ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® for Rural Electric
Cooperatives
In December 2013, the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) Rural Utilities Service finalized a rulemaking that enabled
a new Energy Efficiency and Loan Conservation Program. The
rulemaking encourages borrowers to use existing efficiency
criteria such as ENERGY STAR.
This fact sheet, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (US EPA), provides background for rural utilities about
potentially relevant ENERGY STAR products, tools, and resources
based on the experience of energy efficiency programs throughout
the nation.
Energy Efficiency—An Important Part of our
Nation's Resource Mix
Energy efficiency is a key component of the nation's energy
resource mix and can also foster local economic development and
wellbeing:
•	Customers who participate in energy efficiency programs can
reduce their monthly utility bills.
•	Offering energy efficiency programs demonstrates a strong
commitment to your local communities. Customers who don't
directly participate can also benefit in several ways:
•	An investment in energy efficiency can create jobs
and improve local economies. Instead of supplying
electricity from outside of your community, energy
efficiency relies on domestic and local companies,
contractors, and retailers to provide energy
management services and energy-saving products.
•	The broader market effects associated with these
programs help make energy-efficient products and
services more accessible to local communities.
•	Energy efficiency programs can defer distribution
upgrades and costs less than generating or
purchasing new electricity supply to meet growing
demand and therefore prevent greater rate increases.1
•	By reducing monthly bill payments, energy efficiency targeted
to lower income customers can also help reduce bill
nonpayment or delinquency.
ENERGY STAR provides a powerful
platform for implementing energy
efficiency programs that make a real
difference in communities.
Over 150 electric cooperatives are already
registered ENERGY STAR partners2. Some have
gone on to earn distinction as ENERGY STAR
Award winning partners3. More than 700 utilities
and other efficiency programs servicing 85% of U.S.
households leverage the partnership.
From the first ENERGY STAR qualified computer in
1992, the ENERGY STAR label can now be found on
products in more than 70 different categories, with
more than 4.8 billion products sold. Over 1.5 million
new homes and 23,000 office buildings, schools,
hospitals, and industrial plants have earned the
ENERGY STAR label.
Recognized by more than 85 % of American
households, the ENERGY STAR label is the simple
choice for energy efficiency.
1 The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy reports that electric utility energy efficiency programs are about one-half to one-third the cost of alternative new electricity
resource options. (Source: ACEEE. The Best Value for America's Energy Dollar: A National Review of the Cost of Utility Energy Efficiency Programs. By Maggie Molina. March 25,2014.
Research Report U1402 (www.aceee.org/research-report/ul402).
: ENERGY STAR partners can be found at energystar.gov/partnersearch.
•* Information on current and past ENERGY STAR award winners can be found at www.energystar.gov/awards.
oEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency

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•	Community health can benefit from energy efficiency
programs as well. For example:
•	Properly sealing and insulating a home can improve
indoor air quality—a tighter home envelope reduces
the amount of humidity, dust, pollen, and pests that can
enter a home.
•	Reducing peak energy production during hot summer
days can reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from
electrical generating units, which contribute to
ground-level ozone formation. Breathing ozone can
trigger a variety of health problems including chest
pain, coughing, throat irritation, and congestion, and
can worsen bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma.
What are some of the eligible activities and
investments under the USDA RUS Energy
Efficiency and Loan Conservation Program?
This document does not provide guidance on applying for the
USDA Energy Efficiency and Loan Conservation Program or
complying with requirements set forth in the rulemaking. It is
intended to be a resource with respect to the following areas
outlined by the Rural Electric Services Program as eligible
for financing4:
•	Community awareness and outreach programs
•	Energy audits
•	Energy efficiency measures on a consummer premises
•	Re-lamping to more energy efficient lighting
Information on the USDA Energy Efficiency and Loan Conservation
Program including other eligible activities and investments is
available at www.rurdev.usda.gov/UEP_HomePage.html.
Community Awareness and Outreach
Programs
While many people are interested in saving money on energy
bills, they may not know where to start or may have trouble
finding energy-efficient options or qualified experts to deliver
home or building energy improvements. Education and outreach,
not just to customers, but also to trade allies such as heating
and cooling contractors, lighting distributors, and retailers, are
essential to designing and delivering successful programs. Rural
utilities that are budget or staff constrained may find numerous
off-the-shelf tools, publications, and resources available free of
charge from the ENERGY STAR program to be particularly useful.
