20240523Reply Comments.pdf

RECEIVED
2023 Thursday May 23, 2024 4:07PM
IDAHO PUBLIC
UTILITIES COMMISSION
Preston N. Carter, ISB No. 8462
Givens Pursley LLP
601 W. Bannock St.
Boise, Idaho 83702
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]
prestoncarter(&givenspursley.com
Attorneys for Intermountain Gas Company
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF CASE NO. INT-G-23-07
INTERMOUNTAIN GAS
COMPANY'S 2023 INTEGRATED INTERMOUNTAIN GAS COMPANY'S
RESOURCE PLAN REPLY COMMENTS
Intermountain Gas Company("Intermountain"or"Company")respectfully submits the
following Reply Comments in response to Comments filed by the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission Staff("Staff").
Intermountain thanks Staff and Stakeholders for their participation and feedback
throughout the IRP process. Intermountain agrees with Staff s recommendations and looks
forward to working with Staff to implement them.
Intermountain would like to address two issues related to Staff Comments in the DSM
Opportunities section. These and related issues are addressed in Case No. INT-G-23-06. That
said, Intermountain would like to address the issue here in the hope that it can illustrate some
sources of confusion surrounding this issue.
Intermountain does not request that the Commission deviate from Staffs
recommendations; this comment is intended merely to illustrate one component of an ongoing
issue. Intermountain does request that the Commission order the Company and Staff to meet
COMPANY REPLY COMMENTS PAGE I OF 7

with the CPA consultant to discuss calibration of the CPA models, in an attempt to avoid future
confusion or misunderstanding on this topic.
Staff believes the Company overstated the savings potential of the Furnace and Whole
Home Tier I and Tier II measures because the results of the Company's 2020 EM&V were used
to calibrate the CPA models.' As the Company pointed out in response to Production Request
No. 33, "the calibration described is to determine the achievable potential, or realistic savings,
from the potential that is economic." That is, the adoption rates of the measures rather than the
therm savings of the measures. Because the questions raised in Production Request No. 33 made
it sound like there was a misunderstanding of this calibration process, the Company also noted
the following in CONFIDENTIAL PR Response No. 33:
"The way the models were calibrated to inform the calculation of achievable potential is a
complex topic. If there are further questions related to this information, the Company is willing
to set up a meeting with the consultant that completed the study to discuss in greater detail."
Staff did not request a meeting with the Company and its consultant, but instead
reiterated its concerns, which the Company previously addressed in Case No. INT-G-23-06, and
noted"that its observations may mean that portions of the CPA are not used or useful because of
the overstated input data" and threatens that"Staff will review the CPA expense in the next DSM
prudence filing". The Company believes it would be appropriate for the Commission to Order
Staff and the Company meet with the Company's CPA consultant within six months of a
Commission order to discuss and resolve this calibration issue. Far better to discuss these issues
up-front than after-the-fact through prudency review.
Staff also takes issue with the Company's contention that it retired the previous Whole
Home rebate and instituted completely redesigned Whole Home Tier I and Tier II rebates that
1 Staff Comments page 11
2 2023 Conservation Potential Assessment Final Report,p 17.
COMPANY REPLY COMMENTS PAGE 2 OF 7

are in effect today. Staff argues that the current Whole Home offering is a continuation of the
original program. To support this claim, Staff includes Table No. 1: Comparison of the Savings
Mechanisms of the ENERGY STAR Certified New Construction and Company's Post-EM&V
Whole Home Offering3.
Unfortunately, the ENERGY STAR certified new construction(v 3.1)referenced by Staff
did not go into effect in Idaho until January 1, 2023.4 Table 1 below, taken from the ENERGY
STAR Residential New Construction Program Historical Document repository shows the
effective date of version 3.1 that was referenced by Staff.
Table 1:ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction v3.15
Exhibit 4: ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes Implementation Timeline
Homes Permitted 15
State I On or After This Date Version Revision 16
Territory Must Meet the Adjacent
Version &Revision
AL,AK,AZ,AR. CO. IN, ID, KS, 10-01-2020 National v3 Rev. 10
KY, LA, MS, MO, NH, NC, ND,
OH. OK. SC, SD, TN, VA, WV. 01-01-2022 National v3 Rev. 11
WI. WY 01-01-2023 National v3.1 Rev. 11
01-01-2024 National v3.1 Rev. 12
Instead, the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program (ENERGY STAR
Program) in effect through 2021, when the original Whole Home program was retired, was
version 3.0.6 The ENERGY STAR Program offered a flexible pathway that allowed homes to
qualify for ENERGY STAR certification by selecting "a custom combination of measures for
each home that is equivalent in performance to the minimum requirements of the ENERGY
STAR Reference Design Home",7 in combination with meeting a list of specific requirements.
s Staff Comments page 13.
a Historical ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements Version 3.1 (Rev. 11),attached as Exhibit 1
5 Historical ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements Version 3.1 (Rev. 12),attached as Exhibit 2
6 Historical ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements,Version 3 (Rev 10),attached as Exhibit 3
Id.
COMPANY REPLY COMMENTS PAGE 3 OF 7

The ENERGY STAR rating included items such as cooling equipment, lighting, and appliances
that do not impact therm savings in addition to items that are important therm savings drivers. It
was because of the lack of focus on solely therm savings drivers that the 2020 EM&V
recommended the ENERGY STAR certification requirement be retired. In Table 2 below, the
Company has inserted a column in Staff s Table 1 that shows the requirements that were in place
for the ENERGY STAR Program until the Company's original Whole Home rebate was retired.
As the corrected column illustrates, the ENERGY STAR Program requirements that were in
effect for the retired Whole Home rebate are significantly different from the current Whole
Home Tier I and Tier II rebates. In addition, the current Whole Home rebates were designed to
target requirements that would directly impact therm savings. It is clear from the grey rows in
Staffs table that the ENERGY STAR Program upon which the retired Whole Home rebate was
based included many items that had no impact on therm savings.
COMPANY REPLY COMMENTS PAGE 4 OF 7

Table 2: Company Corrections to Staff Table 1
Company Corrected Staff Original Post EM&V
Pre-EM&V Pre-EM&V
ENERGY STAR certified new ENERGY STAR
construction(v 3.0) certified new Tier 1 Tier 2
construction(v
3.1
Cooling Equipment Cooling Equipment N/A N/A
Heating Equipment: Heating Equipment:
90 AFUE ENERGY STAR 95 AFUE ENERGY Furnace Furnace efficiency
gas furnace STAR efficiency>= >=95%AFUE
as furnace 97%AFUE
Envelope,Windows&Doors: 4 Envelope,Windows Air sealing<= Air sealing<=
ACH50 &Doors: 3 ACH50 3ACH50 Ceiling 4ACH50
insulation>=R-49
Water Heater Water Heater N/A N/A
Thermostat&Ductwork: Supply Thermostat& Ducts and air Ducts and air
ducts in unconditioned attics Ductwork: All handler located handler located
modeled with R-8 insulation; all ducts and air inside conditioned inside
other ducts in unconditioned handlers space or duct conditioned
space modeled with R-6 modeled within leakage to outside of space or duct
insulation. conditioned space less than 4 leakage to outside o
CFM25/100ft2 CFA. less than 4
Duct leakage to outdoors CFM25/100ft2 CFA.
modeled at the greater of 4
CFM25 per 100 sq ft of
conditioned floor area or greater
than 40 CFM25.
Lighting&Appliances Lighting&
(refrigerators dishwasher and Appliances
ceiling fans) (refrigerators N/A N/A
dishwasher and
ceiling fans)
HERS rated at<75 * HERS rated at<75 HERS rated HERS rated
*HERS rating of less than 75 was not an ENERGY STAR requirement, but was a requirement of
the retired Whole Home rebate.
While this distinction of a retired Whole Home program vs incremental adjustments to a
continuing program is not material in the IRP discussion, it is important in building a shared
understanding upon which to make decisions about the Company's Energy Efficiency program
going forward. The Company is merely pointing out this correction to avoid confusion in future
COMPANY REPLY COMMENTS PAGE 5 OF 7

proceedings and does not request any action from the Commission in this IRP proceeding, other
than to order Staff to meet with the Company and its CPA consultant to discuss the issues related
to the current CPA.
Dated: May 23, 2024.
GIVENS PURSLEY LLP
Preston N. Carter
Givens Pursley LLP
Attorneys for Intermountain Gas Company
COMPANY REPLY COMMENTS PAGE 6 OF 7

