FEI-FEVI 2010 EEC Report filed March 31, 2011 - FortisBC

FORTISBC ENERGY INC. AND FORTISBC ENERGY (VANCOUVER ISLAND) INC.
2010 ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION ANNUAL REPORT
information used for planning and implementing effective programs, while program evaluation
helps to measure the effectiveness of a particular program and/or initiative. This section
provides a description of the research and evaluation activities undertaken in 2010.
11.2.1.1 Research Overview
Market research is defined as the systematic, objective collection and analysis of data about a
particular target market, competition, and/or environment. It incorporates some form of data
collection, which, in some instances, means primary research (i.e. collected directly from a
respondent), while in others it can mean secondary research (i.e. collected from additional
sources including related literature, the Internet, and media sources). It is important to conduct
both primary and secondary research because together they allow the researchers to gain
valuable insight about energy efficiency and conservation. Armed with this knowledge, the
Companies are better able to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and activities.
11.2.1.2 Evaluation Overview
Evaluation of EEC programs and activities allows EEC staff to measure the effectiveness of the
programs. Historically, the Companies have been conducting evaluation studies for DSM
programs since the late 1990s. In general, program evaluations are designed in two stages.
During the program design phase, the program evaluation concept is determined. The primary
purpose of this is to understand the metrics for the evaluation and the data that will be required
to understand those metrics, and to determine how much of this can be collected during
program operation (i.e. as part of the incentive application). By doing this development prior to
program launch, better quality data can be collected, potentially at a lower cost than if
evaluation design was left until the time the evaluation was taking place. Once the program has
operated for a sufficient period of time, an impact evaluation can be. In the past, the
evaluations conducted on behalf of the Companies have been conducted by outside consultants
who have been selected based on relevant experience and cost. Once selected, the consultant
then further develops a detailed evaluation plan for review and discussion with the Companies.
When the plan has been approved, the consultant typically begins the field research that
includes, but is not limited to, field research (i.e. with participants and the relevant trade allies),
billing analysis, and sub metering. Once field research is completed, the study moves into the
analysis phase, which results in a final report developed by the consultant.
11.2.1.3 Research and Evaluation Studies Conducted In 2010
The various EEC program areas administer their own research and evaluation studies and
apply those costs to their respective program area TRC benefit/cost test results. Descriptions
and budgets for those studies have been captured in the respective program area sections in
this Report. Those research and evaluation activities that are part of enabling activities and/or
the overall EEC portfolio are described in this section. These expenditures are included in the
overall portfolio-level EEC TRC benefit/cost test results. Each of the research and evaluation
SECTION 11: ENABLING ACTIVITIES Page 223