For example:
•	The recently launched My ENERGY STAR web tool provides
utilities an opportunity to engage customers in a new way.
My ENERGY STAR provides advice on more than 60 ways
customers can save energy at home, with detailed infor-
mation about how actions can save money and protect the
environment. Utility partners can host the platform on their
website and customize which advice to highlight.
•	The ENERGY STAR Training Center (www.energystar.gov/
training) provides ready-made sales associate trainings and
sell sheets for ENERGY STAR products.
•	ENERGY STAR National Campaigns offer a great way for
programs to build community momentum around their effi-
ciency goals. For example, the annual ENERGY STAR National
Building Competition: Battle of the Buildings can be used to
spur healthy competition among schools, hospitals, grocery
stores, business districts, and others by encouraging them
to benchmark their energy use with ENERGY STAR Portfolio
Manager and compete to see who can save the most energy
and water in one year.
See "ENERGY STAR Resources to Assist" for additional
information on campaigns, tools and educational resources.
Energy Audits
Audit programs can take many forms ranging from online
assessments to low-cost "clipboard" audits to more in-depth
whole home assessments. Utilities wishing to provide online
home assessment tools can leverage the ENERGY STAR Flome
Energy Yardstick and complementary Flome Advisor tool either by
linking to or hosting these tools on their website. The Yardstick
helps homeowners understand how their home performs on a
scale of 1-10 compared to similar homes; and the Flome Advisor
provides customized recommendations based on a few simple
user inputs. (For additional information, see "ENERGY STAR
Resources to Assist").
Utilities often offer clipboard audits at a low cost or free of
charge. They usually involve the following:
•	An in-house discussion with the homeowner about comfort
and energy use. A review of past utility bills sets the stage
for discussing efficiency options and the homeowner's
willingness to make improvements;
•	A quick exterior inspection of walls, foundations, and roofs
—noting water intrusion/management issues, construction
materials (brick, siding, wood, shingle type, chimney,
attached garages, pools, etc.);
4 Broad areas defined by USDA Energy Efficiency and Loan Conservation Program, see www.rurdev.usda.gov/UEP_HomePage.htmi.
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•	A basic house footprint drawn with the square footage of the
conditioned area;
•	A quick visual check and recording of the age/type/condition
of the home's major systems including the:
•	Shell—insulation levels in walls, floors and attics—
identify obvious bypasses that should be sealed before
any additional insulation is added.
•	Heating and cooling system—age and
maintenance records, size and condition of furnace,
central air conditioner or heat pump (check inside and
outside units). Visually inspect all combustion venting
and check air filter.
•	Distribution system—auditors "walk the ducts" to
check that they are connected and sealed, and ensure
all ducts in unconditioned areas are insulated.
•	Domestic hot water—check temperature setting, need
for additional insulation for tank and pipes, and if gas/
oil—check that flue is connected and there are
no traces of back drafting. Check for low flow
showerheads.
•	Windows—number of windows (gathered at exterior
inspection), type and condition—is there an opportuni-
ty to upgrade—opportunity for storm windows?
•	Doors—number of doors, type and condition—
opportunity for storm doors?
•	Appliances—how many refrigerators/freezers—any
other large motors or equipment—does the house
have well water?
•	Lighting—look for obvious opportunities to switch out
incandescent lighting with ENERGY STAR certified
bulbs; and
•	Report back to homeowner the general condition of major
systems—provide estimated savings potential and priority
order of making efficiency improvements. (Savings
calculations may need to be generated off site and sent
afterwards). Provide next step information on locating trained
and professional service providers.
A more advanced whole home audit and improvement program,
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR is appropriate in markets
that have gained some program experience and developed a
network of qualified contractors and can commit to multi-year
program cycles. (Additional information is available at
www.energystar.gov/homeperformance).
Whether clip board or advanced, all in-home audit programs can
benefit from the following:
•	Direct installation free of charge of a few low cost measures,
which guarantees some level of energy improvement for
every home audited by the program. Installation of ENERGY
STAR certified bulbs and WaterSense5 low-flow showerheads
are common.
•	Access to financing via the utility or lending partner providing
a path for customers to make the recommended changes.
•	Information on other program offerings such as rebates that
lower the cost of improvements.
•	Qualified contractors and trade allies. Online resources such
as www.energystar.gov/partnersearch and
www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_
raters.nh_hvac_contractors_find can help identify trade
allies that are familiar with building science and ENERGY
STAR program requirements.
