Nebraska Energy Assistance Network

1. Nebraska Energy Assistance Network Get a Head Start on Energy Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

2. Nebraska Energy Assistance Network (NEAN) Members UTILITIES REGULATORY COMMUNITYACTION PASSION NON-PROFITS GOVERNMENT EDUCATION Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

3. Nebraska Energy Assistance Network (NEAN) • Educate people to use energy efficiently • Assist in meeting basic energy needs • Link with financial assistance and energy efficiency resources • Serve as a voice to identify and address energy needs Values and Vision Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

4. Low-income households spend a higher percentage of income for energy costs Energy Trends Source: www.americaspower.org Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

5. Knowledge Behavior Change Energy Efficiency • Promote low-cost & under-utilized energy- efficiency measures & technologies • Help low-income families • use energy wisely & better • manage utility costs Goals of Get a Head Start on Energy Curriculum Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

6. Resources Nebraska Energy Education Symposium Resource CD & video for all modules • Spanish and English versions • Videos available free on http://nebraskaenergyassistance.com/ • DVD with Teaching Guide notebook Teaching guide on Facilitator’s CD • Objectives & expected impacts • Activity sheets to provide to learners • Handouts to add or clarify information • Pre- and post-evaluations • Module evaluations • Available free as NEAN member or purchase

7. The Energy Kit (Optional) Program used with or without the kit • Two compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) • LED night light with photocell • Rope caulk • Hot water and refrigerator/freezer temperature gauge cards • Switch/outlet foam gaskets • Low-flow showerhead • U.S. Dept. of Energy — Energy SaversGuide • Kit items description & item use instructions • Cost: Varies with content & quantity $20 - $25 Resources Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

8. 7 Modules • Budgeting for Energy Costs • Energy Efficiency ( + kit) • Keeping Your Home Safe • Finding an Energy-Efficient Home • Resources • Kids Can Save Energy Too! • Communication for Problem Solving • Summary and post-survey Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

9. Audiences Nebraska Energy Education Symposium • Low fixed income, low income • e.g. NE Head Start & Early Head Start • Seniors • Clients seeking agency assistance • Neighborhood groups • First-time homebuyers • Financial Stability Partnership program • Schools – family living courses, etc. • Others

10. Facilitation Community Uses Nebraska Energy Education Symposium • Use in 1-on-1 sessions with families, others • Use as a stand-alone program in larger groups • Use all or portions of materials

11. Evaluation Instruments Educational Program Changed Knowledge and Behavior Nebraska Energy Education Symposium • Pre- and Post-survey results indicate • Changes in actions & practices • Installed kit items • Module evaluations • Facilitator evaluations

12. Outcomes & Impacts Across Nebraska • 640 low income families improved energy efficiency of their residential structures, improved management of residence for energy efficiency, & made more energy-efficient purchases. • 18% fewer low-income families avoided having utilities disconnected, as a result, in part, of adopting energy efficient practices. Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

13. Outcomes & Impacts Across Nebraska Nebraska Energy Education Symposium • 19% fewer low-income families skipped payments or partially paid energy bills, as a result, in part, of adopting energy efficient practices.

14. Evaluation Results Pre- & Post- Evaluation Results Nebraska Energy Education Symposium • Participants did adopt energy saving measures such as: • Caulking and weatherstripping • Purchasing compact fluorescent light bulbs • Other behavior or action changes

15. Household Income of ParticipantsMatched pre & post n = 377 missing = 14 Percentage by Income Category 17.0% About 50% have less than $20,000 income Lower income Participants 14.3% 14.1% 10.6% 8.8% 8.8% 7.2% 6.9% 6.9% 5.6% Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

16. Comparisons of pre- & post-surveys Impact After Program Nebraska Energy Education Symposium Comparison of participant responses after program to responses before program Examples: • Installed programming thermostat – More likely to have done after program than before program *.005 • Closed shades or curtains in winter – More likely after program *.012 • Weatherstripped or caulked – More likely after program *038 • Purchased compact fluorescent bulbs – More likely after program than before *.004 Significant differences* t-tests – significant at < .05 t-tests – significant at < .05

17. Findings - Since completing program Chi square tests controlling for age, income, cost of electricity, gas and other fuels with dollars spent for utilities • Respondents who spent less than $2000 for utilities were • More likely to say yes - they adjusted water levels in washing machines & dishwashers to conserve energy * .049 • Those who spent $2000 or more were • Less likely to say yes, they adjust water levels to conserve • *significant <.05 Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

18. Findings Nebraska Energy Education Symposium Since completing the program. . . • Owners are more likely to have purchased higher efficiency appliances to save energy cost • Not significant at <.05 level (.078) • Respondents who pay $1000 or less for utility costs are more likely to say yes, they turned down the temperature on the water heater to save energy costs • Not significant at <.05 level (.078)

19. NEAN Energy Education committee members • Rick Cheloha, Loup Power District • 402.564.7131 ext. #221; rchelo@loup.com • Cory Fuehrer, Nebraska Public Power District • 402.362.7390; crfuer@nppd.com • Roger Hunt, Nebraska Public Power District • 402.866.5191; rlhunt@nppd.com • Judi Martin, Omaha Public Power District • 402.636.3654; jamartin@oppd.com Key Contacts Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

20. www.nebraskaenergyassistance.com Website Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

21. Nebraska Energy Education Symposium

22. Common Approaches to Encouraging Conservation Behavior Nebraska Energy Education Symposium Reward– consistent vs. inconsistent Significant other – valued, respected Recognition Feedback on how doing Penalties, policies, regulations Attitudes & values consistent with behavior Reduce constraints – economic, physical, availability,

23. Questions? Get a Head Start on Energy Nebraska Energy Education Symposium