Bringing the Benefits of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to Low-Income Communities: Case Studies and Program Profiles

In February 2024, EPA published a series of program profiles to highlight effective efforts by state and local agencies, non-profits, and community-based organizations to bring energy efficiency and renewable energy to low-income communities. The series builds on a set of case studies and profiles published in 2017. EPA selected programs for inclusion based on their demonstrated ability to achieve results through on-the-ground implementation and their potential to be scalable, replicable, and sustainable, and to highlight a diverse range of communities (geography, size) and types of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. 

The 2024 series includes the following profiles, which describe successful programs, their key features and approaches, partners, funding sources, and achievements.

In February 2024, EPA hosted a three-part webinar series on the updated Bringing the Benefits profiles. The series showcased successful models for delivering programs to low-income communities, featuring on-the-ground experts sharing their practical insights on how to design and deliver effective programs. View the webinar recordings. 

2024 Program Profiles

Energy Efficiency and Weatherization

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

Workforce Development 

2017 Program Profiles

Introduction and Program Finder

The 2017 series included two types of publications:

Profiles describe successful programs, their key features and approaches, partners, funding sources, and achievements.

Case studies dig deeper to focus on information that can help other organizations replicate successful programs. Case studies provide more detail and include additional sections covering keys to success and tips for replication and sustainability.

Profiles

CELICA Toolkit

U.S. DOE's Clean Energy for Low Income Communities Accelerator (CELICA) Toolkit can help program administrations design and implement programs to reduce the energy burden for low-income communities.

It includes the Low-income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool, designed to support data-driven decisions about low-income energy goals and program planning.

Case Studies

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in Low-Income Communities: A Guide to EPA Programs

This guide helps state and local staff connect with EPA initiatives that can assist them in expanding or developing their own EE/RE and climate initiatives in ways that benefit low-income communities.

The guide can also be used by low-income community leaders and stakeholder groups to better understand the benefits of participating in EPA initiatives to help community members save energy costs, improve the health and safety of their homes, and protect the environment.

Energy Resources for State and Local Governments

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Last updated on February 20, 2025