Conservation Working Group LDC – Low Income Program Experiences

1. Conservation Working GroupLDC – Low Income Program Experiences July 2, 2009 Brian Smith Manager of Conservation & Demand Management

2. Background • Dec 10, 2004 the OEB approved Conservation and Demand Management plans submitted by 6 LDC’s known as the Coalition of Large Distributors included Horizon. • The funding for these CDM plans was provided through LDC distribution rates known as the third tranche MARR.

3. Plans – Social & Low Income Housing Description • A province wide centralized energy management service for the social housing sector may be developed in collaboration with the Provincial Government, utilities (e.g. Enbridge, Union Gas) and others. • A pilot program will be conducted to determine feasibility with an expectation that a full-scale provincial program would follow.

4. Target Users & Benefits Target users • Local social housing corporations, non-profit homes, co-op housing and low income housing. Benefits • Synergies will be created though the combined initiatives of the various agencies.

5. Horizon 3rd Tranche Activities • 2005 Workshops partnering with Green Venture for low income families living in Social Housing Multi Residential buildings. • 2005 – 2006 Partnered with the City of Hamilton Housing to provide in suite measures such as CFL’s, toilet dams, and showerhead flow restrictors. • 2006 – Partnered with Regional Niagara Housing to retrofit lighting, install replacement fridges, temperature limiting thermostats in a Seniors Residence. A measures workshop was conducted prior to installations. • 2006 Partnered with Union Gas and Green Venture to do a low income Energy Audit Program Pilot.

6. Workshops Lessons Learned • Having refreshments and measure giveaways created a fun atmosphere and was appreciated by the residents. • Having exhibits of in suite measures and our lighting display for residence to ask questions about was a good opener. • Using a pledge form for electricity and water savings initiatives helped to influence some behavior based issues the housing provider was having with residents. • Meeting the 1rst language of the residents is a challenge. Having their children at the workshop was an influence to the residents with language barriers.

7. In-Suite Direct Install Lessons • Horizon incented Hamilton Community Housing direct installation of 36,340 CFL’s, 625 water dams, and 450 showerhead flow restrictors. • Toilet replacement was a better solution for many residents instead of toilet dams. • Using summer students to install CFL measures was effective. • Resident education is important prior to installs. • Funding available for measures was not adequate to cover all Hamilton Housing units.

8. Seniors Residence Direct Install Results

9. Seniors Residence Lessons Learned • Workshop held in advance of installations assisted in gaining acceptance of measures and advance notice to residents. • Combining Fridge replacements with Provincial recycling should be considered. • Given the limited funding available the incentive approach did move the project forward.

10. Low Income Pilot – Union Gas • Energy Audit Low income pilot • Electrical Appliance Audit component added with recommendations • Exploring opportunity for extended measures. • Basic measures delivered per participant

11. Eligibility of Pilot Participant • If you live in Hamilton and are a recipient • of Ontario Works or Ontario • Disability Assistance. • OR • Live in Beasley, Landsdale, Gibson, • Corktown, or Stinson Neighbourhoods • (South of CN Rail tracks, between • James and Wentworth and between • Main and the CN Rail tracks, • from Wentworth to Sherman)

12. Results • 46 Energy Audits Booked Nov 21st – Dec 6th • Basic Measures CFL’s installed, pipe insulation, water tank wraps, facet aerators, showerheads, programmable thermostats. • 24 Participants – Extended measures recommended • 23 – Weatherization related recommendations • 1 – Electric recommendation for Fridge replacement

13. Lessons Learned • Needed an electric audit component to NRGuide for Homes Energy Audit. • Demonstrated good cooperation between Union Gas and Horizon Utilities. • Weatherization is an extended measure for 50% of homes based on NRCAN energy audit criteria. • A 2 year funding gap has resulted in missed opportunity to delivery of more electric measures along with Union Gas program. • End of third tranche budget was $30k limiting our participation to a small pilot only at the end of 2006.

14. Reported Results of Horizon 3rd Tranche Plan

15. 3rd Tranche Results Commentary • To address the entire CDM requirements for Low Income sector much more funding and coordination is required. • Working with Gas Utilities offered up a framework for reaching out to common customers and reduction of duplication of effort. • Delay in providing funding stopped momentum of program delivery from 2007. • Time of use related smart technologies were not as cost effective under 3rd tranche as evaluation was based on the current rate structure.

16. Brantford Power Inc. - Experience • In collaboration with Share the Warmth, Brantford Power developed and implemented a pilot program specifically targeted to low income households in Brantford including homeowners and tenant-occupied premises where occupants directly pay their electricity bills. • Participants with incomes, which are at or below Statistics Canada’s pre-tax, post-transfer Low-income Cut-off (LICO) qualified for the program. The program comprised initial in-home energy assessments with energy conservation education, installation of appropriate basic energy conservation measures such as compact fluorescent bulbs, clothes line kits, pipe insulation and hot water heater tank wraps. • As a pilot program, the expenditures of $120,523.71 included program design and start-up costs and resulted in a net TRC value of (37,368.08).