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that on May 23, 2024, a true and correct copy of the foregoing was
served upon all parties of record in this proceeding via electronic mail as indicated below:
Monica Barrios-Sanchez ® Email
Commission Secretary ❑ U.S. Mail
Idaho Public Utilities Commission ❑ Fax
P.O. Box 83720 ❑ Hand Delivery
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
monica.barriossanchez(&puc.Idaho.gov
Preston N. Carter
COMPANY REPLY COMMENTS PAGE 7 OF 7

INTERMOUNTAIN GAS COMPANY
CASE No. INT-G-23-07
Exhibit 1 to Company Reply Comments

r1 ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes
National Program Requirements, Version 3.1 (Rev. 11 )
Eligibility Requirements
The following site-built or modular' homes are eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR:
• Dwellings 2(e.g., single-family homes, duplexes)
• Townhouses3
Dwelling Units in certain low-rise multifamily buildings are also eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR through this program if permitted prior to
July 1, 2021. See Footnote 4 for details.4
For information about other ENERGY STAR residential new construction programs, visit www.energystar.gov/newhomesrequirements.
Note that compliance with these requirements is not intended to imply compliance with all local code requirements.5
Partnership,Training, and Credentialing Requirements
The following requirements must be met prior to certifying homes:
• Builders are required to sign an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement and complete the online Version 3 Builder Orientation,
which can be found at www.energvstar.gov/homesPA.
• HVAC installing contractors are required to be credentialed by an EPA-recognized HVAC Quality Installation Training and Oversight
Organization (H-QUITO)for homes certified using Track B in Exhibit 2.An explanation of this process can be found at
www.energvstar.gov/newhomesHVAC.
• Energy Rating Companies (e.g., rater companies and Providers 6)are required to sign an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement,
which can be found at www.energvstar.gov/homesPA, and Raters 7 are required to complete EPA-recognized training, which can be
found at www.energvstar.qov/newhomestraining.
ENERGY STAR Certification Process
1. The certification process provides flexibility to select a custom combination of measures for each home that is equivalent in performance
to the minimum requirements of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home, Exhibit 1, as assessed through energy modeling. An
EPA-recognized Home Certification Organization (HCO)'s Approved Software Rating Tool shall automatically determine the ENERGY
STAR ERI Target,which is the highest ERI value that each rated home may achieve to earn the ENERGY STAR. 8,9
2. Using the same software program, configure the preferred set of efficiency measures for the home to be certified and verify that the
resulting ERI meets or exceeds the ENERGY STAR ERI Target, as determined in Step 1.
Note that, regardless of the measures selected, the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes in Exhibit 2 are also required and
impose certain constraints on the efficiency measures selected (e.g., insulation levels, insulation installation quality, window
performance, duct leakage). Furthermore, on-site power generation may not be used to meet the ENERGY STAR ERI Target.
3. Construct the home using the measures selected in Step 2 and the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes, Exhibit 2.
4. Using a Rater, verify that all requirements have been met in accordance with the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes and
with the inspection procedures for minimum rated features in ANSI /RESNET/ICC Standard 301, Appendix B.',10 For modular homes,
a Rater must verify any requirement in the plant not able to be verified on-site because a feature will be concealed prior to shipment.
Finally, submit the home to the HCO for final certification and follow the HCO's certification and oversight procedures (e.g., quality
assurance, recordkeeping, and reporting).The Rater is required to keep electronic or hard copies of the completed and signed National
Rater checklists and the National HVAC Design Report.
The Rater must review all items on the National Rater checklists. Raters are expected to use their experience and discretion to verify
that the overall intent of each inspection checklist item has been met (i.e., identifying major defects that undermine the intent of the
checklist item versus identifying minor defects that the Rater may deem acceptable).
In the event that a Rater finds an item that is inconsistent with the intent of the checklists, the home cannot earn the ENERGY STAR
until the item is corrected. If correction of the item is not possible, the home cannot earn the ENERGY STAR. In the event that an item
on a National Rater checklist cannot be inspected by the Rater,the home also cannot earn the ENERGY STAR.The only exceptions to
this rule are in the Thermal Enclosure System Section of the National Rater Field Checklist,where the builder may assume responsibility
for verifying a maximum of eight items. This option shall only be used at the discretion of the Rater. When exercised, the builder's
responsibility will be formally acknowledged by the builder signing the checklist for the item(s)that they verified.
In the event that a Rater is not able to determine whether an item is consistent with the intent(e.g., an alternative method of meeting a
checklist requirement has been proposed),then the Rater shall consult their Provider. If the Provider also cannot make this determination,
then the Rater or Provider shall report the issue to EPA prior to project completion at:energystarhomes(a).energystar.gov and will receive
an initial response within 5 business days. If EPA believes the current program requirements are sufficiently clear to determine whether
the intent has been met,then this guidance will be provided to the partner and enforced beginning with the house in question. In contrast,
if EPA believes the program requirements require revisions to make the intent clear, then this guidance will be provided to the partner
but only enforced for homes permitted after a specified transition period after the release of the revised program requirements,typically
60 days in length.
This will allow EPA to make formal policy decisions as partner questions arise and to disseminate these policy decisions through the
Policy Record and the periodic release of revised program documents to ensure consistent application of the program requirements.
Revised 11/11/2020 Page 1 of 5

ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes
National Program Requirements, Version 3.1 (Rev. 11 )
Exhibit 1: ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home 11
The ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home is the set of efficiency features modeled to determine the ENERGY STAR ERI Target for each
home pursuing certification.Therefore,while the features below are not mandatory, if they are not used then other measures will be needed
to achieve the ENERGY STAR ERI Target. In addition, note that the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes, Exhibit 2, contain
additional requirements such as total duct leakage limits, minimum allowed insulation levels,and minimum allowed fenestration performance.
Therefore, EPA recommends that partners review the documents in Exhibit 2 prior to selecting measures.
Hot Climates(2009 IECC Zones 1,2,3)12 Mixed and Cold Climates(2009 IECC Zones 4,5,6,7,8)12
Cooling Equipment(Where Provided)
• Cooling equipment modeled at the applicable efficiency levels below:
• 15 SEER/12 EER AC, 13 SEER AC,
• Heat pump(See Heating Equipment) Heat pump(See Heating Equipment)
Heating Equipment
• Heating equipment modeled at the applicable efficiency levels below,dependent on fuel and system type:
• 80 AFUE gas furnace, • 95 AFUE ENERGY STAR gas furnace,
• 80 AFUE oil furnace, • 85 AFUE ENERGY STAR oil furnace,
• 80 AFUE boiler, • 90 AFUE ENERGY STAR gas boiler,
• 8.2 HSPF/15 SEER/12 EER air-source heat pump with • 86 AFUE ENERGY STAR oil boiler,
electric or dual-fuel backup • Heat pump,with efficiency as follows:
• CZ 4: 8.5 HSPF/15 SEER/12 EER air-source w/electric or dual-fuel backup,
• CZ 5: 9.25 HSPF/15 SEER/12 EER air-source w/electric or dual-fuel backup,
• CZ 6: 9.5 HSPF/15 SEER/12 EER air-source w/electric or dual-fuel backup,
• CZ 7-8:3.6 COP/17.1 EER ground-source w/electric or dual-fuel backup
Envelope,Windows,&Doors
• Insulation levels modeled to 2012 IECC levels and Grade I installation per ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 301.
• Infiltration rates modeled as follows:
4 ACH50 in CZs 1,2 3 ACH50 in CZs 3,4,5,6,7,8
• ENERGY STAR windows and doors modeled,as illustrated below:
Window U-Value: 0.40 in CZs 1,2 0.30 in CZ 3 0.30 in CZ 4 0.27 in CZs 5,6,7,8
Window SHGC: 0.25 in CZs 1,2 0.25 in CZ 3 0.40 in CZ 4 Any in CZs 5,6,7,8
Door U-Value: Opaque:0.17 :5%lite:0.25 >'%lite:0.30
Door SHGC: Opaque:Any :5%lite:0.25 >'%lite:0.25 in CZs 1,2,3; 0.40 in CZs 4,5,6,7,8
Water Heater
• DHW equipment modeled with the following efficiency levels as applicable:
Gas: 30 Gal=0.63 EF 40 Gal=0.61 EF 50 Gal=0.59 EF 60 Gal=0.57 EF 70 Gal=0.55 EF 80 Gal=0.53 EF
Electric: 30 Gal=0.94 EF 40 Gal=0.93 EF 50 Gal=0.92 EF 60 Gal=0.91 EF 70 Gal=0.90 EF 80 Gal=0.89 EF
Oil: 30 Gal=0.55 EF 40 Gal=0.53 EF 50 Gal=0.51 EF 60 Gal=0.49 EF 70 Gal=0.47 EF 80 Gal=0.45 EF
Thermostat&Ductwork
• Programmable thermostat modeled.
• All ducts and air handlers modeled within conditioned space.
Lighting&Appliances
• ENERGY STAR refrigerators,dishwashers,and ceiling fans modeled.
• ENERGY STAR light bulbs modeled in 90%of ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 301-defined Qualifying Light Fixture Locations.
Revised 11/11/2020 Page 2 of 5