Energy Efficiency Measures on a Consumer
Premises
Some of the most common types of efficiency programs offered
throughout the country involve financial incentives targeted toward
energy-efficient products for the home, particularly where there is
a higher incremental cost associated with the efficient option. It
is considered best practice to rely on ENERGY STAR as a minimum
efficiency criterion for rebates and to specify ENERGY STAR even
when promoting higher efficiency criteria, since EPA requires
third-party certification to ensure energy savings from ENERGY
STAR products. The table on the following page provides a list of
commonly promoted products and average per unit savings above
the Federal standards as of June 2014. Since program specifications
change as markets mature, energy efficiency program sponsors
are encouraged to keep abreast of changes to program criteria at
www.energystar.gov/productdevelopment.
Common program elements include:
•	Consumer marketing, outreach, and education on the targeted
product and leveraging ENERGY STAR national campaigns;
•	Outreach and training to retailers and other major
distribution channels (e.g., big box retailers, local retailers,
grocery and hardware stores, and contractors) depending on
focal products to ensure both availability and promotion of
efficient products; and
•	Financial incentives including consumer-direct rebates, or
rebates, buy-downs, and cooperative marketing incentives
offered through retailers and other major
distribution channels.
Additional program elements that are common and considered
best practice when promoting energy-efficient products include:
•	Retirement and proper recycling of refrigerators to ensure old
inefficient units do not get resold or become second
refrigerators. While many rural utilities lack infrastructure for
5 WaterSense, a partnership program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, seeks to protect the future of our nations water supply by offering people a simple way to use less
water. Products that have earned the WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20 percent more efficient without sacrificing performance, www.epa.gov/watersense/.
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Illustrative Savings of ENERGY STAR Certified Projects
Compared to Minimum Standard
PRODUCT
UNIT
SAVINGS
(kWh)
LIFETIME
SAVINGS
(kWh)
ENERGY STAR-CERTIFIED PRODUCTS THAT TYPICALLY CONVEY W/
SALE OF PROPERTY*
Electric water heater**
2,500
35,000
Air source heat pump**
800
9,500
Geothermal heat pump**
5,000
62,000
Central air conditioner**
350
5,000
Ceiling fan with light kit
70
700
Vent fan
50
550
ENERGY STAR-CERTIFIED PRODUCTS THAT MAY CONVEY W/
PROPERTY SALE AS STIPULATED IN CONTRACTAND INFORMED BY
LOCAL/REGIONAL PRACTICE
Refrigerator
50
600
Clothes washer
100
1,000
Clothes dryer
250
4,000
Dishwasher
50
600
OTHER ENERGY STAR-CERTIFIED PRODUCTS COMMONLY
PROMOTED BY ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAMS
Light bulb
30
300
Room air conditioner**
100
800
Dehumidifier
100
950
Note: Savings estimates are rounded values based on recent ENERGY STAR specifications.
*	The list above is not inclusive of all ENERGY STAR products. Other ENERGY STAR
products, such as windows, doors, and skylights, may also convey with a home.
** Savings vary by climate for this product category.
responsible appliance disposal locally, arrangements can
often be made with national recycling organizations for
scheduled pick-up with appropriate volume, particularly if
another utility offers a program in a nearby area. EPA's
Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program is a good
resource for more information on this topic; see
www.epa.gov.rad.
•	Ensuring quality installation of central heating and cooling
systems—while rebates may be the simplest way to engage
HVAC contractors during initial program years, it makes sense
to address quality installation as much of the efficiency of
equipment can be lost due to oversizing, incorrect refrigerant
charge, inadequate air flow and a faulty distribution system.
Re-lamping6 to More Efficient Lighting
ENERGY STAR certified lighting is a common and cost-effective
target for energy efficiency programs across the nation. In
addition to residential applications, ENERGY STAR certified
lighting is often promoted to small businesses and for other
limited commercial applications. Consumer guidance tools are
available on how to choose lighting based on appearance,
brightness, and application.
The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP), also referenced
in the USDA rulemaking, provides acquisition guidance for Federal
purchases defining efficiency criteria for lighting that Federal
purchasers must meet or exceed including categories not covered
by the ENERGY STAR program such as fluorescent ballasts and
luminaires, exterior lighting, and industrial luminaires. Information
and related guidance can be found at www.energy.gov/eere/
femp/covered-product-categories
Typical program elements employed by energy efficiency program
administrators include the following:
•	Financial incentives that cover a portion of the incremental
costs of installing more efficient technology are a common
approach with programs setting incentive levels to deliver
payback in one to two years.
