Survey Research
Sample Frame Research: Research on potential sample frames.
Sample Frame Development: Compilation of data to construct the sample frame.
Sample Selection: Use of sophisticated statistical sample selection methods for selecting unbiased and efficient samples in single or multi-stage sampling.
Survey Design: Design of survey instruments and procedures for survey implementation.
Survey Testing: Cognitive testing of survey wording and design to ensure that results are meaningful.
Survey Implementation: Implementation and management of in-person, telephone, and mail surveys.
Survey Data Analysis: Analysis and interpretation of survey data.
Survey Research Outputs
- Survey design plan
- Survey respondent targets
- Survey data
- Survey analysis and results
APPRISE Survey Research
Below we provide a few examples of some of our recent projects that included survey research. Click the tabs below to learn more about these projects, or see here for a full list of projects that included survey research.
APPRISE supported the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board in research on barriers to commercial and industrial customer participation in energy efficiency programs. The research included a survey with Connecticut businesses that focused on reasons for incomplete program participation, use of financing for energy efficiency investments, and support that utilities can provide to encourage increased program participation. Information from the survey is intended to be used to refine program marketing and potentially provide additional options to reduce barriers to participation.
Ameren Missouri introduced a Community Solar Program for Ameren Missouri electric customers. The program allows participants to subscribe to blocks of power up to one half of their average monthly usage. Customers who subscribe to Community Solar pay a higher price and an additional fee to cover the project’s construction cost. Ameren is interested in creating a new community solar program for low-income households. APPRISE conducted research for Ameren to understand low-income customer interest and demand for a low-income Community Solar program as well as Community Solar participant acceptance of an additional cost to support the program.
APPRISE conducted surveys of LIHEAP recipients in 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2018. The most recent survey of 2018 LIHEAP recipients updated information about LIHEAP-recipient households that was collected in the previous surveys. These surveys documented changes in the affordability of energy bills, the need for LIHEAP, and the choices that low-income households make when faced with unaffordable energy bills. The 2018 Survey interviewed recipients in eight states. Stratified samples of fiscal year 2018 LIHEAP recipients were selected from each of the eight state LIHEAP databases. The study characterized the LIHEAP population for 2018 and documented the challenges that these households face in addition to their energy bills.
APPRISE and MaGrann conducted a study of residential thermostat settings and temperature preferences based upon a survey of 239 households in the Northeast about thermostat settings, setbacks, and type of thermostat in the home. The study documented thermostat setpoints and setbacks; the penetration of programmable thermostats and smart thermostats; and use of smart thermostat features.
Based on the research, the study recommended that the greatest setback opportunities for non-elderly households were nighttime in the winter and daytime in the summer. Different protocols are needed for elderly households.
- For households without an elderly member, consider a default winter setting of 69 during the day with a setback of three degrees to 66 at night; and 72 degrees at night in the summer with a setup of 2 degrees to 74 during the day.
- For households with an elderly member, consider a default winter setting of 70 degrees in the winter and 74 degrees in the summer, but without any predetermined setbacks.
We recommend always providing the opportunity for a resident interview in combination with the installation of a new thermostat so that default settings can be modified accordingly. Similarly, providing the opportunity for “live” training empowers residents to modify default settings with an understanding of the energy and comfort implications.
Smart thermostats represent a good opportunity for energy savings based on a number of factors evident from this survey.
- Low existing penetration rate.
- Many households still do not practice thermostat setbacks.
- Of the households practicing setbacks, most are doing so manually.
NYSERDA’s EmPower Program provides cost-effective electric reduction measures to low-income households. These measures include lighting and refrigerator replacements, insulation, air sealing, heating system repair and replacement, and health and safety measures. The program provides in-home energy use education to customers to assist them with strategies for managing their energy costs. Participants are also invited to energy-use management and financial management workshops held in communities across the state. APPRISE conducted surveys with EmPower Program participants to assess pre- and post-program energy use and potential opportunities to refine the program. APPRISE conducted surveys with nonparticipants to assess barriers to program participation.