01M.
ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes
National Program Requirements, Version 3.1 (Rev. 11 )
Two tracks are provided for satisfying the mandatory requirements for all certified homes, Exhibit 2. Track A- HVAC Grading utilizes ANSI/
RESNET/ACCA Std. 310 13, a standard for grading the installation of HVAC systems. Track B- HVAC Credential utilizes an HVAC
contractor credentialed by an EPA-recognized H-QUITO. Either track may be selected, but all requirements within that track must be
satisfied for the home to be certified.
Exhibit 2: Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes
Party Responsible Mandatory Requirements
Requirements Applicable to Track A&B
Rater • Completion of National Rater Design Review Checklist,Version 3/3.1
• Completion of National Rater Field Checklist, Version 3/3.1
Builder . Completion of National Water Management System Builder Requirements, Version 3/3.1
Requirements Only Applicable to Track A-HVAC Grading 13
HVAC System Designer • Completion of an HVAC design report compliant with ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Std. 310,
plus the ENERGY STAR Supplement.
• None.While the HVAC contractor plays a critical role in properly installing and
HVAC Installing Contractor commissioning a system,the Rater is the party responsible for assessing its installation
quality in accordance with ANSI /RESNET/ACCA Std. 310.
Requirements Only Applicable to Track B-HVAC Credential
HVAC System Designer . Completion of National HVAC Design Report,Version 3/3.1
HVAC Installing Contractor . Completion of National HVAC Commissioning Checklist,Version 3/3.1
Effective Date
To determine the program Version and Revision that a home is required to be certified under, look up the location and permit date of the
home in Exhibit 3. Note that the National Version 3 program requirements are being implemented in states that have not adopted the 2012,
2015, or 2018 IECC, or an equivalent code. Note, as well, that regional program requirements, and associated implementation timelines,
have been developed for homes in CA, FL, GU, HI, the Northern Mariana Islands, OR, PR, and WA. The National Version 3 and regional
program requirements can be found at www.energVstar.gov/newhomesrequirements.
This Exhibit contains all implementation timelines applicable on or after January 1, 2019. Implementation timelines applicable prior to this
date can be obtained by contacting energystarhomesCa�energystar.gov.
Exhibit 3: ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes Implementation Timeline
Homes Permitted 14
State/ On or After This Date Version Revision 15
Territory Must Meet the Adjacent
Version &Revision
CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, MA, MD, MI, 01-01-2019 National v3.1 Rev. 09
MN, MT, NJ, NV, NY, RI,TX,VT 10-01-2020 National v3.1 Rev. 10
01-01-2022 National v3.1 Rev. 11
OR 01-01-2019 National v3.1 Rev. 09
04-01-2019 Oregon and Washington v3.2 Rev. 09
10-01-2020 Oregon and Washington v3.2 Rev. 10
01-01-2022 Oregon and Washington v3.2 Rev. 11
PA 01-01-2019 National v3 Rev. 09
10-01-2020 National v3 Rev. 10
............ .........................................................._..........................................................
04-01-2021 National v3.1 Rev. 10
01-01-2022 National v3.1 Rev. 11
NE 01-01-2019 National v3 Rev. 09
10-01-2020 National v3 Rev. 10
07-01-2021 National v3.1 Rev. 10
01-01-2022 National v3.1 Rev. 11
Revised 11/11/2020 Page 3 of 5

�1 ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes
National Program Requirements, Version 3.1 (Rev. 11 )
Footnotes:
1. A modular home is a prefabricated home that is made of multiple modules or sections that are manufactured and substantially assembled
in a manufacturing plant.These pre—built sections are transported to the building site and constructed by a builder to meet all applicable
building codes for site—built homes.
2. A Dwelling,as defined by ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301, is any building that contains one or two Dwelling Units used, intended,or designed
to be built, used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied, or that are occupied for living purposes. ANSI / RESNET/ ICC 301
defines a Dwelling Unit as a single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent
provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
3. A Townhouse, as defined by ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301, is a single-family Dwelling Unit constructed in a group of three or more attached
units in which each unit extends from the foundation to roof and with open space on at least two sides. Townhouses are also eligible to
earn the ENERGY STAR through the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.
4. If permitted prior to July 1, 2021, the following are also eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR through the ENERGY STAR Single-Family
New Homes program:
• Dwelling units 2 in any multifamily building with 4 units or fewer; OR
• Dwelling units in multifamily buildings with 3 stories or fewer above-grade; OR
• Dwelling units in multifamily buildings with 4 or 5 stories above-grade where dwelling units occupy 80% or more of the
occupiable square footage of the building.When evaluating mixed—use buildings for eligibility,exclude commercial/retail space
when assessing whether the 80%threshold has been met.
Any above-grade story with 20% or more occupiable space, including commercial space, shall be counted towards the total number of
stories for the purpose of determining eligibility to participate in the program. The definition of an 'above-grade story' is one for which
more than half of the gross surface area of the exterior walls is above-grade. All below-grade stories, regardless of type, shall not be
included when evaluating eligibility.
Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, occupiable space is any enclosed space inside the pressure boundary and intended for human activities or
continual human occupancy, including, but not limited to, areas used for living, sleeping, dining, and cooking, toilets, closets, halls,
storage and utility areas, and laundry areas.
5. While certification will result in compliance with many code requirements, a Rater is not responsible for ensuring that all code
requirements have been met prior to certification. For more information about how these program requirements help satisfy code
requirements, visit: www.energvstar.qov/newhomesquidance. In the event that a code requirement, a manufacturer's installation
instructions, or an engineering document conflicts with a requirement of the ENERGY STAR program (e.g., slab insulation is prohibited
to allow visual access for termite inspections), then the conflicting requirement within these program requirements shall not be met.
Certification shall only be allowed if the Rater has determined that no equivalent option is available that could meet the intent of the
conflicting requirement(e.g.,switching from exterior to interior slab edge insulation). Note that a home must still meet its ENERGY STAR
ERI Target. Therefore, other efficiency measures may be needed to compensate for the omission of the conflicting requirement.
6. The term 'Provider' refers to an Approved Rating Provider, as defined by ANSI / RESNET/ ICC Standard 301, that is approved by an
HCO.
7. The term 'Rater' refers to the person(s) completing the third-party verification required for certification. The person(s) shall: a) be a
Certified Rater or Approved Inspector, as defined by ANSI /RESNET/ ICC Standard 301, or an equivalent designation as determined
by an HCO; and, b) have attended and successfully completed an EPA-recognized training class. See
www.energvstar.gov/newhomestraining.
8. The software program shall automatically determine (i.e., without relying on a user-configured ENERGY STAR Reference Design)this
target for each rated home by following the National ERI Target Procedure, Version 3.1 (Rev. 11), available at
www.energvstar.qov/newhomesrequirements.
9. HCOs are independent organizations recognized by EPA to implement an ENERGY STAR certification program for single-family and
multifamily homes and apartments using an Energy Rating Index(ERI)compliance path. Learn more and find a current list of HCOs at
www.energVstar.gov/partner resources/residential new/working/other participants/hco.
10. Raters who operate under an HCO with a Sampling Protocol are permitted to verify the Minimum Rated Features of the home and to
verify any Checklist Item designated "Rater Verified" using the HCO-approved Sampling Protocol. No parties other than Raters are
permitted to use sampling. All other items shall be verified for each certified home. For example, no items on the National HVAC
Commissioning Checklist are permitted to be verified using a Sampling Protocol.
11. Note that the efficiency levels of ENERGY STAR certified products aligned with these product specifications when this Version was
first released. These efficiency features form the basis of the ENERGY STAR ERI target, regardless of any subsequent revisions to
ENERGY STAR certified product specifications. EPA recommends, but does not require, that current ENERGY STAR products be
included in ENERGY STAR homes. For current ENERGY STAR products, visit www.energvstar.gov/products.
Revised 11/11/2020 Page 4 of 5

