Espanola community-based energy conservation: Results to date

Panel: Panel 3. Human Dimensions of Energy-Use and Conservation

Authors:
Vicky J. Sharp, Ontario Hydro, Canada
Peter D'Angelo, Ontario Hydro, Canada
Wayne Ruhnke, Ontario Hydro, Canada

Abstract

Tbe Espanola Power Savers Community-Based Conservation Project is a full-scale effort to maxim& electricity conservation in a geographically concentrated area, to mobilize community involvement in their energy future, and to research the potential for this type of demand-side management in Ontario. The project was launched in June, 1991 and installation of efficiency measures was completed in March, 1993. Lessons learned have been incorporated into some existing programs. Evaluation and monitoring are expected to be completed by 1994.

The project was positioned to the community as a business proposition. Ontario Hydro purchased kWs at a lower cost than alternative generation sources, thereby reducing the total cost of energy services to the community (and the province), with customers being asked to invest in their energy future. Customer values were incorporated into the project design, such as water conservation and the environmental impact of the project. Two way communication, primarily through a Community Advisory Committee, ensured responsiveness of the project to local needs and built awareness and support throughout the town.

A key aspect is consumer education about energy use so that efficiency built into the community 1s maintained by encouraging an attitudinal shift toward a conservation ethic. Consequently, project staff incorporated numerous energy-awareness elements in the program, including an ongoing educational effort in the schools.

In both the consumer and business markets of Espanola, the project used saturation marketing, comprehen-sive energy audits, direct customer contact, measures installation and follow-up inspections. This is a high water mark test so incentives were set at a maximum, which is not a prerequisite of community marketing.
The project has achieved record participation levels in audits with an overall average of 86 percent of eligible customers. Also impressive is the Öcustomer uptakeË level, a comparison of measures installed to those measures recommended by the auditots. Seventy-six percent (76%) of the kilowatt value of the energy-efficiency measures recommended were accepted by those customers. This is unprecedented by North American utility standards for DSM programs. In the residential sector, 1.460 homes were retrofitted and completed in December, 1992. In the commercial sector 110 businesses were retrotitted and completed.

The $11,2-million approved project budget represents $7 million for program implementation and incentives (including $ 4,8 million in incentives) and $4,2 million for research and evaluation. As of March 30, 1993, Ontario Hydro had committed $4,2 million for incentives, while the community had committed $2,1 million (a remarkable sum for a small community of approximately 5.500 citizens).