Data Tracking Research
Needs Assessment Research: Assessment of the requirements for the data tracking system, including system users and information needs. Three key areas that are addressed are program management and operations, program reporting, and program evaluation.
Documentation of Existing Tracking Systems: Research on the content and quality of the existing data systems.
Assessment of Existing Tracking Systems: Analysis of the consistency, sufficiency, accessibility, accuracy, and efficiency of the existing data systems.
Recommendations for New or Enhanced Tracking System: Recommendations for data to be included in the system, reports to be generated by the system, and accessibility of the system.
Data Tracking Activities
Program Manager Interviews: In-depth interviews with program managers to determine information needs and current data system structure and content.
Operations Staff Interviews: In-depth interviews with operations staff to determine current data sources and data needs.
Database Review: Review of current program databases through the use of manuals, on-site observation, and data systems.
Data Tracking Outputs
- Documentation of data system
- Documentation of available information and data
- Analysis of data tracking needs
- Recommendations for data tracking modifications
APPRISE Data Tracking Projects
Below we provide a few examples of some of our recent projects that included data tracking. Click the tabs below to learn more about these projects, or see here for a full list of projects that included data tracking.
APPRISE is working with The Division of Energy Assistance in the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services, to develop a web-based data tool. The web-based data tool will standardize the experience of LIHEAP grantees in entering performance data; improve the data quality by implementing a set of item-to-item, form-to-form, and year-to-year data checks; enhance the user help interface by providing online screens and real time help desk support; and allow LIHEAP grantees to utilize standard and custom reporting tools. The ultimate goal of the project is to develop a system that facilitates the collection of high-quality performance measurement data for the LIHEAP program.
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) created the Universal Service Fund (USF) to help low- and fixed-income residents pay for electric and natural gas service. The BPU staff is responsible for developing policies and procedures for implementation of the USF program. As part of those responsibilities, the staff developed a Data Tracking System that can furnish the information that the BPU needs to manage and evaluate the effectiveness of the USF program. APPRISE developed a draft set of specifications and an implementation plan for the USF Data Tracking System. The specifications identify the information needed for three purposes: operations, regulatory oversight, and evaluation. The implementation plan identifies the process by which detailed specifications will be developed and the schedule for implementing different components of the Data Tracking System.
First State CAA implemented a heating replacement and energy conservation program for the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services from 2015 to 2020. The Repair Replace Heaters and Conserving Energy (RRHACE) program was designed to assess the needs of low-income households and to deliver a customized set of services, including heating equipment assessment and services, Healthy Homes assessment and services, and energy education. Beginning in 2016, APPRISE completed multiple Process Evaluations to assess program procedures and identify challenges and opportunities as the program developed. APPRISE also conducted an impact evaluation to assess how client energy usage changed after participating in the program. In addition to evaluation activities, APPRISE created a Data Tracking System to allow First State staff to document program activities for performance measurement.
The New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (NJ SHARES) is a nonprofit corporation organized to provide assistance to individuals and families living in New Jersey who are in need of temporary help paying their energy bills. APPRISE conducted an annual impact evaluation of the New Jersey SHARES program from 2006 through 2019. The evaluations included analysis of administrative and utility data to assess the program’s impact on maintenance of electric and gas service and on energy bill payment. Some of the evaluations also included surveys and in-depth participant interviews to assess whether the crises had been resolved, what additional assistance was needed, and the interest and potential for energy efficiency program participation.
Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky Utilities Company offer a Home Energy Assistance (HEA) Program to assist the poorest households in their service territories least able to afford to pay their energy bills. Funded by ratepayers and shareholders, the programs (structured differently by company) provide fixed monthly credits to LIHEAP participants. APPRISE conducted a comprehensive HEA assessment to analyze the program management, availability, and customer participation; assess impacts on payments, arrearages, collections actions, and weatherization participation; and make recommendations for program improvement.