Policy News

NEEP is delighted to debut our new policy framework for building decarbonization, titled Decarbonizing Buildings: How States Can Set the Table for Success, and developed in partnership with

On October 30, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) approved the state’s next round of energy efficiency programs. These new programs have been a year in the making and include core energy efficiency investments and new initiatives for building decarbonization, demand response programs, and the creation of an online platform for all utility and state programs.

The US Department of Energy (DOE) requires that states submit market transformation plans as part of the Home Energy Rebates program funding through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The intent of these market transformation plans is to ensure that IRA Home Energy Rebates create lasting change in each state’s energy efficiency market. In September, DOE released guidance and sample plans, informally kicking off the process of drafting these plans for states across the nation.

Not only is 2024 the year for Inflation Reduction Act funds, but it is also for planning customer-funded energy efficiency programs! Five states in the NEEP region will set new, multi-year energy efficiency plans. If approved, these plans will invest at least $16 billion over the next several years in the region’s energy efficiency programs to help customers save energy and money, reduce emissions, and serve as a grid resource.

In the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region, multifamily buildings account for up to 39 percent of total housing, almost 10 percent above the national average

In April, Connecticut became one of a handful of states to start implementing performance-based rates. Performance-based rates (PBR) align utility profits with public policy goals by changing how utilities invest and make money. In past blogs, we have explored how states can use metrics to pivot program design to include climate and equity goals, and this blog will look at how states can financially incentivize utilities by aligning profits with policy using performance-based rates (PBR).

The Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund presents a unique opportunity for state energy offices to not only invest in long term energy efficiency financing programs, but also provide grants to small businesses and low-income residents to improve the comfort of their buildings and install more efficient technology.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) present an unprecedented opportunity to grow efficiency and electrification across the United States. They also represent an extraordinary amount of work and coordination for our state energy offices, regulators, energy efficiency businesses, and other stakeholders.