International Energy Program Evaluation Conference

The Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) continues to raise the profile of window attachments in the energy efficiency community. Last month, AERC presented a paper on the energy savings potential of efficient window attachment technologies at the International Energy Program Evaluation Conference (IEPEC) in Long Beach, CA. IEPEC is an annual conference for energy program implementers, evaluators of those programs, local, state, national, and international representative and academic researchers in involved in evaluation of energy programs. In addition to AERC, this year’s attendees included representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, who is currently an AERC member.

AERC, along with seven other organizations, participated in a panel focused on emerging technologies and what it takes to bring new technologies to market and into utility energy efficiency program portfolios. The panel covered a wide range of new efficient technologies, including WiFi capable smart thermostats, efficiency shower heads, and dimming ballasts for commercial lighting. Each panelist highlighted key insights gained from piloting and evaluating these technologies, including energy savings potential, program issues and costs, and customer satisfaction.

AERC’s presentation focused on the savings potential of high efficiency storm windows, cellular shades, and interior window panels. AERC also provided an update on the timeline for the development of its rating, labeling, and certification program for window attachments, announcing that rated products would be available in 2016, which generated some palpable excitement in the room. Credible, certified ratings is a critical for utilities and program administrators to incorporate window attachments products into their energy efficiency program portfolios. IEPEC represents an important step forward in raising awareness of the product category and AERC.

For more information about IEPEC, please visit their website at http://iepec.org.