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
The first program element, targeting simple retrofits and new construction, is expected to be
operational in 2011. Based on feedback from program participants, this component of the
program seeks to
• Make the incentives clear and straightforward to simplify the purchase decision; and
• Reduce the program’s administrative burden / overhead for the Companies.
The second and third program elements, focusing on more detailed system design and boiler
plant operations and maintenance, will likely be operational in 2012.
In addition, the program will expand the end uses that are eligible for an incentive. Currently, the
program only provides incentives for boilers used for space heating. Different end uses are
precluded from incentives due to the difficulty in establishing reasonable natural gas savings
estimates. Commercial pool and water heating, however, may reasonably be included for
incentives moving forward. Commercial pool heating, in particular, is a significant and
unaddressed consumer of natural gas and, especially in the case of municipalities, represents
an area where program incentive money can make a tangible difference to energy consumption
and GHG emissions
It is believed these proposed changes, combined with sustained promotion of the program, will
allow the Companies to further the penetration of high efficiency boiler technology in both the
retrofit and new construction markets by making the program more visible and accessible to
potential participants. Increasing the program’s participant numbers furthers the Companies’
goal of reducing the commercial sector’s gas consumption and bringing about market
transformation.
At present, participation is forecasted to grow at a reasonable 10 percent for the key FEI retrofit
market; however, the Companies believe additional growth can be expected in the new
construction and Vancouver Island markets. Central to this will be the role played by the
Companies’ new energy solutions managers. The energy solutions managers will be increasing
awareness of and participation in Energy Efficiency and Conservation programs by actively
participating in industry associations, hosting workshops for commercial customers and
seminars for energy managers, and educating small commercial customers through the Service
Line newsletter. They will also work one-on-one with current and future commercial customers
to increase participation and ease the program’s application process.
4.4.2.1.4 Efficient Boiler Program Summary
The Efficient Boiler program effectively encourages program participants to adopt high efficiency
boilers in a market where standard efficiency alternatives remain prevalent. The program is
helping pave the way for more stringent regulation by encouraging the market to develop the
required competency and capacity to deal with high efficiency boilers now. Incremental
increases in participation, in conjunction with the benefits derived from a program overhaul, will
add significantly to the natural gas savings and dollar investment potential of the program by
making it more accessible to a broader range of market participants.
SECTION 4: COMMERCIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM AREA Page 59