# Summary of Utility Sounding Board 

# Utility Tools Survey Results

### November 2005

# Summary of Utility Sounding Board Survey Results

## Background

The Utility Sounding Board (USB) was created out of the Post-2006
Conservation Phase 2 process to provide feedback and advice to BPA
regarding peer sharing mechanisms, tools and materials, and/or other
initiatives that will enhance the region's ability to achieve the aMW
targets in the Northwest Power and Conservation Council's Fifth Power
Plan.

Founding members of the USB are representatives from BPA customer
utilities and include:

> Peter Anderson -- Kootenai Electric Coop
>
> Brent Barclay -- Columbia River PUD
>
> Jay Himlie -- Mason Co. PUD #3
>
> Mike Little -- Seattle City Light
>
> Keith Lockhart -- Springfield Utility Board
>
> Kathy Moore -- Umatilla Electric/PNGC
>
> Tom Schumacher -- Benton Co. PUD
>
> Mary Smith -- Puget Sound Energy
>
> Dan Villalobos -- Inland Power and Light
>
> BPA representatives to the USB include:
>
> Karen Meadows, BPA Energy Efficiency Manager of Planning and
> Evaluation/Acting Manager, DSM Technologies
>
> Jean Oates
>
> Mira Vowles
>
> One Energy Efficiency Representative *(rotates among six EERs: Tom
> Hannon, Margaret Lewis, Lloyd Meyer, Rosalie Nourse, Mark Ralston, and
> Chris Tash)*

## Purpose of Survey

The purpose of this survey, conducted in November 2005, was twofold: (1)
to obtain information that will help the USB more effectively represent
other BPA customer utilities in the region in acting as a consultative
body to BPA; and (2) to aid in developing the agenda for the March 2006
regional utility workshop.

The workshop features panels and speakers who will speak on topics that
will help utilities successfully develop and implement programs under
the new BPA Conservation Rate Credit (CRC) and Conservation Acquisition
Agreement (CAA) initiatives, in addition to programs that utilities
operate independent of BPA funding sources.

## Methodology

The primary delivery method for the survey was a link to an online
survey form. BPA Energy Efficiency Representatives e-mailed that link to
most utilities, although some surveys were delivered as Word documents
or filled out by the customer's EER.

The e-mail link was sent to EERs on October 18, and responses were due
November 2, although submissions were accepted beyond that time frame.

The original intent was to have a database "behind" the online survey
form that would transfer the data to a spreadsheet format. Due to
problems with the survey form, and a lack of sufficient technical
support, the data were hand entered into an Excel spreadsheet. Any flaws
in the survey instrument or delivery mechanisms are not attributable to
the USB.

## Survey Results

Using a 144 utility customer baseline, the response rate for the survey
is slightly more than 29 percent, which is excellent for the delivery
mechanisms used. The split between eastside (of the Cascade Mountains)
and westside utilities is 67 percent and 33 percent, respectively.
Comparison tables are presented between eastside and westside utilities
for some questions where the difference between hubs might be of
interest.

Several utilities sent in responses for more than one program. All
responses (51) were counted separately when calculating percentages in
the following tables, but the actual number of utilities responding to
the survey is 42.

Many of the response categories for the survey questions allowed more
than one category to be selected; thus, percentages in those tables will
not total 100 percent. Those tables do not show a percent of "missing"
responses \-- those responses that were either missed by the respondent
or not selected.

Several survey questions provided an opportunity for respondents to add
comments. Those related comments, or a summary of comments is included
below the question.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

1.  **What sector is the existing or planned program?**

Most respondents are either currently operating or planning to operate a
program in the commercial, residential, or industrial sectors. Only 10
percent indicated an interest in the agricultural sector, which is
expected as few utilities have a high population of consumers with
agricultural undertakings. As the bar chart below shows, there is a
higher

concentration of activity in the commercial sector for west side
utilities, and a higher rate for residential for eastside utilities. All
of the existing or planning agricultural activity occurs in the
eastside.

![](media/image1.wmf){width="4.275in" height="2.053472222222222in"}

Table 1

  ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------
  Commercial                                        80%

  Residential                                       75%

  Industrial                                        65%

  Agricultural                                      10%

  Other                                             6%
  ------------------------------------------------- ---------------------

> **Related Comments/description (Question 1):**

-   Renewables

-   Conservation Augmentation Program to implement energy conservation
    measures

-   C&RD Program

-   ConAug: Commercial

-   ConAug for Commercial/Industrial programs

-   C&RD: Commercial and Residential

-   C&RD for Residential Programs

-   Green Energy, Wyoming Wind . . . very successful

-   Beginning sometime in 2006, the new Conservation Rate Credit and
    maybe Conservation Acquisition Agreements later.