�1 ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes
National Program Requirements, Version 3.1 (Rev. 11 )
12. The following map illustrates the Climate Zone boundaries as defined by the 2012 IECC Figure R301.1.
z
13. Track A—HVAC Grading shall not be used until an implementation schedule has been defined for ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Std. 310 by
the HCO that the home is being certified under. Track A—HVAC Grading shall then use ANSI /RESNET/ACCA Std. 310 including all
Addenda and Normative Appendices,with new versions and Addenda implemented according to the schedule defined by the HCO that
the home is being certified under.
14. The Rater may define the 'permit date' as either the date that the permit was issued or the date of the contract on the home. In cases
where permit or contract dates are not available, Providers have discretion to estimate permit dates based on other construction schedule
factors. These assumptions should be both defensible and documented.
15. Homes certified under Rev. 11 of the program requirements are permitted to use either Rev. 08, 09, 10, or 11 of the National HVAC
Design Report.
Revised 11/11/2020 Page 5 of 5

INTERMOUNTAIN GAS COMPANY
CASE No. INT-G-23-07
Exhibit 2 to Company Reply Comments

ENERGY STAR°
Residential New Construction Programs
Historical Document
This document is provided for reference because it has been superseded by a more
recent Version or Revision. Please find current program documents on the Program
Requirements webpage.
Use of older Versions and Revisions, such as this document, are typically limited to
homes and buildings with a permit date (or, for manufactured homes, a production date)
prior to a specified date. Consult the Implementation Timeline table to assess whether a
home or apartment is still eligible to be certified using this document.
For questions or more information, contact us at energystarhome(o)-energystar.gov.

IN, ENERGY ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes
National Program Requirements, Version 3 (Rev. 12)
Eligibility Requirements
Site-built or modular ' Dwellings 2 (e.g., single-family homes and duplexes) and Townhouses 3 are eligible to participate in the ENERGY
STAR Single-Family New Homes(SFNH)program.
Dwelling Units in certain low-rise multifamily buildings are also eligible to participate in the ENERGY STAR SFNH program if permitted prior
to July 1, 2021. See Footnote 4 for details.'
While primarily intended for new construction, existing homes (e.g., undergoing a gut rehabilitation) are also eligible to participate in the
ENERGY STAR SFNH program, with guidance available at:www.energVstar.gov/GutRehabGuidance.
For information about other ENERGY STAR residential new construction programs, visit www.energvstar.qov/newhomesrequirements.
Note that compliance with these requirements is not intended to imply compliance with all local code requirements.5
Partnership,Training, and Credentialing Requirements
The following requirements must be met prior to certifying homes:
• Builders are required to sign an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement and complete the online Version 3 Builder Orientation,which
can be found at www.enerqystar.gov/homesPA.
• HVAC installing contractors are required to be credentialed by an EPA-recognized HVAC Quality Installation Training and Oversight
Organization (H-QUITO) for homes certified using Track B in Exhibit 2. An explanation of this process can be found at
www.energVstar.gov/newhomesHVAC.
• Energy Rating Companies (e.g., rater companies and Providers 6) are required to sign an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement,
which can be found at www.energystar.gov/homesPA,and operate under a Home Certification Organization(HCO).I Learn more and
find a current list of HCOs at-www.enerqvstar.gov/hco.
• Raters 8 are required to complete EPA-recognized training,which can be found at www.energvstar.qov/newhomestraining.
ENERGY STAR Certification Process
1. The certification process provides flexibility to select a custom combination of measures for each home that is equivalent in performance
to the minimum requirements of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home, Exhibit 1, as assessed through energy modeling. An
EPA-recognized HCO's Approved Software Rating Tool shall automatically determine the ENERGY STAR ERI Target, which is the
highest ERI value that each rated home may achieve to earn the ENERGY STAR.9
2. Using the same software program, configure the preferred set of efficiency measures for the home to be certified and verify that the
resulting ERI meets or exceeds the ENERGY STAR ERI Target, as determined in Step 1.
Note that, regardless of the measures selected,the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes in Exhibit 2 are also required and
impose certain constraints on the efficiency measures selected (e.g., insulation levels, insulation installation quality, window
performance,duct leakage). Furthermore,on-site power generation may only be used to meet the ENERGY STAR ERI Target for homes
that are larger than the Benchmark Home and only for the incremental change in the ENERGY STAR ERI Target caused by the Size
Adjustment Factor.10
3. Construct the home using the measures selected in Step 2 and the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes, Exhibit 2.
4. Using a Rater, verify that all requirements have been met in accordance with the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes and
with the inspection procedures for minimum rated features in ANSI/ RESNET/ ICC 301, Appendix B.1," For modular homes, a Rater
must verify any requirement in the plant not able to be verified on-site because a feature will be concealed prior to shipment. Finally,
submit the home to the HCO for final certification and follow the HCO's certification and oversight procedures (e.g., quality assurance,
recordkeeping, and reporting). The Rater is required to keep electronic or hard copies of the completed and signed National Rater
checklists and either an HVAC design report compliant with ANSI / RESNET / ACCA / ICC 310, and the National HVAC Design
Supplement to Std. 310 for Dwellings& Units,for homes using Track A, or the National HVAC Design Report for homes using Track B.
The Rater must review all items on the National Rater checklists. Raters are expected to use their experience and discretion to verify
that the overall intent of each inspection checklist item has been met (i.e., identifying major defects that undermine the intent of the
checklist item versus identifying minor defects that the Rater may deem acceptable).
In the event that a Rater finds an item that is inconsistent with the intent of the checklists, the home cannot earn the ENERGY STAR
until the item is corrected. If correction is not possible,the home cannot earn the ENERGY STAR. In the event that an item on a National
Rater checklist cannot be inspected by the Rater,the home also cannot earn the ENERGY STAR.The only exceptions are in the Thermal
Enclosure System Section of the National Rater Field Checklist, where the builder may assume responsibility for verifying a maximum
of eight items. This option shall only be used at the discretion of the Rater. When exercised, the builder's responsibility will be formally
acknowledged by the builder signing the checklist for the item(s)that they verified.
In the event that a Rater is not able to determine whether an item is consistent with the intent(e.g., an alternative method of meeting a
checklist requirement has been proposed),then the Rater shall consult their Provider. If the Provider also cannot make this determination,
then the Rater or Provider shall report the issue to EPA prior to project completion at:[e-mail] and will receive
an initial response within 5 business days. If EPA believes the current program requirements are sufficiently clear to determine whether
the intent has been met,then this guidance will be provided to the partner and enforced beginning with the house in question. In contrast,
if EPA believes the program requirements require revisions to make the intent clear, then this guidance will be provided to the partner
but only enforced for homes permitted after a specified transition period after the release of the revised program requirements,typically
60 days in length.
This will allow EPA to make formal policy decisions as partner questions arise and to disseminate these policy decisions through the
Policy Record and the periodic release of revised program documents to ensure consistent application of the program requirements.
Revised 09/15/2022 Page 1 of 5

