programs and one representing the HERS® industry. The goal is to develop a set of recommendations to the RESNET Board by its fall 2017 RESNET Board Meeting in November.
