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For 40 years, the Energy Department’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has focused on advancing energy efficiency in the residential sector, but recent developments in the solar industry have allowed the program to integrate solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies into its weatherization services. In August, Colorado became the first state to complete installation of a rooftop solar PV array as part of its services.

Energy and water are strongly interdependent in the U.S. economy. Electricity generation requires water, and water treatment and distribution require energy. The Energy Department has studied this water-energy nexus and it has funded state initiatives promoting both water and energy conservation.

Jasmine Ramero, a member of the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC), functioning on behalf of the Energy Department’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), is a top performer in her field. In February (2015) she was honored by the National Corps Network as Corpsmember of the Year. Two years ago, Ramero did not know anything about weatherization, but now she is on the path towards making history: becoming the first female weatherization quality control inspector/auditor in the State of New Mexico.

Historically, the U.S. dairy industry has been one of the most energy-intensive forms of agriculture. Colorado is at the forefront of the fight to increase energy efficiency in this sector.

In June, the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy and the local utility NV Energy announced the Nevada Electric Highway joint initiative, an effort to facilitate electric vehicle (EV) transportation on U.S. Route 95. The roadway connects the two major urban centers in the state, Las Vegas and Reno.

The Energy Department is continuing partnerships with state and local governments to advance efficiency in both energy and water use. One way of doing this is by implementing Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC), an approach to making improvements that reduce energy and water use and increase operational efficiency without upfront costs. Under the ESPC model, energy efficiency upgrades are paid for by future cost savings made by the upgrades themselves, over a set term.

A Washington State school district achieved 28% savings on its energy bills as part of its commitment to the Energy Department’s Better Buildings Challenge. Camas School District committed one million square feet of buildings in an effort to reduce energy usage 20% by 2020.  Now, the district has exceeded its goal five years early. 

City of New Bedford's comprehensive energy strategies have saved residents money while protecting the environment.

Aeroseal treatment saves residents of Northgate II approximately $34,000 annually.