r1 ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes
National Program Requirements, Version 3 (Rev. 12)
Exhibit 1: ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home 12
The ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home is the set of efficiency features modeled to determine the ENERGY STAR ERI Target for each
home pursuing certification.Therefore, while the features below are not mandatory, if they are not used then other measures will be needed
to achieve the ENERGY STAR ERI Target. In addition, note that the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes, Exhibit 2, contain
additional requirements such as total duct leakage limits,minimum allowed insulation levels,and minimum allowed fenestration performance.
Therefore, EPA recommends that partners review the documents in Exhibit 2 prior to selecting measures.
Hot Climates(2009 IECC Zones 1,2,3)13 Mixed and Cold Climates(2009 IECC Zones 4,5,6,7,8)13
Cooling Equipment(Where Provided)
• Cooling equipment modeled at the applicable efficiency levels below:
• 14.5 SEER/12 EER AC, 13 SEER AC,
• Heat pump(See Heating Equipment) Heat pump(See Heating Equipment)
Heating Equipment
• Heating equipment modeled at the applicable efficiency levels below,dependent on fuel and system type:
• 80 AFUE gas furnace, • 90 AFUE gas furnace,
• 80 AFUE oil furnace, • 85 AFUE ENERGY STAR oil furnace,
• 80 AFUE boiler, • 85 AFUE ENERGY STAR boiler,
• 8.2 HSPF/14.5 SEER/12 EER air-source heat pump • Heat pump,with efficiency as follows:
with electric or dual-fuel backup • CZ 4: 8.5 HSPF/14.5 SEER/12 EER air-source w/electric or dual-fuel backup,
• CZ 5: 9.25 HSPF/14.5 SEER/12 EER air-source w/electric or dual-fuel backup,
• CZ 6: 9.5 HSPF/14.5 SEER/12 EER air-source w/electric or dual-fuel backup,
• CZ 7-8:3.5 COP/16.1 EER ground-source w/electric or dual-fuel backup
Envelope,Windows,&Doors
• A radiant barrier modeled if more than 10 linear feet of No radiant barrier modeled.
ductwork are located in an unconditioned attic.
• Insulation levels modeled to 2009 IECC levels and Grade I installation per ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301.
• Infiltration rates modeled as follows:
6 ACH50 in CZs 1,2 5 ACH50 in CZs 3A 4 ACH50 in CZs 5,67 3 ACH50 in CZ 8
• Windows and doors modeled,as illustrated below:
Window U-Value: 0.60 in CZs 1,2 0.35 in CZ 3 0.32 in CZ 4 0.30 in CZs 4 C,5,6,7,8
Window SHGC: 0.27 in CZs 1,2 0.30 in CZ 3 0.40 in CZ 4 Any in CZs 4 C,5,6,7,8
Door U-value: Opaque:0.21 <_'/z lite:0.27 >'/2 lite:0.32
Door SHGC: Opaque:Any <_'/2 lite:0.30 >'%lite:0.30
Water Heater
• DHW equipment modeled with the following efficiency levels as applicable:
[Ga 30 Gal=0.63 EF 40 Gal=0.61 EF 50 Gal=0.59 EF 60 Gal=0.57 EF 70 Gal=0.55 EF 80 Gal=0.53 EF
ric: 30 Gal=0.94 EF 40 Gal=0.93 EF 50 Gal=0.92 EF 60 Gal=0.91 EF 70 Gal=0.90 EF 80 Gal=0.89 EF
30 Gal=0.55 EF 40 Gal=0.53 EF 50 Gal=0.51 EF 60 Gal=0.49 EF 70 Gal=0.47 EF 80 Gal=0.45 EF
Thermostat&Ductwork
• Programmable thermostat modeled.
• Supply ducts in unconditioned attics modeled with R-8 insulation;all other ducts in unconditioned space modeled with R-6 insulation.
• Duct leakage to outdoors modeled at the greater of:5 4 CFM25 per 100 sq.ft.of conditioned floor area or:5 40 CFM25.
Lighting&Appliances
• ENERGY STAR refrigerators,dishwashers,and ceiling fans modeled.
• ENERGY STAR light bulbs modeled in 80%of ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-defined Qualifying Light Fixture Locations.
Revised 09/15/2022 Page 2 of 5

IN, ENERGY ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes
National Program Requirements, Version 3 (Rev. 12)
Two tracks are provided for satisfying the mandatory requirements for all certified homes, Exhibit 2. Track A-HVAC Grading utilizes ANSI/
RESNET / ACCA / ICC 310 11, a standard for grading the installation of HVAC systems. Track B - HVAC Credential utilizes an HVAC
contractor credentialed by an EPA-recognized H-QUITO. Either track may be selected,but all requirements within that track must be satisfied
for the home to be certified.
Exhibit 2: Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes
Party Responsible Mandatory Requirements
Requirements Applicable to Track A&B
Rater
• Completion of SFNH National Rater Design Review Checklist,Version 3/3.1 /3.2
• Completion of SFNH National Rater Field Checklist, Version 3/3.1 /3.2
Builder • Completion of SFNH National Water Mgmt. System Builder Reqs.,Version 3/3.1 /3.2
Requirements Only Applicable to Track A-HVAC Grading"
• Completion of an HVAC design report compliant with ANSI/RESNET/ACCA/ICC 310, plus
HVAC System Designer the SFNH/MFNC National HVAC Design Supplement to Std. 310 for Dwellings&Units, All
Versions.
• None. While the HVAC contractor plays a critical role in properly installing and commissioning
HVAC Installing Contractor a system,the Rater is the party responsible for assessing its installation quality in accordance
with ANSI/RESNET/ACCA/ICC 310.
Requirements Only Applicable to Track B HVAC Credential
HVAC System Designer Completion of SFNH National HVAC Design Report,Version 3/3.1 /3.2
HVAC Installing Contractor • Completion of SFNH National HVAC Commissioning Checklist,Version 3/3.1 /3.2
Exhibit 3: Benchmark Home 10
Bedrooms in Home to be Built 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Conditioned Floor Area Benchmark Home 1,000 1,000 1,600 2,200 2,800 3,400 4,000 4,600 5,200
Revised 09/15/2022 Page 3 of 5

IN, ENERGY ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes
rgymm National Program Requirements, Version 3 (Rev. 12)
Effective Date
To determine the program Version and Revision that a home is required to be certified under, look up the location and permit date of the
home in Exhibit 4. Program requirements for other locations can be found at www.energystar.gov/newhomesrequirements.
This Exhibit contains all implementation timelines applicable on or after October 1, 2020. Implementation timelines applicable prior to this
date can be obtained by contacting energvstarhomesCcDenergvstar.gov.
Exhibit 4: ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes Implementation Timeline
Homes Permitted 15
State/ On or After This Date Version Revision 16
Territory Must Meet the Adjacent
Version&Revision
AL,AK,AZ,AR, CO, IN, ID, KS, 10-01-2020 National v3 Rev. 10
KY, LA, MS, MO, NH, NC, ND,
OH, OK, SC, SD, TN, VA, WV, 01-01-2022 National v3 Rev. 11
...................................................................
WI, WY 01-01-2023 National v3.1 Rev. 11
01-01-2024 National v3.1 Rev. 12
PA 10-01-2020 National v3 Rev. 10
04-01-2021 National v3.1 Rev. 10
01-01-2022 National v3.1 Rev. 11
01-01-2024 National v3.1 Rev. 12
NE 10-01-2020 National v3 Rev. 10
07-01-2021 National v3.1 Rev. 10
01-01-2022 National v3.1 Rev. 11
01-01-2024 National v3.1 Rev. 12
GA, NM, UT 10-01-2020 National v3 Rev. 10
01-01-2022 National v3 Rev. 11
07-01-2022 National v3.1 Rev. 11
01-01-2024 National v3.1 Rev. 12
ME 10-01-2020 National v3 Rev. 10
01-01-2022 National v3 Rev. 11
10-01-2022 National v3.1 Rev. 11
01-01-2024 National v3.1 Rev. 12
Footnotes:
1. A modular home is a prefabricated home that is made of multiple modules or sections that are manufactured and substantially assembled
in a manufacturing plant.These pre—built sections are transported to the building site and constructed by a builder to meet all applicable
building codes for site—built homes.
2. A Dwelling, as defined by ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301, is any building that contains one or two Dwelling Units used, intended, or designed
to be built, used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied, or that are occupied for living purposes. ANSI / RESNET / ICC 301
defines a Dwelling Unit as a single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent
provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
3. A Townhouse,as defined by ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301, is a single-family Dwelling Unit constructed in a group of three or more attached
units in which each unit extends from the foundation to roof and with open space on at least two sides. Townhouses are also eligible to
participate in the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program.
4. If permitted prior to July 1, 2021, the following are also eligible to participate in the ENERGY STAR SFNH program:
• Dwelling units 2 in any multifamily building with 4 units or fewer; OR
• Dwelling units in multifamily buildings with 3 stories or fewer above-grade; OR
• Dwelling units in multifamily buildings with 4 or 5 stories above-grade where dwelling units occupy 80% or more of the
occupiable square footage of the building.When evaluating mixed—use buildings for eligibility,exclude commercial/retail space
when assessing whether the 80%threshold has been met.
Any above-grade story with 20% or more occupiable space, including commercial space, shall be counted towards the total number of
stories for the purpose of determining eligibility to participate in the program. The definition of an 'above-grade story' is one for which
Revised 09/15/2022 Page 4 of 5

