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
Engaging natural gas contractors is a critical component to the success of residential programs.
Program evaluation studies 12 suggest that 26 percent of program participants are made aware
of programs through contractor communications, which is second only to the 29 percent of
participants made aware through the Companies’ bill inserts. Program kits are mailed to all
contractors in the BC Safety Authority (“BCSA”) database. The Companies are furthering their
relationship with the trades through their partner program outlined in Section 11.2.2.
Collaboration with manufacturers of energy efficient technologies is also key to program
success and market transformation. In 2009, furnace manufacturers were required to meet 0.90
AFUE federal and provincial Efficiency Act standards. In 2010, DHW manufacturers were
required to meet 0.62 EF provincial Efficiency Act standards for gas water heaters. The
Companies’ water tank program drew attention to compliancy by providing a joint incentive to
customers and contractors. Anecdotal evidence and rejected applications indicate there are still
a large number of non-compliant tanks being sold. The current water heater rebate offer will,
therefore, remain in market for 2011 to support the introduction of the 0.67 EF ENERGY STAR®
water heaters and new technologies.
The Companies also initiated partnerships with big box retailers that have extensive marketing
budgets and the ability to educate customers in a mainstream retail setting. In 2011, the
Companies will further strengthen partnerships with retailers and dealer networks to promote
energy efficient products and services.
Another key success of 2010 was furthering the Companies partnerships with industry
stakeholders. A greater number of programs are being integrated with electric utilities and
provincial and municipal governments (please refer to Section 7 Joint Initiatives). The
Companies have also forged strong partnerships with industry associations such as the BCSA,
Thermal Efficiency Contractors Association (“TECA”), HPBAC and others. Partnerships with
associations are fundamental to the development of the contractor’s network and key to
ensuring the safe and effective installation of high efficiency equipment.
3.2.3 HIGHLIGHTS OF 2010 RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM AREA
A summary of highlights from 2010 residential programs include the following achievements:
• Investing over $3.2 million in energy efficiency initiatives resulting in 607,000 GJs of
savings over the lifetime of the measures;
• Engaging over 31,000 customers in 2010 programs targeting residential customers;
• Collaborating with industry partners including government, electric utilities, contractors,
manufacturers, and retailers; and
• Establishing outsourced administration for mass-market residential programs by
employing Consumer Response Marketing Ltd. (“CRM”), a BC-based company. With
12 2005-2007 Heating System Upgrade Program: Evaluation Results. Sampson Research.
SECTION 3: RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM AREA Page 20