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

10
Barriers To Contractor Participation
Number of incentive programs / changes to incentive programs – some contractors indicated
that EE incentive programs are rapidly changing, hence, it is difficult to keep abreast of what is
currently being offered. Many also feel that the low savings or rebate results in them being less
interested in keeping current with these programs.
Lack of value to contractor – many of the smaller incentive programs are not worth the
contractors’ efforts in filling out the required paperwork. This takes time away from the work they
are getting paid for, hence, it is often not worthwhile for them.
Lack of value to customer – some customers feel the incentives are too low, or are simply not
interested in finding out all of the details due to the perceived low value.
Administrative requirements – current incentive programs are more complicated and require
more paperwork than the original ones that had larger incentives.
Time commitment – due to the amount of paperwork and the need to go through the paperwork
with the clients, contractors find incentive programs add time to each call, and this is time that they
are not making any money on.
Awareness of current programs being offered – because there are more and more incentive
programs, and they keep changing, contractors are often not comfortable in being the source of
information for the customer. customer They do not want the responsibility of ensuring the information they
are providing to the customer is up-to-date, hence, they will direct the customer to a website rather
than becoming involved.
Not relevant to their business – many contractors feel that these programs are not relevant to
their business, for example, p insulation contractors ggenerally y feel that once the customer is ready y for
their service, they have already assessed available programs and included them in the work they
request.