AEP Texas High-Performance Homes Program Recognizes Five Local Builders

Five builders in the Rio Grande Valley were acknowledged by AEP Texas for their excellence in energy-efficient home construction as part of the 2023 AEP Texas High-Performance Homes Program.

The builders, Esperanza Homes, Treasure Builders, Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., Divine, and Westwind Homes, were honored as part of the 2023 AEP Texas High-Performance Homes Program. This program rewards builders for creating homes that use less energy,are better for the environment, and provide more comfort. A licensed independent home energy Rater inspected and tested these homes to make sure they complied with AEP Texas’ program standards.

The AEP Texas High-Performance Homes Program is for builders who voluntarily choose to build energy-saving homes. To qualify for the program’s cash incentives, the builder’s homes must exceed the required kWh savings by at least 5%. The calculation is based on a Texas BaselineReference Home established by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. In addition to mandatory requirements—such as a 15.2 SEER2 AC systems or better and Grade 1 wall and ceiling insulation—the builders’ homes must meet other criteria in one of three tiers used to calculate the paid incentive. Additional bonus incentives are available for installing items such as heat pump water heaters, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats, spray foam insulation, and properly sized HVAC systems.

Esperanza Homes received the Highest Cumulative kWh Savings award given to the builder with the highest total kWh savings for the year among builders enrolled in the AEP Texas High-Performance Homes Program in the Rio Grande Valley.

(L-R) Melissa Proske; Nick Rhodes, Presi-dent/CEO, Esperanza Homes; Garrett Dorsey

(L-R) Garrett Dorsey III; Felix and Alexis Hernadez, Treasure Builders; Melissa Proske

Treasure Builders received the Highest Single kWh Savings for a Single-Family Home award. This recognition is given to the builder who achieves the highest energy efficiency above all the other homes enrolled in the program.

Affordable Homes of South Texas received recognition for its 100% commitment to the ENERGY STAR® program. This non-profit builder for the Valley’s underprivileged has been an ENERGY STAR® partner since 2009.

(L-R) Melissa Proske; Tony Fernandez, Construction Manager, Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc.; Garrett Dorsey III

(L-R) Garrett Dorsey III; Jesus Garcia, Purchas-ing; Lucia Cavasos, CAD Designer, WestWind Homes; Melissa Proske

WestWind Homes was awarded the Path to Performance award from the AEP Texas High-Performance Homes Program for its continued commitment to building energy-efficient homes.

DIVINE was recognized with an award from the AEP Texas High-Performance Homes Program for its 100% dedication to building energy-efficient homes in the ENERGY STAR® program since 2009 in addition to the EPA’s Indoor airPlus program.

(L-R) Olga Trevino, Builder/Owner DIVINE Custom Homes

This program aims to encourage builders to use better building methods and materials that save energy and make living in these homes healthier and more comfortable. By following these standards, builders get more than just rewards and recognition. They can be proud of offering homes that are superior to home built only to minimum standards.