Pennsylvania is in the formative stage of building a network of energy raters and homes that meet ENERGY STAR standards. Several recent developments may speed the interest and demand for energy ratings. While there is limited statewide government or utility support for ENERGY STAR, several groups have projects underway that will be qualified shortly.

According to EPA figures, Pennsylvania has 2,118 new homes that have been registered as meeting the ENERGY STAR for Homes criteria. These figures put the Commonwealth in the lowest category of states with less than 3% of the market index of new homes permits. Of these homes, the groups with the largest number certified in PA include: EIC/Comfort Homes, Energy Services Group, G&S Testing and MaGrann Associates.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under the sponsorship of the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, is offering the Keystone Energy Loan program, which is being administered through AFC First Financial Corporation. Several sustainable energy funds (SEFs), energy organizations and utilities are sponsors or partners. AFC First is an independent financial institution based in Allentown. Homeowners can apply for 7.99% unsecured loans up to $10,000 for ENERGY STAR and other energy efficiency improvements. For more information on the Keystone Energy Loan program: http://www.keystonehelp.com/index.php.

Some of the ENERGY STAR projects in Pennsylvania include: The West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF), in cooperation with Affordable Comfort, Inc. (ACI) is funded a pilot ENERGY STAR home in Fayette County. The home was constructed by Threshold Development Group. WPPSEF is considering additional homes in their service territory. For more information, contact Helen Perrine at (724) 627-5200, Ext. 15.

The Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) in Philadelphia is building affordable housing to meet ENERGY STAR standards. They have constructed 50 homes that should be qualified by December. A smaller project with modular homes is still being tested. ECA is planning to develop other affordable housing projects throughout the state. For more information, contact Liz Robinson at (215) 988-0929.

The Meadville Community Energy Project in Meadville is renovating and rating homes to meet ENERGY STAR standards. Some weatherization agencies are planning to expand their services to include energy ratings.

Accredited Providers and Certified Raters

• Complete List of Accredited HERS providers in Pennsylvania
• Complete List of Certified HERS Raters in Pennsylvania