-   Irrigation, Renewables, SNAP

-   Commercial, Industrial, Residential: Currently, we administer the
    C&RD program for the residential, commercial, and industrial
    sectors. Post 2006, we\'ll administer the CRC program in the same
    sectors. Less interested in and less likely that we\'ll participate
    in the current Con Aug program and new bi-lateral contract program
    because of the decrement. Being able to do projects less than 1 MW
    in energy savings one at a time helps. Less up front money spent by
    the utility before being reimbursed and less of a decrement. This
    option is better than the old option of bundling projects to get up
    to 1 MW.

2.  **What technologies are targeted?**

The table below lists technologies three or more respondents indicated
are targeted by current or planned programs. These technologies are
listed by percent of total mentions, with the technology mentioned most
frequently shown first, which includes commercial/industrial lighting,
various heat pump technologies, and compact fluorescent bulbs.

Table 2

+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| # Targeted Technology                                       | **% of |
|                                                             | Total  |
|                                                             | Me     |
|                                                             | ntions |
|                                                             | (n=    |
|                                                             | 145)** |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Commercial/industrial lighting                          | 12%    |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Heat pumps/Heat pump residential programs, if the heat  | 10%    |
|     pump infrastructure is there to carry out a program     |        |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Compact fluorescent light bulbs/residential lighting    | 8%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Water heaters/Marathon water heaters                    | 6%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Appliances                                              | 5%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Motors                                                  | 5%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Super Good Cents and SGC Manufactured Housing           | 4%     |
|     Acquisition Program                                     |        |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Weatherization; low-income weatherization/assistance    | 4%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Clothes washers                                         | 3%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Compressed air                                          | 3%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Controls (lighting, thermostat, timing)                 | 3%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   HVAC, HVAC Economizers, HVAC packaged units             | 3%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Solar                                                   | 3%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Variable speed/frequency/feed drives                    | 2%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Heat pumps: Ground source/geothermal heat pumps         | 2%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+
| -   Insulation                                              | 2%     |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+--------+

> *The following targeted technologies received one or two mentions and
> each represents 1 percent of total mentions:* Air conditioning; air
> sealing; commercial buildings; commercial/industrial new construction;
> compact fluorescent fixtures; dishwashers; duct testing/sealing;
> education for renewable energy production; energy audit services;
> energy audits (residential); flat panel monitors; green power; grocery
> stores; hospital/medical facilities; industrial process improvements;
> irrigated agriculture; LED lighting; low-wattage space heaters;
> motel/hotels; O&M advice for customers and support for retrofit
> commissioning; retrofit commissioning scoping phase funding; power
> quality; programs targeting small to medium commercial customers; pump
> replacements/upgrades; refrigeration; SNAP - promotion of locally
> installed photovoltaic and wind energy projects; transformer
> downsizing; VendingMiser; and Windows.

3.  **Is the program existing, planned, or both?**

Most respondents (57 percent) reported that they would continue existing
programs into the next rate period. Many of these programs offer
incentives or rebates or both as evidenced in the related comments
following table 3.

Table 3

  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------
  Both                                            57%

  Existing                                        35%

  Planned                                         6%

  Missing                                         2%
  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------

> **Related Comments (Question 3):**

-   **Rebates** (27 mentions)

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-   Water heaters (2)

-   Heat pumps (3)

-   ENERGY STAR clothes washers (2)

-   ENERGY STAR dishwashers

-   Appliances (3)

-   Light fixtures (1)

-   C&RD: payments to customers via rebates calculated from deemed
    credits (RTF). Mainly residential (1)

-   C&RD: Rebates are offered on these technologies (1)

-   ENERGY STAR lighting (2)

-   Insulation (1)

-   Weatherization (2)

-   SGC/ENERGY STAR Homes (1)

-   Commercial/industrial lighting (1)

-   Manufactured homes (1)

-   Duct testing (1)

-   Non-Residential air conditioning (1)

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-   **Incentives** (20 mentions)

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-   Residential will pay up to 50% of insulation measures (1)

-   Commercial lighting up to 50% with minimum 30% reduction in energy
    use (1)

-   Heat pumps (2)

-   Windows (3)

-   Weatherization (2)

-   Insulation (1)

-   Commercial/industrial (3)

-   Incentive program based on first-year verified savings (1)

-   Plan on offering incentives (1)

-   Water heaters (1)

-   Clothes washers (1)

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-   **Loans** (8 mentions)

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-   C&RD: loan program that customers can use for installing these
    measures (1)

-   Residential heat pumps (1)

-   Weatherization (2)

-   Duct testing (1)

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-   Commercial and industrial incentives applied to consumer account as
    rebate credits.

-   CFLs - up to \$2 per bulb (tax excluded), limit six per household

-   The following services have loans or incentives available to
    consumers:

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```
-   \$3,000 for ground source heat pumps, NW ENERGY STAR Homes; we\'ll
    line up testing with third parties; we\'ll help with verification to
    get \$2,000 federal tax credit and \$2,000 in Montana state tax
    credits.

-   New Residential: ENERGY STAR certification, solar water heating.

-   Existing Residential: Weatherization loans, heat pump retrofit,
    solar water heating.

-   New Manufactured: ENERGY STAR certification.

-   Existing Manufactured: air sealing, heat pump retrofit.

