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
regulations, and promoting natural gas efficiency with contractors, manufacturers, and retailers
as outlined below.
3.2.1 CONTRIBUTION TO MARKET TRANSFORMATION
The Companies’ contribution to market transformation of space and water heating systems is
substantial for both space and water heating as outlined below:
The Companies have maintained ENERGY STAR® Heating System Upgrade programs in the
market since 1996, of which the most recent iteration was launched September 1, 2008 in the
FEI service territory and April 16, 2009 in the FEVI service territory. This highly successful
program, in collaboration with LiveSmart BC, provided incentives for over 17,000 furnaces, a
contribution of $4.4 million in incentives and over 1.1 million GJs of energy savings over the
lifetime of these systems. This program ended December 31, 2009 to coincide with provincial
and federal government regulations requiring that all furnaces sold in Canada meet a minimum
standard of 90 percent efficiency. 10 The Companies’ significant outreach to consumers, trades,
and manufacturers helped facilitate the industry’s transition to the new regulation. Please note
that although the program ended December 31, 2009, final participation counts were not
available at the time of writing the 2009 report. Only applications processed in 2010 are
included in the 2010 program energy savings.
The Companies are taking an active role in driving a national Domestic Hot Water (“DHW”)
market transformation strategy through the 0.8 EF water heater technology pilot outlined in
Section 3.4.3.2. An initial step in this strategy was the 2010 launch of the 0.62 EF Efficient
Storage Tank Water Heater Program, whose initial objective was compliance engagement for
the introduction of provincial gas water heater efficiency act regulations that are the highest
standard in Canada. 11 The program was effective in driving some manufacturers to comply with
these new regulations, although it will take some time for 100 percent market adoption.
In order to promote energy efficient fireplaces that generate heat rather than being just
decorative, the Companies are actively promoting EnerChoice fireplaces in partnership with the
western chapter of the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada (“HPBAC”) and are
among the few North American utilities to have an EnerChoice program. Industry feedback
suggests that manufacturers are more conscious of fireplace efficiency through the EnerChoice
program and energy efficiency messaging that creates consumer demand.
3.2.2 COLLABORATING
CONSERVATION
WITH INDUSTRY TO PROMOTE THE CULTURE OF
Industry partnerships with contractors, manufacturers, retailers, and associations are key to
driving program participation and fostering the culture of conservation as outlined below:
10
Please refer to Appendix D for a copy of the MEMPR Enforcement Bulletin 09-03. BC Efficiency Act Standards:
Gas and Propane-Fired Furnaces.
11
Please refer to Appendix D for a copy of the MEMPR Enforcement Bulletin 09-05. BC Efficiency Act Standards:
Gas and Propane-Fired Water Heaters.
SECTION 3: RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM AREA Page 19