•	Incentive designs linked to ENERGY STAR specifications
when relevant.
•	Program marketing via trade allies—manufacturers, vendors,
equipment installers, and retailers. Regular communication
with trade allies allows program administrators to address
issues as they arise and ensures they are actively engaged in
promoting the program. In some cases, trade ally incentives
are offered to motivate sales of qualifying lighting.
•	Additional marketing and outreach to end users. Offices,
retail space, warehouses, and schools are common targets
for re-lamping initiatives, as they tend to be among the
largest users of lighting.
•	To discourage over-lighting, many programs encourage or
require proof that lighting retrofits meet IES recommended
light levels and uniformity.
6 Re-lamping is industry terminology for replacing existing lighting (bulbs or fixtures). In the context of utility efficiency programs, it implies replacement with energy efficient lighting.
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ENERGY STAR Resources
By leveraging ENERGY STAR, organizations can reduce program costs and implementation timelines while increasing program
effectiveness. The following tools are available to ENERGY STAR partners free of charge. To become a partner, please visit
www.energystar.gov/join. For limited or one time promotion of ENERGY STAR using the program promotional mark, contact
media@energystar.gov.
ENERGY STAR CO-BRANDING
PROGRAM SUPPORT
To learn more about how partners can correctly leverage the ENERGY STAR
trademark visit: www.energystar.gov/logouse.
Leverage ENERGY STAR when developing program marketing and educational
materials or take advantage of existing brochures, videos and guides, many of
which are designed for co-branding.
ENERGY STAR is a powerful and recognizable mark of
energy and environmental performance.
Recognized by more than 85% of U.S. households.
Designating efficiency in 70+ product categories,
as well as homes and buildings.
Certified by third-parties to ensure delivery on
performance.
About 40% of U.S. households purchase an
ENERGY STAR-certified product or home each year!
LEARN MORE AT
energystar.gov
The ENERGY STAR Program provides energy efficiency program partners with
a regional Account Manager to assist with effective programming. Account
managers can:
Don't know your account manager? Email EEaccountmanager@icfi.com.
Be sure to indicate the state(s) where you operate.
Arrange meetings with EPA program leads and other experts to discuss
strategic program planning, particularly in advance of important filings.
Educate teams about the ENERGY STAR platform for energy efficiency
programs as well as related tools and resources.
Provide information on strategies that are working for other programs in
your region or throughout the nation.
Review ENERGY STAR marketing and outreach materials for proper use
before going to press.
BEST PRACTICE RESOURCES
Download program guides and fact sheets about design
and implementation of effective ENERGY STAR
programs based on the experiences of other efficiency
programs nationwide. Available resources include:
Building Performance with ENERGY STAR
Program Framework
Consumer Electronics Program Guide
Commercial Food Service Program Guide
Data Center Program Guide	I—
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Sponsors Guide
Next Generation Lighting Programs
Resources for ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Programs
Guides are available at: www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ppg_portfolio.
ppg_portfolio_1.
NATIONAL CAMPAIGNS
PARTNER NETWORKING AND INFORMATION EXCHANGE
ENERGY STAR provides opportunities for partners
to engage one another and benefit through shared
learning experiences.
Annual ENERGY STAR Partner Meetings
—meet in person, learn about program updates, and exchange program
information with industry partners including manufacturers, builders,
retailers, and more.
Searchable Partner Database—discover which utilities have already
teamed up with ENERGY STAR: www.energystar.gov/partnersearch.
Database of Incentives and Marketing Exchange (DIME)—share
marketing and financial incentives for ENERGY STAR-certified products
with other partners: www.energystar.gov/dime.
Webinars and Newsletters—participate in webinars highlighting
program updates, new tools, and effective program strategies or sign up
for newsletters to receive written updates.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Bring the power of
partnership to your local
market with EPA-faciIitated
national campaigns
including:

ENERGY STAR
CHANGE THE WORLD, START WITH ENERGY STAR*
Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR—Engage customers in
saving energy at home, at work, and throughout the community by
committing to purchasing practices and behaviors that save energy, save
money, and mitigate climate change.
Low Carbon IT—Help organizations tap into assistance and recognition
for reducing energy use in information technology equipment
National Building Competition—Promote this exciting competition that
pits buildings across the nation against each other in a battle to trim the
most energy waste.
ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry—Challenge industrial
customers to reduce energy intensity by 10 percent in five years or less.
EPA is always looking to recognize ENERGY STAR
partners for their achievements. Take advantage of these
opportunities to promote your ENERGY STAR success:
•	Partner of the Year Awards—EPA recognizes
partner achievement in successfully leveraging
ENERGY STAR to transform markets. Successful
applicants are presented awards at the ENERGY
STAR Awards banquet and reception in
Washington, D.C. each spring.
•	Campaign Leadership—the Change the World, Start with ENERGY
STAR Campaign affords partners the opportunity to be publicly recognized
for success in motivating customer action through My ENERGY STAR (see
below).
•	Social Media and More—Partner innovation and local events are often
highlighted through energystar.gov, social media, webinars, newsletters,
case studies and best practice guides.
	
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United States
Environmental Protection
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INTERACTIVE TOOLS
ENERGY STAR provides a variety of tools and resources that can help educate consumers about making their homes more energy efficient—whether they are
'do-it-yourselfers' or through a qualified professional. Leverage these great tools to educate customers about energy efficiency:
ENERGY STAR @ HOME TOOL
This animated tool takes consumers through a room-by-room home tour
Viewers click around the virtual home to discover what can be done to save
energy and money at home. Partners can:
•	Link to the @ home tool from their website.
•	Host the @ home tool in an iErame.
•	Customize energy saving tips to link to
program rebates and resources.
Learn more at: www.energystar.gov/home.
ENERGY STAR HOME ENERGY YARDSTICK
Ailows homeowners to see how their home energy usage compares with similar
homes across the country based on a 1-10 scale, and how much of their home
energy usage is related to heating and cooling versus other every day uses. An
estimate of the home's annual carbon emissions is also provided along with
guidance on how to increase the home energy score, improve comfort, and
lower utility bills.
The Yardstick is available as 'syndicated content'
—partners can host the tool directly on their
websites.
Click here for instructions and learn more at:
www.energystar.gov/yardstick.
ENERGY STAR PORTFOLIO MANAGER FOR COMMERCIAL
BUILDING BENCHMARKING
A nationally recognized online tool that enables customers to measure and
track building energy, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions,
and compare performance to similar buildings. Connect customers to Portfolio
Manager to:
Energy Savings in Portfolio Manager
•	Benchmark building performance of one or a
portfolio of buildings.
•	Track changes in energy, water, emissions,
and cost.
•	Create and share custom reports.
•	Apply for ENERGY STAR certification.
Partners can:
•	Link to Portfolio Manager directly from their
website.
•	Use Portfolio Manager web services to enable seamless exchange of
building characteristics, energy data, and performance metrics with
Portfolio Manager.
•	Leverage Portfolio Manager in program design to motivate customers and
inform investment
Learn more at: www.energystar.gov/benchmark and
portfoliomanager.energystar.gov/webservices/home.
ENERGY STAR HOME ADVISOR
Helps homeowners get recommendations on home improvement projects
appropriate for the area where they live. Partners can host the tool on their
websites and customers will input some basic information about their home to
obtain customized advice.
Click here for instructions on how to link this tool
to your website and learn more at:
www.energystar.gov/homeadvisor.
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MY ENERGY STAR CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT PLATFORM
An interactive web tool that provides a one-stop shop for consumers to learn
about all the ways they can save energy at home, from ENERGY STAR certified
products to home improvement projects and tips. Users access a private
dashboard to create a personal plan of action and get feedback including
information on relevant partner rebates and promotions. Partners can leverage
My ENERGY STAR to connect with customers to help them achieve their
personal efficiency goals. Options include a:
Customized My ENERGY STAR landing page through
a unique partner URL that enables partners to
co-brand the platform and highlight advice most
relevant to their goals using a Featured Advice Filter.
Customized partner iFrame to allow partners to
incorporate My ENERGY STAR on their own website.
PRODUCT FINDER
Provides access to ENERGY STAR product information arming consumers with
the information they need to make purchasing decisions based on energy
efficiency and other product features. Partners can:
•	Link to product finder from their
website.
•	Use advanced features to
support data analysis and
export including:
•	Building custom reports
(eight export options).
•	Creating data
visualizations to embed
on your website.
•	Using an application
programming interface to
power your own tools,
build apps, and more.
Learn more at:
www.energystar.gov/productfinder.
ENERGY STAR Certified
Residential Clothes Washers
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