-   New Commercial: Planned program for exceeding code: lighting, heat
    pumps, and shell measures.

-   Existing Commercial: Weatherization loans, lighting retrofit, heat
    pump retrofit.

-   Industrial: Coordination and funding assistance to design and
    install commercial refrigeration control systems, variable feed
    drives, lighting, and process equipment efficiency upgrades on a
    case-by-case basis.

-   Agriculture: Irrigation hardware efficiency system upgrades, water
    management services to reduce water consumption and pump capacity
    requirements; energy code compliance: a coordinated service with all
    code jurisdictions in our service area to provide state energy code
    plans reviews and recommend more efficient systems to those involved
    in commercial and residential construction.

-   Efficiency Education: Seminars provided from time to time for local
    tradesman and the public. Also building new mobile displays that
    demonstrate services offered and introduce new technology in
    demand-side management.

```{=html}
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```
-   ConAug - payments to commercial and industrial customers based on
    metered performance (ISO) and/or rebate tables (ESO+). It is hoped
    that Post 2006 programs will allow for a similar mix of measures,
    but uncertainty exists as to that possibility.

-   Lighting: The utility conducts an audit of the existing system. If
    the project qualifies, the consumer obtains bids for the conversion.
    Utility reviews the specs of the equipment for qualification and
    then quotes the incentive estimate. When the equipment arrives and
    the installation begins, an in-progress inspection occurs. If all is
    well, the contractor proceeds. We then do a final inspection, obtain
    documents, and then pay consumer incentive.

-   Replace existing lighting with energy efficient lighting; replace
    HVAC motors from constant to variable, install a plate & frame heat
    exchanger.

-   We offer rebates and incentives, communicate information through
    flyers and newsletters, provide participation information and
    documentation, verify and pay on rebate.

-   Used BPA\'s C&RD and ConAug program guidelines.

-   ConAug: Pass through

-   Communicate program through newsletters, flyers, web, provide
    consumer information on participation and needed documentation,
    verify measure installations, pay rebates/incentives.

-   We use our newsletter, home page, newspaper ads and radio to inform
    consumers of program opportunity, provide customer with program
    info, rules and required documentation, inspect and verify measure
    install, pay rebate. For industry, we use a key accounts
    representative to maintain relations and identify project
    opportunities.

-   Free energy review and savings potential determination. For large
    projects, can provide portion of consultant analysis cost, typically
    up to \$0.03 of expected conservative savings. Utility staff make
    offer of incentive ranging from \$0.12 to \$0.25 per first year kWh
    saved. Offer limited to incremental cost. Higher incentive levels
    are reserved for emerging technologies such as high-performance T8
    or dimming ballasts. Utility offers low interest loans (3-4% below
    prime) for customer share of project. Utility inspects and pays
    incentive to customer or their payment designee (contractor).

-   Where customer is interested, provide recommended measures and
    estimate of O&M savings. Provide occasional O&M training for
    businesses. Provide operational manual at web site. For larger
    customers, provide support (limited incentives) for
    retro-commissioning.

-   Contractor or customer submits rebate for installed items. Can apply
    to smaller new construction projects, where pre-approval is
    obtained.

-   Utility shifted priorities to residential new construction due to
    the major increase in housing construction over the past year.
    Promoting the ENERGY STAR New Construction Program; builders receive
    a \$20/fixture incentive for ENERGY STAR hardwired CFL fixtures;
    free duct testing and ENERGY STAR verification. It\'s important not
    to hold up the work of the subs or the completion of the house. To
    accomplish this, two utility staff are trained to do duct testing
    and final verification. We respond to their requests for testing or
    final verification within 24hrs. When the pressure test of the duct
    system doesn\'t pass, we help identify the problem areas and
    complete the retest as soon as they are ready. We have also found a
    reliable source of ENERGY STAR light fixtures for the contractors.
    The fixtures are selected early on in the construction process to
    assure that they will be on site when the electricians arrive to do
    the installation.

-   Utility is participating in BPA's ESO+ Program and provides rebates
    to commercial customers wanting to upgrade their existing lighting
    systems. Two utility staff are trained in commercial lighting
    design. We meet with owners to see if they\'re interested in a free
    lighting analysis. Following the analysis we assist the owner in
    acquiring bids they decide to proceed.

-   Utility's 24 KW RD&D Community Solar Photovoltaic Project is a
    community-based, highly visible, grid-connected, centralized solar
    electric project. The project was developed to overcome several
    hurdles that have deterred widespread adoption of solar electricity,
    including aesthetic concerns customers have with modules mounted on
    their roofs; the lack of knowledgeable installers; high initial
    investment; maintenance issues; shading; and a general lack of
    knowledge regarding renewable energy. This project uses an
    innovative financing and marketing approach. Other utility green
    programs in the Northwest ask for voluntary contributions from their
    customers, and in return, their customers gain the satisfaction of
    investing in clean renewable energy. Utility's solar project allows
    customers to financially invest in the project. Along with building
