RFQ—New Homes Model Assessment and Billing Analysis

Energy Trust of Oregon seeks an evaluator to conduct a comprehensive assessment of energy modeling accuracy and billing analysis for its Energy Performance Score New Homes (EPS-NH) program. The program provides performance-based incentives to home builders for whole-home energy efficiency upgrades. Program verifiers use energy modeling software (Ekotrope or REM/Rate) to estimate energy usage and compare homes to modeled baselines based on state building code.

The evaluation includes two primary components: (1) a model accuracy assessment comparing actual, weather-normalized energy usage to modeled energy usage for 2,312 program homes that received incentives throughout 2025, and (2) a billing analysis comparing actual energy consumption of program homes to a representative sample of non-program homes. The model accuracy assessment will focus on homes built February through August 2025 to ensure 12 months of post-occupancy billing data availability. The analysis will examine performance across multiple variables including square footage, heating and cooling fuel types, number of stories, geographic heating and cooling zones, rural/urban location, and applicable energy codes.

Key deliverables include an analysis plan, data preparation and quality assessment, comprehensive reports with statistical modeling, adjustment factors for post-occupancy changes (electric vehicle ownership, added cooling, unusual loads), and public webinar presentation. The evaluator must handle sensitive utility consumption data under strict confidentiality agreements and demonstrate expertise in weather normalization, variable base degree-day regression modeling, non-participant comparison group construction, and identification of data sources to fill gaps in residential building information.

Schedule milestones include kick-off meeting within two weeks of contract award, draft model accuracy report by November 15, 2026, draft billing analysis report by May 15, 2027, and final reports within two weeks of receiving comments. The selected contractor must maintain monthly status reporting, weekly check-in meetings, and project management oversight to stay within budget and schedule constraints.