IN, ENERGY ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes
National Program Requirements, Version 3 (Rev. 12)
more than half of the gross surface area of the exterior walls is above-grade. All below-grade stories, regardless of type, shall not be
included when evaluating eligibility.
Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, occupiable space is any enclosed space inside the pressure boundary and intended for human activities or
continual human occupancy, including, but not limited to, areas used for living, sleeping, dining, and cooking, toilets, closets, halls,
storage and utility areas, and laundry areas.
5. While certification will result in compliance with many code requirements, a Rater is not responsible for ensuring that all code
requirements have been met prior to certification. For more information about how these program requirements help satisfy code
requirements, visit: www.energVstar.qov/newhomesguidance. In the event that a code requirement, a manufacturer's installation
instructions, or an engineering document conflicts with a requirement of the ENERGY STAR program (e.g., slab insulation is prohibited
to allow visual access for termite inspections), then the conflicting requirement within these program requirements shall not be met.
Certification shall only be allowed if the Rater has determined that no equivalent option is available that could meet the intent of the
conflicting requirement(e.g.,switching from exterior to interior slab edge insulation). Note that a home must still meet its ENERGY STAR
ERI Target. Therefore, other efficiency measures may be needed to compensate for the omission of the conflicting requirement.
6. The term 'Provider' refers to an Approved Rating Provider, as defined by ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301, that is approved by an HCO.
7. HCOs are independent organizations recognized by EPA to implement an ENERGY STAR certification program for single-family and
multifamily homes and apartments using an Energy Rating Index(ERI)compliance path. Learn more and find a current list of HCOs at
www.energystar.gov/partner resources/residential new/working/other participants/hco.
8. The term 'Rater' refers to the person(s) completing the third-party verification required for certification. The person(s) shall: a) be a
Certified Rater or Approved Inspector, as defined by ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301,or an equivalent designation as determined by an HCO;
and, b)have attended and successfully completed an EPA-recognized training class. See www.energvstar.qov/newhomestraining.
9. The software program shall automatically determine (i.e., without relying on a user-configured ENERGY STAR Reference Design)this
target for each rated home by following the National ERI Target Procedure, Version 3 (Rev. 12), available at
www.eneraystar.gov/newhomesrequirements.
10. The average-size home with a specific number of bedrooms is termed the"Benchmark Home".The conditioned floor area of a Benchmark
Home (CFA Benchmark Home) is determined by selecting the appropriate value from Exhibit 3. For homes with more than 8 bedrooms, the
CFA Benchmark Home shall be determined by multiplying 600 sq.ft. by the total number of bedrooms&adding 400 sq.ft.
A bedroom is defined by ANSI/ RESNET/ ICC 301-2014 as a room or space 70 sq. ft. or greater size, with egress window and closet,
used or intended to be used for sleeping. A"den", "library", or"home office"with a closet, egress window, and 70 sq. ft. or greater size
or other similar rooms shall count as a bedroom, but living rooms and foyers shall not.
An egress window, as defined in 2009 IRC section R310, shall refer to any operable window that provides for a means of escape and
access for rescue in the event of an emergency. The egress window definition has been summarized for convenience. The egress
window shall:
• have a sill height of not more than 44 in. above the floor;AND
• have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq.ft.;AND
• have a minimum net clear opening height of 24 in.;AND
• have a minimum net clear opening width of 20 in.;AND
• be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge.
11. Raters who operate under an HCO with a Sampling Protocol are permitted to verify the Minimum Rated Features of the home and to
verify any Checklist Item designated "Rater Verified" using an HCO-approved Sampling Protocol. No parties other than Raters are
permitted to use sampling.All other items shall be verified for each certified home. For example, no items on the HVAC Commissioning
Checklist are permitted to be verified using a Sampling Protocol.
12. Note that the efficiency levels of ENERGY STAR certified products aligned with these product specifications when this Version was first
released.These efficiency features form the basis of the ENERGY STAR ERI target,regardless of any subsequent revisions to ENERGY
STAR certified product specifications. EPA recommends, but does not require, that current ENERGY STAR products be included in
ENERGY STAR homes. For current ENERGY STAR products, visit www.energVstar.gov/products.
13. 2009 IECC Climate Zone designations, as defined and illustrated in Section 301 of the code, are used to configure the ENERGY STAR
Reference Design Home.
14. Track A— HVAC Grading shall use ANSI / RESNET /ACCA/ ICC 310 including all Addenda and Normative Appendices, with new
versions and Addenda implemented according to the schedule defined by the HCO that the home is being certified under.
15. The Rater may define the 'permit date' as either the date that the permit was issued or the date of the contract on the home. In cases
where permit or contract dates are not available, Providers have discretion to estimate permit dates based on other construction schedule
factors.These assumptions should be both defensible and documented.
16. Homes certified under Rev. 12 of the program requirements are permitted to use either Rev. 08, 09, 10, 11,or 12 of the National HVAC
Design Report.
Revised 09/15/2022 Page 5 of 5

INTERMOUNTAIN GAS COMPANY
CASE No. INT-G-23-07
Exhibit 3 to Company Reply Comments

ENERGY STAR°
Residential New Construction Programs
Historical Document
This document is provided for reference because it has been superseded by a more
recent Version or Revision. Please find current program documents on the Program
Requirements webpage.
Use of older Versions and Revisions, such as this document, are typically limited to
homes and buildings with a permit date (or, for manufactured homes, a production date)
prior to a specified date. Consult the Implementation Timeline table to assess whether a
home or apartment is still eligible to be certified using this document.
For questions or more information, contact us at energystarhome(o)-energystar.gov.