    personal equity into the project the customer is also entitled to a
    proportional share of the kilowatt-hours (kWh) generated. The
    utility would like to begin construction of the initial 24 KW system
    on Earth Day 2006 and grow the system over the next three years to
    165 KW. The location of the modules on a highly visible site is key
    to the success of this project. Located next to a popular community
    park and adjacent to the I-90 Corridor, the large PV system will be
    seen by roughly 30,000 travelers per day. The primary source of
    funding for the 24 KW (80 solar panels) RD&D project will come from
    a partnership between the utility and its customers. The utility
    will administer and promote the project. Investments made by utility
    customers will primarily go towards the cost of the solar modules.
    The utility will be responsible for the other project costs, such as
    infrastructure, operations and maintenance, design development and
    marketing. The Bonneville Environmental fund is contributing funding
    for half of the initial purchase of 80 modules from RWE Schott.
    These funds would be replenished by the customer\'s investments for
    modules and will serve much like a revolving loan for the purchase
    of future modules. Utility staff is also pursuing other funding
    sources and investors for the project. Neighboring utilities will be
    asked to team up with us on the project. Central Washington
    University (CWU) will also be given the opportunity to help cover
    some of the other project costs. The utility will install and
    connect the Fat Spaniel Technologies data monitoring equipment to
    disseminate the project\'s data to the community and to the public
    at large. Lastly, but also a very crucial component of this
    innovative pilot project, is education. CWU\'s Engineering and
    Technology Department would like to work with utility staff in
    developing a Renewable Energy Curriculum that will include solar,
    wind and fuel cell power generation systems. The utility will make
    the solar project and site available to CWU students for system
    design, engineering, metering, testing and installation.

-   The utility's low-income program provides free screw-in CFLs to
    low-income customers and senior citizens on a fixed income. A second
    program provides rebates for all customers on both screw-in CFLs and
    hardwired CFLs through one of our local retail stores. Most of the
    funding for our low-income program is coming from a Seattle
    Foundation grant. Various local entities help with promotion,
    distribution, and installation of the bulbs. The utility has also
    recruited an Americorp volunteer to oversee installation of free
    hardwired CFL fixtures for Habitat Homeowners. The volunteer showed
    homeowners fixture options and then placed the orders. Habitat has
    volunteers to do the installations when the fixtures arrive. Funding
    will come from both Seattle Foundation grants and BPA rebates. The
    managers of several large multifamily low-income apartment complexes
    stated that based on the condition of their existing light fixtures,
    they\'d prefer installing hardwired CFL fixtures instead of the
    screw-in CFLs. Utility staff worked with Alexander Lighting to put
    together a lighting package for the managers that included
    Alexander\'s lower cost CFL fixtures. With BPA\'s \$20 incentive per
    fixture, the managers were able to pick up the remainder of the
    cost - including all of the labor. Samples were ordered of all of
    the fixtures the managers selected \-- to confirm that they were the
    fixtures they wanted prior to placing a large order. Funding for the
    fixtures will come from our ConAug Agreement. The utility's
    Community CFL Rebate Program with Shaw\'s Furniture (Energy Star
    Outlet) was put on hold this summer due to the pending law suit on
    the CFL patents. Shortly after this \-- BPA announced its plan to
    reduce incentives on hardwired fixtures to \$2.50 per socket next
    year. If the reduced incentive stays as proposed, we will drop the
    Community Program and only do the screw-in bulbs for our low-income
    customers.

-   Utility offers rebates. The delivery mechanism is generally the same
    for all programs: Communicate availability, provide consumer with
    program info and required documentation, and verify measure purchase
    or installation, pay on rebate.

-   Purchase Green Power from BPA and re-market it to our consumers.

-   CRC and utility-funded.

-   SGC program has, in addition to the \$600 rebate for our customers,
    an incentive of \$150 for the salesman. Rebates are offered in the
    appliance program. CFLs are offered with a discount.

4.  **How is or will the program be funded?**

The top two funding sources -- partial utility funding and funding
through CRC \-- each represent 65 percent of responses. C&RD and ConAug,
which terminate at the end of the current fiscal year (September 30,
2005), trail closely behind. As the bar chart shows, westside utilities
tend to fully or partially fund programs. Eastside utilities plan to
make more use of the CRC as a funding source.

# ![](media/image2.wmf){width="4.041666666666667in" height="2.3583333333333334in"}Table 4

  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------
  Partially Utility Funded                        65%

  CRC                                             65%

  C&RD                                            53%

  ConAug                                          45%

  CAA                                             33%

  Utility Funded                                  8%

  Other                                           8%

  Not Sure                                        6%
  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------

> **Related Comments/Other (Question 4):**

-   We will use our utility monies and hope to extend our programs by
    using BPA dollars/credits.

-   We\'ll probably continue to fund these through C&RD through
    September 2006. Post 2006 we may continue in this manner or switch
