Understanding key concepts in energy efficiency is crucial for homeowners, businesses, and policymakers alike. But in today's rapidly evolving energy landscape, the terminology – and accompanying alphabet soup of abbreviations – can be daunting.

Whether you're new to energy efficiency (aka EE) or a seasoned professional, keeping up with industry terminology can help you navigate energy policies, programs, and innovations more effectively. In this blog, we'll provide a comprehensive glossary of U.S. federal level acronyms to help you stay informed, courtesy of Alliance member the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council.

The Importance of Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is more than just reducing energy consumption; it plays a pivotal role in economic growth and job creation, grid resiliency and reliability, and affordability and cost savings. By implementing efficient technologies and practices, businesses and homeowners can take part in an all-the-above approach to the future of energy.

Government policies and incentives support energy efficiency initiatives, making it easier for individuals and organizations to adopt sustainable solutions. But how to tell your IRA from your WAP?

Key Acronyms in Energy Efficiency

• ACEEE: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
• AMI: Area Median Income OR Advanced Metering Infrastructure
• ASE: Alliance to Save Energy
• ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers
• ASNH: Affordable and Special Needs Housing (RGGI Program)
• BIL: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
• BPI: Building Performance Institute
• BPS: Building Performance Standards
• BTU: British Thermal Unit
• C-PACE: Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy
• CPRG: Climate Pollution Reduction Grant
• DER: Distributed Energy Resource
• DOE: Department of Energy
• DR: Demand Response
• DSM: Demand Side Management
• EAT: Energy Auditor Training
• EE: Energy Efficiency
• EECBG: Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant
• EERS: Energy Efficiency Resource Standard
• EEWI: Energy Efficiency Workforce Initiative
• EJ: Environmental Justice
• EM&V: Evaluation Measurement and Verification
• ESCo: Energy Services Company
• GGRF: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund
• GHG: Greenhouse Gas
• GTSA: Grid Transformation and Security Act of 2018
• HIEE: Housing Innovation in Energy Efficiency - EE RGGI Parent Program
• HEAR: Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (under HER)
• HEDC: Historically Economically Disadvantaged Community
• HER: Home Energy Rebate programs
• HERS: Home Energy Rating System
• HOMES: Home Energy Savings program (under HER)
• HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
• IAQ: Indoor Air Quality
• IAQEE: Income and Age Qualifying Energy Efficiency Program
• IRP: Integrated Resource Plan
• IECC: International Energy Conservation Code
• IRA: Inflation Reduction Act
• IOU: Investor-Owned Utility
• kW: Kilowatt
• kWh: Kilowatt-hour
• LEED: Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
• LIHEAP: Low-income Housing Energy Assistance Program
• LIHTC: Low-income Housing Tax Credit
• LMI: Low to Moderate Income
• MW: Megawatt
• NEEP: Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership
• NSPM: National Standards Practice Manual
• PACE: Property Assessed Clean Energy
• PSC/PUC: Public Service Commission/Public Utility Commission
• QA: Quality Assurance
• QCI: Quality Control Inspection
• R2E2: Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity
• REAP: Rural Energy for America Program
• REEO: Regional Energy Efficiency Organization (e.g. SEEA, NEEP)
• RESNET: Residential Energy Services Network
• RGGI: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
• RLF: Revolving Loan Fund
• SAVE: Savings Achieved Via Efficiency
• SEEA: Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance
• SMI: State Median Income
• TREC: Training Residential Energy Contractors
• TOU: Time-of-Use
• VPP: Virtual Power Plant
• WAP: Weatherization Assistance Program
• WDR: Weatherization Deferral Repair Program (RGGI Program)
• WSP: Weatherization Service Provider

Final Thoughts

Understanding energy efficiency and its associated terms empowers individuals and organizations to make informed decisions. As policies and technologies continue to evolve, staying up to date with these acronyms will ensure that you remain engaged in the energy efficiency conversation.

Now try out your knowledge by exploring EE programs on our policy actions page.