ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Resources for Builders and HERS Raters
Builders
Earn up to $1,600 for each energy-efficient new home you build. By partnering with the BGE Smart Energy Savers Program® and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR for New Homes Program, you can provide your customers with a high-quality home, built to strict energy efficiency standards, which helps them reduce their energy use, save money, and do their part for the environment.
Benefits
You can differentiate your business in the marketplace as an energy-efficient builder by participating in the BGE ENERGY STAR for New Homes Program. ENERGY STAR certified new homes also typically lead to improved customer satisfaction and fewer callbacks.
As a participating homebuilder you also will benefit from financial incentives as well as technical support and training to help you meet program guidelines. Plus, marketing support from BGE will help you gain recognition as an ENERGY STAR builder.
Rebates
Participating builders can receive rebates for each home constructed in the BGE service territory that meets or exceeds the guidelines set by EPA for the ENERGY STAR for New Homes Program.
The following incentives are available for ENERGY STAR certified homes that meet the appropriate version of the guidelines (2.5 or 3) according to the permits and completion dates of the homes.
- Tier I: $1,000 for an ENERGY STAR certified home with a HERS Index of 75 or lower.
- Tier II: $1,300 for an ENERGY STAR certified home with a HERS Index of 70 or lower.
- Tier III: $1,600 for an ENERGY STAR certified home with a HERS Index of 65 of lower.
Eligibility
To be eligible for rebates, the home must meet the following criteria:
- Be separately metered single-family residential construction (attached homes included*)
- Have electric distribution service provided by BGE
- Be completed within the calendar year of application submittal
- Have all required ENERGY STAR inspections
- Not have passed rough framing at the point of application
*Attached homes include duplexes, townhouses and two on two condos. Multi-family buildings, such as apartment complexes and condominiums, are not eligible for financial incentives through this program.
Online Program Application
To apply for incentives for homes that meet these criteria, please complete the Online Home Builder Application.
Online Home Registration System
After your application has been approved, you will be able to register accepted homes with the program and request your incentive payment(s). Simply visit the Online Home Registration System and provide the required information. You will need the email address and password you used when you completed your initial program application.
Visit the New Home Online Data Entry Instructions for a description of how to perform the online data entry.
Learn More
For more information, click on the links below:
Questions?
Please direct any questions to:
- Phone: 443.718.4854
- Email: ResidentialNewHomes@BGESmartEnergy.com
HERS Raters
The BGE ENERGY STAR for New Homes Program aims to significantly increase the market share of ENERGY STAR certified new homes in central Maryland. As the number of energy-efficient homes grows, so too will the demand for home energy ratings, creating a significant business opportunity for certified HERS service providers. Your support helps ensure that each home constructed by participating builders meets program requirements for energy efficiency, safety, quality, and comfort.
How to Participate as a Rater
Certified home energy raters are integral participants in BGE’s ENERGY STAR for New Homes Program. To earn the ENERGY STAR label and qualify for BGE’s financial incentives, builders must work with a RESNET-accredited HERS rater registered with the program.
Online Program Application
To become an approved program rater, please complete the Online HERS Rater Application.
Online Home Registration System
After your application has been approved, you will be able to register accepted homes with the program and provide the required documentation by logging in to the Online Home Registration System. You will need the email address and password you used when you completed your initial program application.
Visit the New Home Online Data Entry Instructions for a description of how to perform the online data entry.
Home Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for incentives, your clients’ homes must meet the following criteria:
- Be separately metered single-family residential construction (attached homes included)
- Have electric distribution service provided by BGE
- Be completed within the calendar year of application submittal
- Have all required ENERGY STAR inspections
- Not have passed rough framing at the point of application
Rater Resources
For more information, click on the links below:
- Rater FAQs
- Become a RESNET-certified rater
- ENERGY STAR for Home Energy Raters web page
- List of Participating Raters
Questions?
Please direct any questions to:
- Phone: 443.718.4854
- Email: ResidentialNewHomes@BGESmartEnergy.com