    funding mechanisms (internally).

-   Washington Consumer Energy Fund (WCEF) grant

-   The \$20 per fixture incentive will remain until BPA\'s incentives
    change. When that occurs the builders will return back to putting in
    screw-in CFLs. This will negate all the work we\'ve done promoting
    hardwired CFL fixtures with the builders as well as to the rest of
    the community. Our lighting resource will also move on to a
    different community serviced by a utility that has incentives.

-   Community investors (utility customers)

-   Seattle Foundation Grant

-   Still working out the details and approval on funding.

5.  **What tools or services can help the utility?**

Seventy-one percent of respondents indicate a need for technical
assistance. Needs was expressed, at nearly the same level, for marketing
materials, peer sharing, and information on best practices. Eastside
utilities feel a greater need for technical assistance and marketing
materials than do westside utilities: 88 percent of eastside vs. 42
percent of westside utilities need technical assistance; 59 percent of
eastside vs. 26 percent of eastside utilities need marketing materials.

![](media/image3.wmf){width="4.25in" height="2.5833333333333335in"}

# Table 5

+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Technical Assistance                    | 71%                      |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Marketing Materials                     | 47%                      |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Peer Sharing                            | 45%                      |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Information on Best Practices           | 41%                      |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > List of Vendors                         | 31%                      |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Other                                   | 16%                      |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Program Development                     | 14%                      |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+
| > Program Implementation                  | 14%                      |
+-------------------------------------------+--------------------------+

> **Related Comments/Other (Question 5):**

-   Info on refrigerator decommissioning

-   We have a smooth system running for the past three years or so. I
    estimate we\'ve completed between 75 & 100 projects. And we\'re
    finding plenty of new projects.

-   Training on new BPA initiatives.

-   Our local BPA Energy Efficiency Representative, Contracting
    Officer's Technical Representative, and engineer provide technical
    assistance and program implementation assistance.

-   Would like to see the continuation of BPA-sponsored industrial
    audits.

-   Support of regional measure identification.

-   Will benefit from continued regional support of Energy Ideas
    Clearinghouse, the Lighting Labs, Northwest Energy Efficiency
    Alliance (NEEA) and other services that identify emerging efficiency
    technologies and provide training to contractors and customers in
    our service territory.

-   Develop regional standard for building tune-ups and BPA allowed
    incentives for these activities. Financial support of EnVINTA
    Advantage process for larger customers.

-   Comprehensive survey of regional rebate items.

-   Sharing or networking with peers is always a helpful tool.

-   Technical Assistance: Like BPA engineers can provide.

-   Tools/Services: Nothing additional to what the area offices have
    traditionally helped with.

-   Examples of what neighboring utilities are doing. Partly this helps
    us understand what works in this area, and helps us coordinate
    efforts: marketing campaigns, vendor lists, and incentive levels.
    Even though incentive levels or actual offerings may differ.

-   Technical assistance with non-residential conservation projects
    (review of proposals), information, and possible program development
    assistance (conservation estimation information) on high efficiency
    motors and variable feed drives.

-   BPA\'s continued support of ENERGY STAR program is important. ENERGY
    STAR staff I presently work with have done an excellent job
    providing tools and services.

-   The Seattle Lighting Design Lab is a valuable resource to us.

-   Want to see good ideas on how to run a CFL program. Also need to
    know how to convince contractors and installers to follow
    Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) criteria and requirements.
    Would like more information on how to deliver conservation programs
    in rural areas (areas that do not have lots of energy service
    providers).

-   Access to the results of this survey to learn what and how other
    utilities are offering conservation programs. Implementation
    guidelines, technical assistance, advertising, etc.

6.  **Who is or will coordinate the program?**

Nearly all respondents, 98 percent, plan to coordinate their
conservation programs. Only 20 percent indicated a desire to use a third
party.

![](media/image4.wmf){width="3.8in" height="2.025in"}Although the
east/westside intent to coordinate their own programs is about equal,
28 percent of eastside utilities plan to use a third party, while only 5
percent of westside utilities indicate they will do so.

# Table 6

  ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------
  Utility                                              98%

  Third Party                                          20%
  ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------

7.  **Does the utility have materials it would be willing to share?**

Most utilities that indicated they have marketing materials they are
willing to share.

![](media/image5.wmf){width="3.379166666666667in"
height="2.084722222222222in"}

# Table 7

  ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------
  Yes                                            65%

  No                                             25%

