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
water heaters, and tankless technologies. To date there are very few ENERGY STAR® water
storage tank models that qualify and that are available in BC. In parallel to the 0.80 EF water
heater pilot, the Companies will introduce rebates for condensing water tanks and tankless
technologies. Although the TRC’s on these new technologies are less than one, these programs
are essential for market transformation.
Anecdotal evidence provided mixed reviews of tankless technology and therefore the
Companies conducted an independent research study 18 to gather feedback on experience with
early adopters of tankless technology. The results were very favourable and provide the
Companies with confidence to proceed with promoting these products if energy savings
estimates are validated.
The combination of financial incentives, contractor training, and effective marketing is key to the
continued success of efficient water heater programs. The relationships developed to date in the
0.62 EF base offer are invaluable to furthering this work. In addition to energy efficient
appliances, the opportunity to educate customers about the importance of water and hot water
conservation adds additional societal benefits to this program.
3.4.2.1.4 Overall Summary
Although participation rates were lower than forecasted, the program was very successful in
achieving its goals of compliance engagement, developing relationships with manufacturers,
and gaining exposure for energy efficient water tanks in retail settings. The program confirmed
that there is a great need for energy efficiency education across the hot water equipment supply
chain – from manufacturers and distributors through to consumer education. This education will
also help to ensure that customers who are replacing their tanks in an emergency situation will
choose to install energy efficient tanks and will have access to energy efficient tanks through
their installers.
This program is an important component in the overall strategy to help manufacturers,
distributors, installers, and customers adopt the new provincial regulations that went into effect
on September 1, 2010, which require all hot water tanks manufactured after that date to be 0.62
EF. The Companies will be actively evaluating tier three technologies (>0.8 EF) and developing
a collaborative national hot water heater market transformation strategy as outlined in Section
3.4.3.2.
18 Tankless Water Heater Study, National Survey to Homeowners, by TNS, commissioned by the Companies in
October, 2010. Final report delivered December 14, 2010.
SECTION 3: RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM AREA Page 34