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
3.4.2.2 EnerChoice Fireplace Program
Target Audience Residential Retrofit Customers
Duration July 1, 2010 - Dec 31, 2011
3.4.2.2.1 EnerChoice Fireplace Program Overview
ENERCHOICE FIREPLACE PROGRAM
Incentive $150 for any EnerChoice fireplace with additional tiers to be introduced in 2011
Partner Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada (“HPBAC”)
Background
Description
Goals
Background
The EnerChoice fireplace program is an important program offering since natural gas
fireplaces account for 13% of residential natural gas consumption based on 2010
CPR findings. In addition, 85% of customers have at least one fireplace or heating
stove according to the 2008 Residential End Use Study (“REUS”).
Consumer preferences for fireplaces can be categorized as those shopping for
ambience versus those shopping for zone heat. Those focused on ambience often
select decorative design features such as the flame, the rock or log set, and mantel
design. Those focused on zone heat are more engaged in energy saving features
such as electronic ignition switches or programmable remote controls, which allow
users to turn off the fireplace and pilot light when the home is unoccupied. Through
the evolution of EnerChoice fireplace programs, manufacturers are supplying more
models that combine the attributes of ambience and energy efficiency. The
Enerchoice program educates consumers to include energy efficiency as part of their
fireplace purchase decision.
The Enerchoice Fireplace label is a Canadian label reserved for products that meet
or exceed efficiency levels as determined by an independent committee managed by
HPBAC. Since there is currently no ENERGY STAR® rating for natural gas
fireplaces, and there are no pending standards from the U.S. Department of Energy,
the Canadian fireplace industry has developed its own efficiency label branded
EnerChoice. The EnerChoice designation can only be applied to free-standing
stoves with Fireplace Efficiency (“FE”) 66% or higher, fireplaces that are 62.4% or
higher, and inserts that are 61% and higher.
In order to further educate consumers about the merits of energy efficient fireplaces,
the 2010 EnerChoice program provides a $150 consumer rebate for EnerChoice
purchases. The Companies are encouraging their customers to adopt energy
efficient gas fireplaces designed for heating rather than simply decorative fireplaces
for ambience.
• Encourage the sale and installation of energy efficient heater style fireplaces to
reap the associated energy savings.
• Further the education and awareness of the EnerChoice label to consumers and
industry.
• Further relationships with manufacturers and distributors of natural gas
fireplaces through the HPBAC.
Implementation
Administration Consumer Response Marketing Ltd.
SECTION 3: RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM AREA Page 35