r, National Program Requirements
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 10)
Eligibility Requirements
The following site-built or modular' homes are eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR:
• Detached dwelling units 2 (e.g. single family homes); OR
• Dwelling units 2 in any multifamily building with 4 units or fewer; OR
• Dwelling units 2 in multifamily buildings with 3 stories or fewer above-grade 3,4; OR
• Dwelling units 2 in multifamily buildings with 4 or 5 stories above-grade 1,4 where dwelling units occupy 80%or more of the
occupiable 4 square footage of the building 6. When evaluating mixed—use buildings for eligibility, exclude commercial/retail
space when assessing whether the 80%threshold has been met.
For information about other ENERGY STAR residential new construction programs, visit www.energvstar.qov/newhomesrequirements.
Note that compliance with these requirements is not intended to imply compliance with all local code requirements that may be applicable
to the home to be built. 6
Partnership,Training,and Credentialing Requirements
The following requirements must be met prior to certifying homes:
• Builders are required to sign an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement and complete the online Version 3 Builder Orientation,
which can be found at www.energystar.gov/homesPA.
• HVAC installing contractors are required to be credentialed by an EPA-recognized HVAC Quality Installation Training and Oversight
Organization (H-QUITO)for homes certified using Path B in Exhibit 2.An explanation of this process can be found at
www.energvstar.gov/newhomesHVAC.
• Energy Rating Companies (e.g., rater companies and Providers 7)are required to sign an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement,
which can be found at www.energystar.gov/homesPA, and Raters 8 are required to complete EPA-recognized training,which can be
found at www.energvstar.qov/newhomestraining.
ENERGY STAR Certification Process
1. The certification process provides flexibility to select a custom combination of measures for each home that is equivalent in
performance to the minimum requirements of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home, Exhibit 1, as assessed through energy
modeling. An EPA-recognized Verification Oversight Organization (VOO)'s Approved Software Rating Tool shall automatically
determine the ENERGY STAR ERI Target, which is the highest ERI value that each rated home may achieve to earn the ENERGY
STAR. 9
2. Using the same software program, configure the preferred set of efficiency measures for the home to be certified and verify that the
resulting ERI meets or exceeds the ENERGY STAR ERI Target, as determined in Step 1.
Note that, regardless of the measures selected,the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes in Exhibit 2 are also required and
impose certain constraints on the efficiency measures selected (e.g., insulation levels, insulation installation quality, window
performance, duct leakage). Furthermore, on-site power generation may only be used to meet the ENERGY STAR ERI Target for
homes that are larger than the Benchmark Home and only for the incremental change in the ENERGY STAR ERI Target caused by
the Size Adjustment Factor.11
3. Construct the home using the measures selected in Step 2 and the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes, Exhibit 2.
4. Using a Rater, verify that all requirements have been met in accordance with the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes and
with the on-site inspection procedures for minimum rated features of an EPA-recognized V00.8," For modular homes, a Rater must
verify any requirement in the plant not able to be verified on-site because a feature will be concealed prior to shipment. Finally, register
the rated home with the same EPA-recognized VOO. The Rater is required to keep electronic or hard copies of the completed and
signed National Rater checklists and the National HVAC Design Report.
The Rater must review all items on the National Rater checklists. Raters are expected to use their experience and discretion to verify
that the overall intent of each inspection checklist item has been met (i.e., identifying major defects that undermine the intent of the
checklist item versus identifying minor defects that the Rater may deem acceptable).
In the event that a Rater finds an item that is inconsistent with the intent of the checklists, the home cannot earn the ENERGY STAR
until the item is corrected. If correction is not possible, the home cannot earn the ENERGY STAR. In the event that an item on a
National Rater checklist cannot be inspected by the Rater, the home also cannot earn the ENERGY STAR. The only exceptions are in
the Thermal Enclosure System Section of the National Rater Field Checklist, where the builder may assume responsibility for verifying
a maximum of eight items. This option shall only be used at the discretion of the Rater. When exercised, the builder's responsibility will
be formally acknowledged by the builder signing the checklist for the item(s)that they verified.
In the event that a Rater is not able to determine whether an item is consistent with the intent(e.g., an alternative method of meeting a
checklist requirement has been proposed), then the Rater shall consult their Provider. If the Provider also cannot make this
determination, then the Rater or Provider shall report the issue to EPA prior to project completion at:
[e-mail] and will receive an initial response within 5 business days. If EPA believes the current program
requirements are sufficiently clear to determine whether the intent has been met,then this guidance will be provided to the partner and
enforced beginning with the house in question. In contrast, if EPA believes the program requirements require revisions to make the
intent clear, then this guidance will be provided to the partner but only enforced for homes permitted after a specified transition period
after the release of the revised program requirements,typically 60 days in length.
This will allow EPA to make formal policy decisions as partner questions arise and to disseminate these policy decisions through the
Policy Record and the periodic release of revised program documents to ensure consistent application of the program requirements.
Revised 11/01/2019 Page 1 of 6

