New

Prepare Now: Cost Documentation Requirements Begin April 1, 2026

The Box Bulk File User Guide (User Guide) and training videos for submitting cost documentation through Box are now available. They are located on BPA’s BEETS Training Materials & Support Resources page, under the heading “Cost Documentation Upload Guides and Training Materials.” These resources provide guidance on appropriate upload methods for submitting cost documentation based on measure types or quantities.

While utility-specific links for submitting documentation through Box are not yet available, utilities can start preparing now. Taking these proactive steps will ensure files are organized for smooth submission when the requirements are implemented on April 1, 2026.

• Access Box and Organize Files: Review Sections one and two of the User Guide.
• Name Files: Utilities who participated in last month’s Box testing recommended that utilities begin naming files in accordance with guidance on page five of the User Guide now.

Energy conservation account executives (ECAEs) are available to answer any questions. 

BEETS Platform Branding Update

The BEETS vendor, ICF, has announced an update to the VisionDSM platform used by BEETS. The software will be rebranded as Sightline, with the change effective March 18, 2026. This change affects only platform branding and will not affect system functionality or workflows.

What users should know:

• The BEETS URL will remain the same: https://us.visiondsm.com/.
• No functional changes are associated with this update.
• Users may notice minor graphical branding updates within the system interface.
• BEETS users are not expected to receive notifications directly from the vendor.

BPA New Multifamily Construction Qualified Programs List Updates

BPA currently offers two measures to support above-code energy efficient multifamily new construction in the region.

• 11.7.4 BPA Energy Efficient New Multifamily Construction (BPA-Qualified)
• 11.7.5 BPA Zero Energy Ready New Multifamily Construction (BPA-Qualified)

These measures leverage regional and national multifamily new construction certification programs that require at least 10 and 25 percent energy savings (respectively) from energy efficiency upgrades as compared to state building/energy code.

BPA maintains a Qualified Program List (QPL) of certification programs and pathways that qualify for incentive payments for both measures. To account for updates to state building/energy code, BPA updates this list periodically. BPA updated the QPL for these measures Feb. 28, 2026 and published it in the Implementation Manual Document Library.

Events

Comfort Ready Home Webinar: Maximizing Your Residential Energy Efficiency Impact 

Join BPA’s Comfort Ready Home (CRH) program on March 19 from 10-11 a.m. (PDT) for an informative webinar on promoting residential energy efficiency efforts. This webinar will provide an overview of the CRH program and explore how its tools, resources, and support can help utilities meet their goals. Cyrus Collins, CRH program manager, and Brian Lum, marketing account director, will share practical strategies to increase participation, strengthen community engagement, and maximize program impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine a results-driven approach and connect with peers working to advance residential energy efficiency…More

General

Energy Efficiency is now Energy Conservation

BPA is renaming its "Energy Efficiency" department to "Energy Conservation" to more directly align with the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act (NW Power Act).

Under the NW Power Act, “Conservation” is defined as “any reduction in electric power consumption as a result of increases in the efficiency of energy use, production or distribution.” Conservation is included as a resource alongside electric power from generating facilities, and given priority in the Council’s plan. BPA is to acquire Conservation as a resource. This name change aims to more accurately describe the important work and efforts BPA advances across the region, as it supports federal energy policy to foster more abundant, affordable and reliable power.

Additionally, the energy efficiency representatives (EERs) are also changing their title to energy conservation account executives (ECAEs). While their job duties haven’t changed, the new title emphasizes the shift towards a more comprehensive understanding and management of customer needs across various services. The title better represents their role as a solutions provider for customers, serving as a conduit for marketing support, policy engagement, engineering demand response, and smart technologies, not just energy efficiency.

ECAEs are available to answer any questions.

Save Your Spot at Efficiency Exchange!

Registration is open for Efficiency Exchange 2026 in Boise, Idaho (early bird pricing expires April 3). 

This year's event takes place May 5–6, with optional pre-conference tours and activities starting Monday, May 4. Connect and network with peers from across the Northwest, hear from experts on the latest trends and technologies, share best practices, and collaborate on regional energy efficiency initiatives. Don’t miss featured keynote: Lisa Grow, President and CEO of Idaho Power.

For registration, agenda, and conference logistics, visit the Efficiency Exchange webpage.