  Missing                                        10%
  ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------

> **Related Comments/Descriptions (Question 7):**

-   We already market and have brochures that we have developed . . . I
    would be willing to look at anything else BPA might also have.

-   Flyers (5 mentions)

-   Brochures (in development for 2006), newsletter articles.

-   Nothing special, but would be willing to share.

-   Radio spots, newsletter articles, brochures, and other promotional
    material

-   Implementation materials. Our marketing is word of mouth, and cold
    calls, which are very effective. We did do radio ad flights several
    years ago. Not necessary anymore.

-   Presentations

-   Ruralite ads

-   Bill stuffers (2 mentions)

-   Have put together a few things but they are utility specific and not
    that flashy.

-   C&RD: Tri-folds with lay man information on savings and technical
    aspects of buying windows, heat pumps, insulation, and duct sealing.
    Cover page for loan program that explains process and
    qualifications.

-   Program intake paperwork.

-   Verified savings incentive for integrated design buildings.

-   Specifications for Western Premium Economizer.

-   Any, as long as it is not too time distracting. Loan program forms
    and Access tracking software, industrial program template.

-   New brochure on our Energy Service programs that we hand out to
    customers and contractors, a new energy audit form, and a new
    weatherization pre-approval form. The brochure was updated to
    include information that customers keep asking about that we were
    writing additional information on the old brochure. This has now
    been incorporated into the new brochure.

-   Yes, although there\'s nothing particularly innovative or flashy
    about them.

-   Residential Heat Pump Program: Contractor training and support far
    exceeds what is required by regional standards.

-   Promotional materials for builders.

-   Program development and marketing materials.

8.  **Is there some aspect of this program that is especially innovative
    or effective?**

Less than half of respondents (see table 8) feel an aspect of their
program is particularly innovative or effective, and as shown in table
9, less than half of those who responded "yes" are willing to share
those materials.

# Table 8

  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------
  Yes                                             41%

  No                                              8%

  Missing                                         51%
  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------

9.  **Is the utility willing to share these innovative or effective
    aspects of the program?**

# Table 9

  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------
  Yes                                             41%

  No                                              8%

  Missing                                         51%
  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------

> **Related Comments/Descriptions (Question 9):**

-   Loan Program

-   BPA, federal, and state tax credits all bundled.

-   Roundtables or other peer-sharing methods are a big help in our
    areas.

-   Cold calls get results. Just do \'em!

-   Combining forces with other utilities and use of loans as main
    incentive mechanism.

-   C&RD: Not innovative but loaning money to do the installation at
    4.9% helps our customers quite a bit.

-   Typical cases and program approach

-   Bulls-eye commissioning; simplified savings spreadsheet; paper on
    Bulls-eye commissioning; customer operation manual; estimating
    spreadsheet.

-   Western Premium Economizer.

-   Trying to get the most efficient space heating and water heating
    units into all of our residential and commercial buildings. Next we
    hope to fully insulate all of our residential buildings before
    tackling the window market. And then, whatever innovative energy
    saving products or power quality device that hasn\'t been invented
    yet.

-   Presentation

-   Providing the duct testing and verification services has been very
    positive. Most builders are hiring private consultants to do this
    work. Most builders are also not willing to spend the time and
    effort it takes to shift to CFL lighting. Their present lighting
    suppliers do not offer a good line of CFL fixtures and do not have a
    good enough understanding of the new technology to put together a
    quality installation for the builder.

-   Utility does not have any lighting design firms available to help
    customers. Two utility staff were, therefore, trained through the
    Seattle Lighting Design Lab \-- to provide customers with a good
    lighting analysis. Utility staff has not relied on our local
    electricians to bring in projects. Most of the projects submitted by
    the electrician are already contracted out to be installed \--
    regardless of the incentives.

-   To the best of our knowledge, no one has funded a renewables project
    in this manner. Customers will retain their investment into the
    project and will also receive a credit on their utility bill for
    their percentage of the power produced.

-   Joint program with our senior center and our local fire department.
    Multifamily low-income program.

-   Loan Program - Low interest loan program (APR of 4.5%). Flexible -
    Allows customer to select the best measures for their situation.

10. **Did the utility provide a web site name?**

# Table 10

  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------
  Yes                                             86%

  Missing                                         14%
  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------

11. **Does the utility promote the program on its web site?**

It's somewhat surprising that although 86 percent of respondents
reported that they have a web site (see table 10), only 76 percent
report that they use it to promote programs. This may be an area where
utilities can use assistance or obtain ideas through peer sharing
opportunities.

