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 A trend in the HERS® industry is that new HERS® software programs are being 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 and maintain the 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 it was agreed that RESNET would form a Utilities and HERS® Software Programs Advisory Council that would research this issue and provide a set of recommendations to the RESNET Board of Directors. The advisory council would be composed of HERS® Software Providers, HERS® Raters, utility new homes program managers and utility program evaluators. RESNET is seeking volunteers to serve on the advisory council. If you are interested in being considered to serve please send the following to Steve Baden at sbaden@resnet.us by April 17, 2017: Name Organization E-mail address Phone number Paragraph on what you can contribute to the advisory council All business of the advisory council will be conducted by webinar or e-mail.