R_K'wd National Program Requirements
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 10)
Exhibit 1: ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home 12
The ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home is the set of efficiency features modeled to determine the ENERGY STAR ERI Target for
each home pursuing certification. Therefore, while the features below are not mandatory, if they are not used then other measures will be
needed to achieve the ENERGY STAR ERI Target. In addition, note that the Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes, Exhibit 2,
contain additional requirements such as total duct leakage limits, minimum allowed insulation levels, and minimum allowed fenestration
performance. Therefore, EPA recommends that partners review the documents in Exhibit 2 prior to selecting measures.
Hot Climates(2009 IECC Zones 1,2,3)13 Mixed and Cold Climates(2009 IECC Zones 4,5,6,7,8)13
Cooling Equipment(Where Provided)
• Cooling equipment modeled at the applicable efficiency levels below:
• 14.5 SEER/12 EER AC, 13 SEER AC,
• Heat pump(See Heating Equipment) Heat pump(See Heating Equipment)
Heating Equipment
• Heating equipment modeled at the applicable efficiency levels below,dependent on fuel and system type:
• 80 AFUE gas furnace, • 90 AFUE gas furnace,
• 80 AFUE oil furnace, • 85 AFUE ENERGY STAR oil furnace,
• 80 AFUE boiler, • 85 AFUE ENERGY STAR boiler,
• 8.2 HSPF/14.5 SEER/12 EER air-source heat pump • Heat pump,with efficiency as follows:
with electric or dual-fuel backup • CZ 4: 8.5 HSPF/14.5 SEER/12 EER air-source w/electric or dual-fuel backup,
• CZ 5: 9.25 HSPF/14.5 SEER/12 EER air-source w/electric or dual-fuel backup,
• CZ 6: 9.5 HSPF/14.5 SEER/12 EER air-source w/electric or dual-fuel backup,
• CZ 7-8:3.5 COP/16.1 EER ground-source w/electric or dual-fuel backup
Envelope,Windows,&Doors
• A radiant barrier modeled if more than 10 linear feet of No radiant barrier modeled.
ductwork are located in an unconditioned attic.
• Insulation levels modeled to 2009 IECC levels and Grade I installation per ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 301.
• Infiltration rates modeled as follows:
6 ACH50 in CZs 1,2 5 ACH50 in CZs 3A 4 ACH50 in CZs 5,6,7 3 ACH50 in CZ 8
• Windows and doors modeled,as illustrated below:
Window U-Value: 0.60 in CZs 1,2 0.35 in CZ 3 0.32 in CZ 4 0.30 in CZs 4 C,5,6,7,8
Window SHGC: 0.27 in CZs 1,2 0.30 in CZ 3 0.40 in CZ 4 Any in CZs 4 C,5,6,7,8
Door U-value: Opaque:0.21 <_'/2 lite:0.27 >'/z lite:0.32
Door SHGC: Opaque:Any <_'/2 lite:0.30 >'/z lite:0.30
Water Heater
• DHW equipment modeled with the following efficiency levels as applicable:
EGa 30 Gal=0.63 EF 40 Gal=0.61 EF 50 Gal=0.59 EF 60 Gal=0.57 EF 70 Gal=0.55 EF 80 Gal=0.53 EF
ric: 30 Gal=0.94 EF 40 Gal=0.93 EF 50 Gal=0.92 EF 60 Gal=0.91 EF 70 Gal=0.90 EF 80 Gal=0.89 EF
30 Gal=0.55 EF 40 Gal=0.53 EF 50 Gal=0.51 EF 60 Gal=0.49 EF 70 Gal=0.47 EF 80 Gal=0.45 EF
Thermostat&Ductwork
• Programmable thermostat modeled.
• Supply ducts in unconditioned attics modeled with R-8 insulation;all other ducts in unconditioned space modeled with R-6 insulation.
• Duct leakage to outdoors modeled at the greater of<_4 CFM25 per 100 sq.ft.of conditioned floor area or<_40 CFM25.
Lighting&Appliances
• ENERGY STAR refrigerators,dishwashers,and ceiling fans modeled.
• ENERGY STAR light bulbs modeled in 80%of ANSI/RESNET/ICC Standard 301-defined Qualifying Light Fixture Locations.
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R_K'wd National Program Requirements
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 10)
Two paths are provided for satisfying the mandatory requirements for all certified homes, Exhibit 2. Path A-HVAC Grading utilizes ANSI/
RESNET/ACCA Std. 310 14, a standard for grading the installation of HVAC systems. Path B- HVAC Credential utilizes an HVAC
contractor credentialed by an EPA-recognized H-QUITO. Either path may be selected, but all requirements within that path must be
satisfied for the home to be certified.
Exhibit 2: Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes
Party Responsible Mandatory Requirements
Requirements Applicable to Path A&B
Rater • Completion of National Rater Design Review Checklist,Version 3/3.1
• Completion of National Rater Field Checklist,Version 3/3.1
Builder . Completion of National Water Management System Builder Requirements,Version 3/3.1
Requirements Only Applicable to Path A-HVAC Grading 14
HVAC System Designer • Completion of an HVAC design report compliant with ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Std. 310,
plus the ENERGY STAR Supplement.
• None.While the HVAC contractor plays a critical role in properly installing and
HVAC Installing Contractor commissioning a system,the Rater is the party responsible for assessing its installation
quality in accordance with ANSI/RESNET/ACCA Std. 310.
Requirements Only Applicable to Path B-HVAC Credential
HVAC System Designer . Completion of National HVAC Design Report,Version 3/3.1
HVAC Installing Contractor . Completion of National HVAC Commissioning Checklist, Version 3/3.1
Exhibit 3: Benchmark Home 10
Bedrooms in Home to be Built 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Conditioned Floor Area Benchmark Home 1,000 1,000 1,600 2,200 2,800 3,400 4,000 4,600 5,200
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r, National Program Requirements
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 10)
Effective Date
To determine the program Version and Revision that a home is required to be certified under, look up the location and permit date of the
home in Exhibit 4. Note that the National Version 3.1 program requirements are being implemented in states that have adopted the 2012,
2015, or 2018 IECC, or an equivalent code. Note, as well, that regional program requirements, and associated implementation timelines,
have been developed for homes in CA, FL, GU, HI, the Northern Mariana Islands, OR, PR, and WA. The National Version 3.1 and regional
program requirements can be found at www.energVstar.gov/newhomesrequirements.
This Exhibit contains all implementation timelines applicable on or after September 1, 2016. Implementation timelines applicable prior to
this date can be obtained by contacting energystarhomes(a)energystar.gov.
Exhibit 4: ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Implementation Timeline
Homes Permitted15
State/ On or After This Date Version Revision 's
Territory Must Meet the Adjacent
Version &Revision
AL,AK,AZ,AR, CO, GA, IN, 07-01-2016 National v3 Rev. 08
ID, KS, KY, LA, ME, MS, MO, 01-01-2019 National v3 Rev. 09
NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK,
PA, SC, SD, TN, UT,VA,WV, 10-01-2020 National v3 Rev. 10
WI,WY
DC, DE, IA, IL, MA, MD, MN, 07-01-2016 National v3.1 Rev. 08
MT, RI,VT 01-01-2019 National v3.1 Rev. 09
10-01-2020 National v3.1 Rev. 10
NV 07-01-2016 National v3 Rev. 08
10-01-2016 National v3.1 Rev. 08
01-01-2019 National v3.1 Rev. 09
10-01-2020 National v3.1 Rev. 10
MI, NJ 07-01-2016 National v3 Rev. 08
04-01-2017 National v3.1 Rev. 08
01-01-2019 National v3.1 Rev. 09
10-01-2020 National v3.1 Rev. 10
CT, NY 07-01-2016 National v3 Rev. 08
10-01-2017 National v3.1 Rev. 08
01-01-2019 National v3.1 Rev. 09
10-01-2020 National v3.1 Rev. 10
TX 07-01-2016 National v3 Rev. 08
07-01-2018 National v3.1 Rev. 08
01-01-2019 National v3.1 Rev. 09
10-01-2020 National v3.1 Rev. 10
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r, National Program Requirements
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Footnotes:
1. A modular home is a prefabricated home that is made of multiple modules or sections that are manufactured and substantially
assembled in a manufacturing plant.These pre—built sections are transported to the building site and constructed by a builder to meet
all applicable building codes for site—built homes.
2. A dwelling unit, as defined by the 2009 IECC, is a single unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more
persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
3. Any above-grade story with 20% or more occupiable space, including commercial space, shall be counted towards the total number of
stories for the purpose of determining eligibility to participate in the program. The definition of an 'above-grade story' is one for which
more than half of the gross surface area of the exterior walls is above-grade. All below-grade stories, regardless of type, shall not be
included when evaluating eligibility.
4. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, occupiable space is any enclosed space inside the pressure boundary and intended for human activities or
continual human occupancy, including, but not limited to, areas used for living, sleeping, dining, and cooking, toilets, closets, halls,
storage and utility areas, and laundry areas.
5. These units may earn the ENERGY STAR through either the Certified Homes Program, or the Multifamily High Rise (MFHR) or
Multifamily New Construction (MFNC)Programs.
6. While certification will result in compliance with many code requirements, a Rater is not responsible for ensuring that all code
requirements have been met prior to certification. For more information about how these program requirements help satisfy code
requirements, visit: www.energystar.gov/newhomesquidance. In the event that a code requirement, a manufacturer's installation
instructions, or an engineering document conflicts with a requirement of the ENERGY STAR program (e.g., slab insulation is prohibited
to allow visual access for termite inspections), then the conflicting requirement within these program requirements shall not be met.
Certification shall only be allowed if the Rater has determined that no equivalent option is available that could meet the intent of the
conflicting requirement (e.g., switching from exterior to interior slab edge insulation). Note that a home must still meet its ENERGY
STAR ERI Target.Therefore, other efficiency measures may be needed to compensate for the omission of the conflicting requirement.
7. The term 'Provider' refers to an Approved Rating Provider that is a designee of a VOO such as RESNET.
8. The term 'Rater' refers to the person(s)completing the third-party verification required for certification. The person(s)shall: a)be a
Certified Rater, Approved Inspector, or an equivalent designation as determined by a VOO such as RESNET; and, b)have attended
and successfully completed an EPA-recognized training class. See www.energvstar.qov/newhomestraining.
9. The software program shall automatically determine(i.e., without relying on a user-configured ENERGY STAR Reference Design)this
target for each rated home by following the National ERI Target Procedure,Version 3 (Rev. 10), available at
www.energystar.qov/newhomesrequirements.
10. The average-size home with a specific number of bedrooms is termed the "Benchmark Home". The conditioned floor area of a
Benchmark Home (CFA Benchmark Home) is determined by selecting the appropriate value from Exhibit 3. For homes with more than 8
bedrooms, the CFA Benchmark Home shall be determined by multiplying 600 sq.ft. by the total number of bedrooms&adding 400 sq.ft.
A bedroom is defined by ANSI / RESNET/ ICC Standard 301-2014 as a room or space 70 sq. ft. or greater size, with egress window
and closet, used or intended to be used for sleeping. A"den", "library", or"home office"with a closet, egress window, and 70 sq. ft. or
greater size or other similar rooms shall count as a bedroom, but living rooms and foyers shall not.
An egress window, as defined in 2009 IRC section R310, shall refer to any operable window that provides for a means of escape and
access for rescue in the event of an emergency. The egress window definition has been summarized for convenience. The egress
window shall:
• have a sill height of not more than 44 in. above the floor;AND
• have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq.ft.;AND
• have a minimum net clear opening height of 24 in.;AND
• have a minimum net clear opening width of 20 in.;AND
• be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge.
11. Raters who operate under a Sampling Provider are permitted to verify the Minimum Rated Features of the home and to verify any
Checklist Item designated "Rater Verified" using a VOO-approved sampling protocol for homes outside California, and the CEC-
approved sampling protocol for homes in CA. No parties other than Raters are permitted to use sampling. All other items shall be
verified for each certified home. For example, no items on the HVAC Commissioning Checklist are permitted to be verified using a
sampling protocol.
12. Note that the efficiency levels of ENERGY STAR certified products aligned with these product specifications when this Version was
first released. These efficiency features form the basis of the ENERGY STAR ERI target, regardless of any subsequent revisions to
ENERGY STAR certified product specifications. EPA recommends, but does not require,that current ENERGY STAR products be
included in ENERGY STAR homes. For current ENERGY STAR products, visit www.energystar.gov/products.
13. The following map illustrates the Climate Zone boundaries as defined by the 2009 IECC Figure 301.1.
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r, National Program Requirements
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 10)
014w—,
a
14. Path A—HVAC Grading shall not be used until an Effective Date has been defined by RESNET for ANSI /RESNET/ACCA Std. 310.
Path A— HVAC Grading shall then use ANSI /RESNET/ACCA Std. 310 including all Addenda and Normative Appendices, with new
versions and Addenda implemented according to the Effective Date and Transition Period End Date defined by RESNET. RESNET
interpretations of Standard 310 shall also be followed.
15. The Rater may define the 'permit date'as either the date that the permit was issued or the date of the contract on the home. In cases
where permit or contract dates are not available, Providers have discretion to estimate permit dates based on other construction
schedule factors.These assumptions should be both defensible and documented.
16. Homes certified under Rev. 10 of the program requirements are permitted to use either Rev. 08, 09, or 10 of the National HVAC
Design Report.
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