APPRISE Non-Energy Impact Analysis

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.

APPRISE conducted research for the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board to explore existing NEI values nationally, regionally, and for CT; gaps in existing CT NEI data; and survey research and data analysis that can address NEI measurement.  The study explored and assessed the current state of the art for measuring NEIs both nationally and regionally, where and how NEIs are used in calculating the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency programs, how the inclusion of NEIs has impacted energy efficiency programs across the U.S., the best available estimates of the NEIs for CT programs and measures, and how NEIs could be measured and incorporated in future CT evaluations.

APPRISE conducted an evaluation of the Illinois Solar for All Program which brings photovoltaic power to low-income and environmental justice communities throughout Illinois and creates a long-term, low-income solar marketplace.

The ILSFA Program has four key components.

  • Low-Income Distributed Generation: Single- and multi-family residential properties occupied by low-income households can receive incentives for new solar generation systems.
  • Low-Income Community Solar: Low-income owners and renters can buy or lease a share of the solar system and receive credits on their utility bills for the energy produced by their share of the system.
  • Incentives for Non-Profits and Public Facilities: Non-profit organizations and public entities within environmental justice communities or low-income communities can receive incentives for new solar generation systems.
  • Low-Income Community Solar Pilot Projects: Projects with community partnerships and ownership will be awarded based on a competitive procurement approach.

The evaluation included analysis of community outreach, system cost and production, environmental and economic benefits, impacts on participants’ energy costs and burden, job training, and system reliability.

This project is a partnership between the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH). The Pilot seeks to deliver residential healthy homes interventions to 500 households in targeted regions of New York State over a two-year period. The intervention is comprised of energy efficiency/weatherization measures, environmental trigger reduction measures, and home injury prevention measures. The intervention includes in-home visits from energy efficiency professionals and a Registered Nurse, and the assignment of a Community Health Worker to support each household. APPRISE is advising NYSERDA on the evaluation of this initiative and implementing pre/post participant and comparison group surveys to assess the impact of the program on occupant health, comfort, and safety

New Jersey Natural Gas operates energy efficiency programs that are complementary to the New Jersey Clean Energy Programs (NJCEP) as the SAVEGREEN project. The residential program provides grants or on-bill repayment plans to assist with the purchase and installation of furnaces/boilers and water heaters. The commercial program provides NJCEP Direct Install participants with a no-interest on-bill repayment plan for the value of the project not covered by the NJCEP incentive. APPRISE conducted an evaluation of the SAVEGREEN project to assess program management, analyze the incremental impact on energy efficiency activity, determine the extent to which the program influences residential customer implementation of whole house improvements, measure the program’s energy savings, and measure the non-energy impacts of the programs.

New Jersey Natural Gas’ (NJNG) SAVEGREEN Project offers rebates and financing incentives to fund energy efficiency projects for residential and commercial customers. APPRISE is on a contractor team to evaluate NJNG’s operations and ensure that the programs are meeting the energy savings reduction targets outlined in New Jersey’s 2018 Clean Energy Act. APPRISE is responsible for the Home Performance with Energy Star and Moderate Income Weatherization Process and Impact Evaluations. The research will include NJNG and trade ally interviews, participant surveys, and analysis of the natural gas and electric usage reduction that is attributed to these programs.

Ohio’s Department of Development, Office of Community Services, was awarded a REACh grant to research how to provide additional resources to low-income weatherization services in a way that addresses the more comprehensive needs of low-income households. These funds were used to assess the in-home environmental health risks for vulnerable individuals, prioritize usage reduction measures to meet the energy and health needs of vulnerable individuals, and provide additional measures that enhance the health and safety of the home. The program also established a partnership with vulnerable households to take actions to mitigate the environmental health risks in the home and refer clients to other services that can improve the health of the home and the clients who live there. APPRISE conducted a process and impact evaluation of this project.

Energy efficiency programs have significant impacts in addition to the energy savings they achieve, including economic, environmental, and participant impacts. The Non-Energy Impact (NEI) literature extends back for a few decades, but there are many challenges with the research. While there are hundreds of reports that cover NEIs from energy efficiency programs, many are dated and most do not calculate benefits that are specific to the program and jurisdiction studied. This study aimed to overcome several of these issues by conducting a survey with participants in the program studied; performing rigorous sample design, implementation, weighting, and analysis; obtaining high survey response rates; and providing transparency regarding methods, potential issues, and limitations. The study focused on five specific participant NEIs achieved through one market rate and one low-income energy efficiency program. The winter comfort, summer comfort, health, safety, and noise impacts were measured through three different survey-based approaches, results across approaches were compared, and recommendations were made with respect to the preferred methodology and additional research that is needed.

South Jersey Gas has been operating energy efficiency programs in coordination with the New Jersey Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) since 2009. The programs provide additional rebates and financing to customers who participate in the NJCEP residential and commercial and industrial programs. APPRISE conducted an evaluation of these programs to assess program design, implementation, and impacts. The research included interviews with program administrators, contractors, and participants; surveys with participants of three different programs; analysis of the impacts of the programs on natural gas usage; and assessment of the non-energy impacts of the programs.