Program Overview

Program Notice

Guidance

Technical Assistance Videos

The Utility Partnership Program (UPP) encourages PHAs, especially small- and medium-sized PHAs, to consider the potential benefits of implementing an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) in partnership with utility companies.

PHAs interested in pursuing an EPC may find that working with a utility company offers advantages including:

• PHAs may find it advantageous to work with a utility company with whom they have an established, multi-year, preexisting relationship.
• Utility companies, particularly those already working with Federal agencies, often have extensive experience with the Department of Energy’s Utility Energy Service Contracts (UESC) program—a program similar to HUD’s EPC-UPP program.
• Utility companies need to manage and often reduce overall energy consumption in their service territory to avoid making costly investments to address growing capacity needs.
• Many utility companies can implement both energy and water conservation measures through their energy services through performance contracting.
• Partnering with a utility company may facilitate the use of alternate strategies to improve the economic feasibility of small- or medium-sized projects, which might otherwise not attract interest from financial institutions.
• The UPP program offers a simplified approval and verification process for low-risk EPC projects.