Press Releases 2010 > Xcel Energy Makes Home Energy Audit Program More User Friendly

Denver –Xcel Energy’s Home Energy Audit program is getting a new partner to help make the program more user-friendly. Atlanta-based APOGEE Interactive will provide an online software tool called EnergyInsights™ to be used during home energy audits. The new system makes the list of recommendations for improving energy efficiency in the customer’s home easier to identify and implement.

Xcel Energy will pilot the software in 300 customer audits in the Denver area between now and the end of January to gather feedback.

“We’re hoping that this program engages our customers to make the recommended efficiency improvements so they can qualify for rebate dollars and begin saving energy and money,” says Jackie Ducharme, Xcel Energy associate product portfolio manager. “It’s one thing to conduct the audit, but we want people to actually do the things we’re suggesting.”

The measures can be as simple as adding insulation, installing programmable thermostats or changing out standard light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. Other measures include investing in a new furnace or energy efficient appliances.

Online tools exist for homeowners that want to do the audit themselves. The EnergyInsights™ software is used by the energy expert. It’s designed to save the auditor time and provide the customer with a report immediately at the end of the audit. Currently it may take up to four hours to produce a report.

Xcel Energy’s goals with the partnership are to increase the program efficiencies, increase the number of improvements made, improve accuracy in calculations and integrate the audit with the customer’s online account.

“We chose to pilot the software to ensure we will make a good investment,” says Ducharme.

For more information on Xcel Energy’s new and existing energy efficiency programs, visit www.responsiblebynature.com.

About EnergyInsights™
EnergyInsights™ is the only RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) accredited online software tool used for in-home energy audits. RESNET’s standards are officially recognized by the federal government for verification of building energy performance for programs such as federal tax credits and the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR programs.

APOGEE has taken the software through rigorous testing including through the National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL) BESTEST-EX which is a method of testing home energy audit software that will be used to model the energy usage for existing homes.

About APOGEE Interactive, Inc.
APOGEE Interactive Inc. (www.apogee.net) is a leading provider of online energy efficiency solutions to energy utilities. Founded in 1993, APOGEE’s energy analysis applications are currently in use by more than 500 utilities across the US, reaching millions of consumers daily. APOGEE’s clients span a wide range of leading energy companies including Southern Company, Marietta Power & Water, Cobb EMC, Puget Sound Energy, Con Edison, BGE, NSTAR, American Electric Power, Entergy, SMUD, TVA, Salt River Project and Jackson EMC.

About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in eight Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis. For more information visit www.xcelenergy.com

2010 Press Releases