# Table 11

  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------
  Yes                                             76%

  No                                              12%

  Missing                                         6%
  ----------------------------------------------- -----------------------

12. **Does the utility have other information needs?**

![](media/image6.wmf){width="3.5083333333333333in"
height="2.1333333333333333in"}Nearly half of respondents, particularly
the westside respondents, need a summary of the new federal energy tax
credit, which is very lengthy and difficult to read. "Other" needs are
defined in the comments below table 12, chief of which are fact sheets
of various types.

# Table 12

  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------
  Summaries of the new federal energy tax credit        45%

  Other                                                 35%

  Brochures/flyers on BPA programs                      29%
  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------

> **Related Comments (Question 12):**

-   Brochures

-   Fact Sheets (8 mentions, non-specific)

-   Fact sheets (heat pump, appliance, commercial lighting and CFL fact
    sheets would be helpful).

-   Fact Sheets. Sure changes in federal law (such as this year\'s
    Energy Policy Act) and the new \$500 per year allowable credit for
    WX helps us give something to customers if you create the fact
    sheet. This lets people know that there has been a change, the
    specifics of what\'s changed, and it gives utilities something to
    hand out. Brochures, fact sheets on heat pumps, window and glazing
    treatments, moisture problems, getting a good contractor,
    differences in water heaters, how ENERGY STAR is different, what\'s
    coming down the pipeline (new federal standards for air conditioners
    Jan 2006 that are 40% more efficient), all of this helps us. You
    create it; we don\'t have to. And customers love it.

-   Flyers on specific utility programs.

-   I would look at any material BPA has.

-   I would rather design my own program and give my own descriptions of
    the program.

-   Info on de-commissioning older refrigerators: who, how, etc.

-   Simple summary sheet on measures eligible for Conservation Rate
    Credit Program. Examples: efficient motor replacement, CRC value per
    motor horsepower. Window replacement, credit per square foot.

-   Summaries of new federal efficiency requirements.

-   We would like assistance in determining what the state and federal
    tax incentives would be for our investors. Will the city be able to
    utilize future rate credits to help expand the project to 165 KW?

-   Whatever you can provide is helpful.

13. **For which sectors does the utility need more information**

![](media/image7.wmf){width="4.116666666666666in"
height="2.502083333333333in"}Three-quarters of respondents would like
more information on technologies and programs in the commercial sector.
Residential and industrial sector information is also needed.
Agricultural sector needs (18 percent) may not represent a large
percentage of the responses to this question, but for those utilities
with a significant agricultural load (primarily eastside, see bar chart
below), this information need is important.

# Table 13

  ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------
  Commercial                                     75%

  Residential                                    59%

  Industrial                                     51%

  Agricultural                                   18%

  Other                                          12%
  ---------------------------------------------- ------------------------

> **Related Comments (Question 13):**

-   Renewables

-   I\'d like to work together with others to put an irrigation program
    together around BPA\'s sprinkler rebates and premium efficiency
    motors.

-   Residential: Need guidelines on commissioning and PTCS for heat pump
    testing.

-   Categories of major energy use (lighting, heating/cooling).

-   Appropriate measures for new construction given high level of
    Northwest energy codes.

-   Successful marketing methods in mature territories; emerging energy
    efficiency technology.

-   Appropriate measures for new construction given high level of
    Northwest energy codes.

-   Regional coordination of rebate item specifications.

-   Any state-of-the-art technologies that have been proven or look very
    promising.

-   Sharing information about what utilities are doing to meet the post
    2006 goals would be helpful. What\'s worked, what hasn\'t, what they
    are petitioning for a change for (e.g., CFLs fixtures not just light
    for Seattle, Tacoma, Puget). Which utilities have dropped from
    BPA\'s program but may be doing on their own (e.g., heat pumps).

-   Utility program information and incentive levels for all sectors,
    any innovative products or services.

14. **General Comments:**

-   For Oregon, make this equivalent to duct sealing done for the state
    tax credit.

-   It would be interesting to see a summary of the results of this
    survey.

-   We offer, have offered, and will offer several programs in the three
    sectors indicated.

-   This survey was not very well thought out and has been a frustration
    to complete. There were no directions on completing the form and no
    definitions on terms such as the very first blank that needed to be
    filled in after the personal information, \"Program/Initiative
    name\". What do you mean by these terms and shouldn\'t it be
    either/or? They could very well be different and probably are. Also,
    it is implied later on that this survey should probably be filled
    out for either each individual program or each individual sector.
    That would take a lot of time. In the future it would be good to
    think through a little better what is needed and identify it up
    front. Hopefully what information has been completed will be of some
    help to you.

-   Unfortunately, we do not have our web site up to speed with the
    programs and services we offer. This is one of our goals for 2006.

