During this session, several organizations in different regions of the U.S. will articulate how they’re reducing the energy burden of U.S. households through innovative, income-qualified energy efficiency upgrade programs. They will also share how they’re leveraging partnerships with community-based organizations, evaluating their processes to ensure that equity is integrated into their programs, and reaching historically underserved communities.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will introduce its Home Uplift Program, which improves energy affordability and drives better health outcomes for income-qualified customers throughout the Tennessee Valley. While the program has had tremendous success, TVA has increased efforts to convene partnerships with community-based organizations (CBO) that better support non-English speaking communities. As Home Uplift continues to grow across its service territory, these partnerships will play a large role in championing diversity and equity in the program.
Verde Builds, an Oregon-based environmental justice nonprofit, will discuss their Ductless Heat Pump Activator Program, which has helped residents in a racially diverse neighborhood save up to 40% on their heating bills. Audience members will also hear how Verde Builds teamed up with Energy Trust to offer enhanced customer incentives, helping the nonprofit bring clean, efficient and affordable energy to this underserved neighborhood.
Learning Objectives:
By attending this session, attendees will:
Learn how to identify strategic local partnerships
Understand what community-based organizations need to be successful case managers or recruiters for your programs, and how the partnership benefits both parties
Apply lessons learned to other utility programs that seek to operate in underserved communities
