Programs & Services

How it works 

Installing energy-efficient technologies during new home construction is a smart way to distinguish the homes you build by their performance and quality, and lower homeowners' energy bills.

Builders who meet the eligibility requirements will receive $800 per home under KCP&L's ENERGY STAR® New Homes Program.  KCP&L will also pay HERS raters up to $750 for the inspections and HERS rating requirements for a Builder's home to achieve the ENERGY STAR label.

Builders may select from one of two options to qualify:

Option 1: Obtain an ENERGY STAR label for the home by following ENERGY STAR Prescriptive Standard that specifies the minimum efficiencies for the home's heating and cooling equipment, ductwork, windows, water heating, and lighting and appliances, or

Option 2: Obtain an ENERGY STAR label for the home based on its performance. Program compliance through the home performance option is demonstrated with a Home Energy Rating (HERS) Index of 85 or less.  Participating Builders will become ENERGY STAR partners through the national ENERGY STAR New Homes program.  Builders may contact KCP&L for assistance with the ENERGY STAR® Partner sign-up process.

Third-party Verification

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) will be used to provide independent, third-party verification of ENERGY STAR New Home construction.

Builders will retain HERS Raters to complete on-site home inspections. Builders will then use the HERS results to obtain ENERGY STAR certification for qualifying homes.

For a home qualifying under the performance option the Builder must submit construction plans to the HERS Rater prior to construction. The HERS Rater will use standardized software that yields a pre-construction HERS Index, and then work with the Builder to identify energy-efficiency improvements and to ensure the home will meet ENERGY STAR performance guidelines.

Under both the prescriptive and performance options:

• Onsite inspections will be completed by HERS Raters during construction and will include an inspection prior to drywall installation to complete the Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist.

• An additional onsite inspection will be performed following completion of the home to verify proper construction.  HERS Raters retained by Builder of multiple homes may be eligible to apply the "ENERGY STAR for Homes Revised Sampling Protocol Guidelines" to randomly test and inspect a minimum of 15% of the Builder's similarly-constructed homes.

• HERS Raters may request a payment of up to $750 from KCP&L per rated home toward the cost of the inspections and/or HERS rating. The HERS rater is required to complete the application and submit an invoice for payment. 

KCP&L is proud to partner with ENERGY STAR to promote energy efficiency to save money and protect the environment.