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

5
Summary Of Findings (1)
The following observations surfaced from the qualitative phase. While they are not meant to serve as
conclusive findings about all contractors, they provide a number of insights that can inform the future
quantitative study.
Contractors’ Involvement in Energy Efficiency (EE) Inventive Programs
As they stand, current EE Incentive programs are not compelling enough for contractors to
become fully engaged. Participants suggest that programs need to offer a greater value
proposition for contractors to get involved.
A key barrier to contractors’ participation in EE Incentive programs appears to be their ffeeling
that the rewards do not compensate sufficiently for the time and energy invested – both the
added un-billable time with the customer, and extra time completing paperwork. Strategies that
reduce the time required will be very important to gain contractors’ full involvement. This could
amount to simplified paperwork, or simplified programs that are easier for contractors to learn
about and communicate to consumers
A second key barrier to contractors’ full involvement is their reluctance to promote programs
that are constantly changing or may end abruptly. Several mentioned the unexpected
withdrawal of federal government rebate programs that gave customers a large discount on a
new furnace. Other programs offer much lower incentives and contractors fear the parameters
might change without their knowledge. Because of this, contractors tend to avoid giving their
input altogether, often advising customers to learn more from the program website directly.
Given the importance of contractors’ influence in consumers’ decision making, creating more
stable, enduring programs, and developing more effective methods for contractors to
communicate these program offerings to consumers is recommended.