For More Information

For Homebuilders

Any homebuilder can build ENERGY STAR qualified homes by partnering with the national program at www.energystar.gov/homes.

Oncor provides a limited number of incentives to homebuilders who construct ENERGY STAR qualified homes in their service area. The utility-sponsored program accepts applications in an open enrollment process for the following year’s program. Participating homebuilders have access to marketing materials, sales training courses, and a host of other opportunities to enhance their participation.

Join the homebuilders who are paving a new path for energy-efficient construction practices. These homebuilders have produced more than 60,000 homes in the Oncor service area and more than 141,000 ENERGY STAR qualified homes in the state of Texas.

How do I get started?

Step One:
Review the ENERGY STAR Home requirements listed on www.energystar.gov. Then, complete the online partnership application, located at http://energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_join.

Step Two:
Contact a HERS Rater to discuss what adjustments your homes might need in order to meet ENERGY STAR specifications. HERS Raters can help you with a plan analysis to determine the most cost-effective way for you to build and sell ENERGY STAR qualified homes. A list of HERS Raters can be found on this Web site.

Step Three:
Click here to submit an application for the Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program.

Note, completing an application does not mean that homebuilders are automatically enrolled in the utility-sponsored Program. Applications are accepted once a year (in December for the following year’s Program). Should incentives become available during the current Program year, a Program representative will contact you to discuss eligibility requirements.  Feel free to e-mail us at TexasESH@icfi.com to learn more about becoming an ENERGY STAR builder and/or joining this Program.

2010 Homebuilder Resource Kit

The 2010 Resource Kit CD provides Program partners with electronic versions of all the reference documents for the 2010 Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program. The interactive kit is divided into four sections:

• Program Snapshot: This section includes a summary of the Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program and its requirements, organized for fast and easy reference, homebuyer testimonials, Frequently Asked Questions, and a guide to useful Web resources.

• ENERGY STAR Home Certification: This section provides homebuilders with a step-by-step guide to building and certifying ENERGY STAR qualified homes, requesting and receiving incentives, critical Program milestone dates, training resources, and more.

• Marketing ENERGY STAR Homes: This section contains a detailed explanation of resources available to you as a Program partner. These resources include marketing and training resources available through the Program, and award eligibility. It also contains a variety of tools to help you market and sell your ENERGY STAR qualified homes. Documents such as sample flyers and sample press releases are provided in a customizable Microsoft Word document. Print-ready point-of-sale graphic files are also included. In February 2007, EPA announced the upcoming release of a new Web-based version of the Sales Toolkit, with enhanced features and functionality.  You can check the availability of this new resource by visiting http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_marketing_resources.

• Appendix: This section contains the ENERGY STAR brand book and guidelines, financing resources and directions on accessing the customizable and example marketing files.

Downloading the Resource Kit:

1. Click on the link below.
2. Select Open when prompted.
3. When the winzip file opens, select Extract.
4. Create a new folder on your computer to hold the tool kit, and select that folder to which you will Extract the file.
5. Go to the Toolkit folder, and double click CD_Start.exe.
6. The program should automatically launch. A password is required to run the program. This was sent to you in an e-mail from the Program. If you have not received this, please contact Amelia Woods at 469-467-4413 or awoods@icfi.com.

Download the 2010 Oncor Homebuilder Resource Kit

Using the Resource Kit:

1. Click on the section of the kit that you would like to explore.
2. Within each section, specific documents are listed. Click on the name of the document you wish to view.
3. You can exit to the Main Page from any screen using the Main Menu link at the bottom of the page.

For Trade Allies

Become an official partner with the Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program and reach your target audience by aligning your brand with an established, government-backed brand.

Since 2001, the Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program has accelerated the transformation of the Texas new residential market toward energy-efficient construction. As a result of these efforts, Texas leads the nation in the production of highly energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR qualified homes.

By partnering with this Program, you too can promote the benefits of building and buying energy-efficient new homes and feel good knowing that you’re helping save our big, blue Texas sky for future generations and helping Texans save money.

2010 Ally Resource Kit

The 2010 Ally Resource Kit provides Program allies with electronic versions of all the reference documents that may enhance their affiliation with the 2010 Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program. The interactive kit is divided into three sections:

• Realtors: This section provides Realtors with information about the Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program, the national EPA ENERGY STAR for Homes Program, documents demonstrating how to work with ENERGY STAR, resources and marketing materials for Realtor use, and more.

• Lenders: This section provides Lenders with information about the Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program as well as the national EPA ENERGY STAR for Homes Program, required documents for their partnership, marketing resources applicable to them, and training and education resources.

• Appraisers: This section provides Appraisers with information on how to understand and work with ENERGY STAR, information on the marketing resources available to, and information on how to value energy efficient construction appropriately.

• Appendix: This section contains the ENERGY STAR brand book and guidelines, financing resources and directions on accessing the customizable, and example marketing files.

Downloading the Resource Kit:

1. Click on the link below.
2. Select Open when prompted.
3. When the winzip file opens, select Extract. A password is required to run the program. This was sent to you in an email from the Program. If you have not received this, please contact Traci Synatschk at 512-553-3766 or tsynatschk@icfi.com.
4. Create a new folder on your computer to hold the tool kit, and select that folder to Extract to.
5. Go to the Toolkit folder, and double click CD_Start.exe.
6. The program should automatically launch.

Download the 2010 Oncor Ally Resource Kit

Using the Resource Kit:

1. Click on the section of the kit that you would like to explore.
2. Within each section, specific documents are listed. Click on the name of the document you wish to view.
3. You can exit to the Main Page from any screen using the Main Menu link at the bottom of the page.

Why Partner with the Program?

• Gain access to sales, marketing, and technical training courses for your staff

• Leverage the success of a nationally recognized, government-backed brand

• Take advantage of co-sponsorship opportunities to achieve your business goals

• Contribute articles to our Program newsletter

• Network with top Texas homebuilders through unique Program opportunities

• Gain access to marketing materials from the national ENERGY STAR program

• Promote your company’s corporate commitment to improving air quality in Texas