HUD Earns Institutional Energy Management Award from the Association of Energy Engineers

HUD's energy branch was recognized by the Association of Energy Engineers for remarkable initiatives in energy efficiency and sustainability for public housing authorities

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Public Housing, Energy Branch received an international award for the Institutional Energy Management from the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE). The prestigious award is granted to organizations that have achieved national and international prominence in promoting the practices and principles of energy engineering and energy management. During the 2023 AEE World Energy Conference and Expo in Orlando, FL, HUD's Energy Director, Dr. Charles Marshall, and Kevin Gallagher, the division's Director of Financial Management, received the award. 

“HUD is honored to receive the Association of Energy Engineers’ 2023 Institutional Energy Management Award for our dedication and performance when it comes to energy,” said Secretary Marcia L. Fudge. “We are grateful for the acknowledgement of our efforts, and we look forward to continuing to partner with the energy industry.”

The Energy Branch manages four programs and provides other technical assistance to improve the capacity of public housing authorities (PHAs) to improve energy and water efficiency, implement renewable energy, and reduce carbon emissions. Programs include the energy performance contract (EPC), the rate reduction incentive (RRI), the Small Rural Frozen Rolling Base (SRFRB), and the Utility Partnership Program (UPP).

• The Energy Performance Contract (EPC) allows housing authorities to enter a contract with a 3rd party to finance investment for up to 20 years. The UPP allows housing authorities to finance projects for up to 20 years through a utility provider. The EPC program, the oldest program over 30 years old, provides approximately $302M per year in savings to finance infrastructure investment in PHAs. Working with the Special Applications Center and the Office of Housing Investment, guidance was developed to assist housing authorities to dispose or demolish units associated with the EPCs to support the remaining units in the EPCs through the term of the contract. The Energy Branch has also produced and published on the internet short videos providing instructions on using the EPC programs.
• The Rate Reduction Incentive (RRI) allows housing authorities to retain 50-100% of the savings from significant actions to reduce utility rates including investment in renewable energy. In addition, the RRI program has grown 68% since 2020 providing over $86M in savings benefits to housing authorities in 2023. Guidance has been updated and published to provide support. The updated RRI guidance provides several improvements in the use of the program including more concise instructions and clearer guidance for housing authorities to implement power purchase agreements and other renewable energy contracting mechanisms. The Energy Branch has also produced and published on the internet short videos providing instructions on using RRI programs.
• The Small Rural Frozen Rolling Base (SRFRB) implemented in 2021 allows PHAs to retain 100% savings for up to 20 years. The SRFRB program provides opportunities for 1,600+ small and rural housing authorities throughout the U.S. and its territories. The program has grown 32% over the last three years as more technical assistance is being developed for the small and rural housing authorities with over a $1M being paid to small and rural housing authorities. Guidance has been updated and published to provide support.

Other activities include:

In 2021, the Energy Branch sponsored an industry day where ESCOs, housing authorities, utility companies, consultants, and renewable energy specialists came together to discuss opportunities to improve utility programs for public housing authorities. Other videos have been produced in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to provide guidance on implementing energy conservation measures like energy efficient lighting and HVAC upgrades.  

The Energy Branch continues to provide opportunities for PHA’s to increase participation in programs that help increase investment in energy and water efficiency and clean energy through renewable programs.

Learn more about the AEE Awards Program here.