Who We Are

APPRISE is a nonprofit research institute dedicated to collecting and analyzing data and information to assess and improve public programs. Our current research includes work for federal and state government agencies, utility companies, and nonprofit organizations.

We conduct a wide variety of research activities to provide program administrators and stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of program design, operations, and impact. This research leads to informed recommendations for program improvement.

Our staff of economists, survey statisticians, and public policy researchers specialize in data analytics, impact analysis, process assessment, survey research, performance measurement, and technical assistance.

What We Do

APPRISE research focuses on programs that provide bill payment assistance, energy education, energy efficiency services, and renewables to low-income households; and programs that provide incentives for undertaking energy efficiency projects to residential, commercial, and industrial utility customers.  These programs have several goals.

  • Improve energy affordability and reduce problems associated with high energy bills.
  • Increase knowledge of energy-saving behaviors, improve energy practices, reduce energy usage, and improve customer health and safety.
  • Reduce energy usage and transform the market for energy efficient products.

Our Services

We have extensive experience with the following research activities.

Loading...

Upcoming Conferences

  • 2024 National Home Performance Conference
    Minneapolis, MN, April 8April 11, 2024

  • 2024 American Association for Public Opinion Research Annual Conference (AAPOR)
    Atlanta, GA, May 15 – May 18, 2024

  • 2024 National Energy & Utility Affordability Conference (NEUAC)
    Chicago, IL, May 22 – May 24, 2024

  • 2024 American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings
    Pacific Grove, CA, August 4August 9, 2024

APPRISE NEWS

APPRISE welcomes new staff September 2023

Featured Projects

California Percentage of Income Payment Plan Pilot Evaluation

The California Investor-Owned Utilities have introduced a Percentage of Income Payment Plan Pilot aimed to reduce the number of low-income households at risk of disconnection. The Pilot will limit energy bills to approximately four percent of a household’s income. APPRISE is conducting a comprehensive evaluation to assess the impact of the Pilot on payment behavior, disconnections, energy usage, and access to essential services.

LIHEAP Research

We provide program support to the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is a federally funded program to help eligible low-income households meet their home heating and cooling needs. One of many tasks is supporting measurement of program outcomes and impacts.

NJ Comfort Partners Program Evaluation

The NJ Comfort Partners Program provides no-cost energy efficiency services to low-income utility customers throughout the state. The 2020 evaluation reviewed program changes that were made since the 2017 evaluation, estimated energy savings with a billing analysis, reviewed and recommended changes to the Energy Saving Protocols, and conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis.

PEPCO Arrearage Management Pilot Program Evaluation

APPRISE conducted an evaluation of Pepco’s Arrearage Management Pilot Program. This program provides arrearage forgiveness to low-income residential customers with arrearages of $300 or more. The evaluation research assessed program implementation, the characteristics of customers who enrolled in the program, and the impact of the program on arrearages, bill payment, and collections actions and collections costs.

CA NBE Study

APPRISE conducted a study on the non-energy benefits (NEBs) of the Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program.  The ESA Program provides no-cost weatherization and energy efficiency measures to achieve energy savings and improved health, comfort and safety for low-income households served by the IOUs in CA.  This study reviewed the NEBs proposed in a previous study and developed a streamlined model for estimating the value of the NEBs.

NYSERDA Multifamily Low Carbon Pathways Survey

NYSERDA’s Low Carbon Pathways Program provides incentives for multifamily buildings to install electric heat pumps, balanced ventilation measures, building envelope improvements, and energy efficient domestic hot water systems. APPRISE is designing and conducting a quantitative survey that will provide NYSERDA and participating buildings with information about resident perceptions and satisfaction, non-energy impacts resulting from building upgrades, and variations in resident experience.

Our Team

Want to Learn More?

Check out our resource library for more information!