White Paper Examines Future of Efficiency Kit Programs
"Utility companies will do whatever it takes, including distribution of efficiency kits and educational tools to help lower energy and water use. These programs help utilities save money on infrastructure and meet government regulations, as well as provide cost saving benefits to consumers," said Todd Recknagel, CEO of AM Conservation Group.
A newly released white paper examines the impact of energy and water efficiency product kits and the savings they offer to energy efficiency portfolios nationwide. "Overview of Energy Savings 'Kit' Programs: Background, Challenges, and Opportunities" was created by Illume Advising (Madison, Wis.; Oakland, Calif.; and Ann Arbor, Mich.), experts on energy efficiency programs, through a joint effort with AM Conservation Group (Charleston, S.C.), the largest provider of conservation kits to the utility industry. A key finding showed that utility customers are most likely to adopt energy and water savings technologies when the efficiency kits are combined with direct outreach, such as direct mail fliers, and educational opportunities, such as pamphlets, videos, and workshops.
"Contrary to popular belief, utilities don't want consumers to use large amounts of energy because that leads to a need for expensive additional infrastructures to support the use," said Todd Recknagel, CEO of AM Conservation Group. "Utility companies will do whatever it takes, including distribution of efficiency kits and educational tools, to help lower energy and water use. These programs help utilities save money on infrastructure and meet government regulations, as well as provide cost saving benefits to consumers. It's a win-win solution for everyone."
The white paper also looks at the inclusion rates of various energy- and water-saving products offered in efficiency kits and found that compact fluorescent lamps are most often included in utility-provided efficiency kits, with a rate of 100 percent. High-efficiency showerheads and high-efficiency faucet aerators have and inclusion rate of 89 percent. The paper also includes the inclusion rates of water heater pipe insulation, water heater set-backs, furnace filter alarms, advanced power strips, weather-stripping, LED nightlights, and flow rate bags.
"We work with energy and water providers to determine which products to include in efficiency programs to drive the greatest results," Recknagel said.
An infographic about these kits is available here.