From Contract to Completion: Virtual Utility Energy Service Contracts Training

November 17–19, 2026, 12 p.m.–3 p.m. ET

This three-day training provides federal agency staff and utility representatives with a comprehensive overview of utility energy service contracts (UESCs) from fundamentals through project completion. 

Participants will explore how UESCs can reduce operational costs while addressing critical infrastructure priorities, learn how and why agencies may contract directly with serving utilities, and gain practical knowledge of the project development and execution process. 

The training covers content from across the full UESC project life cycle, equipping attendees with the tools and best practices needed to successfully develop, award, and manage implementation of UESC projects. 

Participants need to register for each day separately. Also, participants can earn continuing education units (CEU) credit for each training you attend. 

Learning Objectives

• Explain the purpose, structure, and value of UESCs as a performance-based financing mechanism for achieving federal energy, water, and infrastructure goals without upfront appropriations. 
• Understand the unique components of UESC projects, including limited competition requirements, energy conservation measures, funding methods, and performance assurance requirements;  
• Recognize key authorizing legislation that enables UESCs, as well as the contracting mechanisms (e.g., GSA Areawide Contracts) that enable federal agencies to partner with utility companies.  
• Identify key stakeholders involved in a UESC project and describe each party's roles and responsibilities throughout the project lifecycle. 
• Outline the acquisition planning process and recognize common energy and water conservation measures and technical considerations that inform project design and UTILITY selection. 

Learning Objectives

• Describe utility competition and selection requirements for UESCs, including the process that allows for contracting with a serving utility without full and open competition.
• Explain the purpose and outcomes of the preliminary assessment, including how the utility evaluates facility conditions to identify candidate conservation measures and determine project feasibility.
• Identify the fundamental requirements and principles of performance assurance in a UESC.
• Outline the steps and best practices for conducting an investment-grade audit (IGA) and reviewing the results.
• Apply best practices for reviewing and evaluating UESC price proposals to assess cost reasonableness and savings.

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate UESC financing terms and energy cost escalation rates to assess their impact on long-term savings projections and agency payment obligations over the contract term. 
• Describe the agency's oversight responsibilities during implementation and construction, including utility/contractor coordination, commissioning, and verification that ECMs are installed and performing as specified. 
• Explain the agency's role during the post-acceptance performance period, including how to monitor performance, review M&V and performance assurance reporting, and manage ongoing compliance. 
• Apply best practices for long-term UESC contract management, including handling contract modifications, staff turnover, and sustained oversight over the life of the contract term.