-   Over the past 10 years, the utility has retrofitted the lighting in
    larger existing commercial/retail buildings. With only smaller
    projects remaining, we\'re finding that it\'s not cost effective to
    complete all of BPA's ESO+ program requirements and paperwork for
    the small amount of energy savings we\'re achieving.

-   Make the programs very simple to use and easy to claim potential
    credits.

**Appendices**

> Appendix A: Survey Instrument
>
> Appendix B: Survey Respondents

**Appendix A: Survey Instrument**

**Customer Program/Tools Survey**

**Introduction**

The Utility Sounding Board was created out of the Post-2006 Conservation
Phase 2 process to provide feedback and advice to BPA regarding peer
sharing mechanisms, tools and materials, and/or other initiatives that
will enhance the region's ability to achieve the aMW targets in the
Council's 5^th^ Power Plan.

This survey will help the Utility Sounding Board obtain information that
will help them as they represent you, if you are willing to participate.

1.  **Utility Name:**

2.  **Survey Respondent's Name:**

3.  **Title:**

4.  **Phone #:**

5.  **E-mail Address:**

**Please tell us about all of the energy efficiency or conservation
programs you run or plan to run by program or initiative. If other
individuals have responsibility for a given program or initiative,
please feel free to have them complete a survey, as well.**

6.  **Program/Initiative Name:**

7.  **Sector(s) *(Check all that apply: ***

\_\_\_\_ Residential

\_\_\_\_ Commercial

\_\_\_\_ Industrial

\_\_\_\_ Agricultural

\_\_\_\_ Other (Describe):

8.  **Is a particular technology(s) (i.e., heat pumps, lighting, etc.)
    targeted (describe below):**

9.  **Is this an existing or planned program?**

\_\_\_Existing \_\_\_Planned \_\_\_Both

10. **Describe the program in the space below, including whether
    incentives/rebates are offered, delivery mechanisms, and other
    pertinent information:**

11. 

12. **How do you, or will you, fund this program? Through: *(Check all
    that apply)***

\_\_\_\_ Fully Utility funded

\_\_\_\_ Partially Utility funded

\_\_\_\_ Conservation Augmentation (ConAug)

\_\_\_\_ Future Conservation Acquisition Agreement

\_\_\_\_ Conservation and Renewables Discount (C&RD)

\_\_\_\_ Future Conservation Rate Credit (CRC)

\_\_\_\_ Not sure

\_\_\_\_ Other (Describe)

13. **Describe the type of tools or services that BPA might offer to
    help you successfully implement this program. *(Check all that
    apply)* --**

> \_\_\_\_ Technical assistance
>
> \_\_\_\_ Marketing materials
>
> \_\_\_\_ Program development assistance
>
> \_\_\_\_ Program implementation assistance
>
> \_\_\_\_ List of potential vendors/suppliers
>
> \_\_\_\_ Examples of best practice for this type of program
>
> \_\_\_\_ Opportunities to share or network with peers (via
> conferences, web sites, newsletters, etc.)
>
> \_\_\_\_ Other
>
> **Describe here the specifics of the tools or services you need:**

14. **Is, or will, this program be coordinated by:**

> \_\_\_\_ Your utility
>
> \_\_\_\_ Third Party (Describe Below) \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
>
> \_\_\_\_ Other (Describe Below)
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

15. **Do you have marketing and/or implementation materials for this
    program that you would be willing to share?**

> \_\_\_\_ Yes (Describe Below)
>
> \_\_\_\_ No

16. **Is there some aspect of this program that is especially innovative
    or effective? (Describe below)**

> **15.b. Would you be wiling to share that innovation?**
>
> \_\_\_\_ Yes (Describe Below)
>
> \_\_\_\_ No

17. **What is your web site address (URL)?**

http://

\_\_\_\_ N/A

> **16.b. Do you promote this program on your web site?**
>
> \_\_\_\_ Yes
>
> \_\_\_\_\_ No
>
> \_\_\_\_ N/A

18. **Do you have other information needs such as:**

\_\_\_\_ Summaries on the new federal energy tax credit

\_\_\_\_ Brochures/flyers on BPA programs (Describe below).

\_\_\_\_ Other (Describe below):

**BPA, with advice from the Utility Sounding Board is in the process of
planning a regional utility forum to discuss what utilities need to
successfully develop and implement programs. The meeting will feature
utility panels and information on various sectors. Please tell us what
you would find most useful.**

19. **Information about the following sector (check all that apply):**

\_\_\_\_ Residential

\_\_\_\_ Commercial

\_\_\_\_ Industrial

\_\_\_\_ Agricultural

\_\_\_\_ Other

Describe here the type of information you need by sector:

20. **Do you have any additional comments?**

**Please return the survey to BPA via [one]{.underline} of the methods
below:**

-   E-mail the survey to <jaoates@bpa.gov>

-   Fax the completed survey to Jean Oates at (503) 230-5147

-   Mail a hard copy of the survey to Jean Oates, PNJB-1, Bonneville
    Power Administration, P.O. Box 3621, Portland, OR 97208

**Thank you for taking time to complete this survey.**

**Appendix B: Survey Respondents**

**List of Utilities that Responded to the Utility Sounding Board
Survey**

Benton REA

Blachly-Lane Electric Cooperative

Central Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Clark Public Utilities

Clatskanie PUD

Columbia Basin

Cowlitz Co. PUD #1

Declo (IDEA)\*

DOE Richland \-- Energy Mgmt. Program

Douglas Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Drain, City of

East End Coop (IDEA)\*

Ellensburg

Emerald PUD

Eugene Water & Electric Board

Farmers Coop (IDEA)\*

Flathead Electric Coop

Forest Grove L&P

Franklin PUD

Glacier Electric Coop

Grant Co. PUD 2 - ENERGY SERVICES

Grays Harbor PUD

Hermiston Energy Services

Heyburn (IDEA)\*

Idaho Falls Power (IDEA)\*

Inland Power & Light

Klickitat County PUD

Lewis Co. PUD 1

Lincoln Electric Cooperative

Lower Valley Energy

Midstate Electric

Milton-Freewater

Modern Electric

Okanogan County PUD #1

Oregon Trail Electric

Port of Seattle

Ravalli

Rupert (IDEA)\*

Salem Electric

Soda Springs (IDEA)\*

Springfield Utility Board

United Electric Coop (IDEA)\*

*\* Idaho Falls Power responded on behalf of all of the other IDEA
utilities listed.*