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Grassroots Outreach & Energy Efficiency for Low-Income Individuals

Learn how grassroots outreach can improve energy efficiency for low-income people. Understand best practices, set clear objectives, identify target populations, and leverage partnerships for success.

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Grassroots Outreach & Energy Efficiency for Low-Income Individuals

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  1. Energy Efficiency for Low-Income PeopleThe Importance of Grassroots Outreach – Basic PrinciplesElizabeth Chant New England Grassroots Environment Fund Webinar

  2. Introduction to VEIC Mission-driven nonprofit 30 years of reducing economic and environmental costs of energy use Energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation Consulting and implementation 3 utility-scale implementation programs New England Grassroots Environment Fund | 11-5-15 | Slide 2

  3. Introduction to Elizabeth Chant • Principal Consultant, VEIC, focused on needs of low-income people and multifamily buildings • 10 years at VEIC, focused on utility and public benefit programs • Efficiency Vermont • DC Sustainable Energy Utility • 10 years with low-income Weatherization Assistance Program • Boards of Directors of National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition, National Housing Trust, Home Performance Coalition New England Grassroots Environment Fund | 11-5-15 | Slide 3

  4. Data-centered Best Practices for Reaching Low-Income People for Energy Efficiency Programming Leverage existing resources Strong partners Responsive to local conditions New England Grassroots Environment Fund | 11-5-15 | Slide 4

  5. Start with Goals…Always! • What are your objectives? • Whom are you trying to reach? • Outreach plan should be designed as integral part of program plan, not as a later add-on New England Grassroots Environment Fund | 11-5-15 | Slide 5

  6. What Are Your Objectives? Program goals are clear and minimize inconsistencies or potential conflicts that add costs, hinder effectiveness, and encourage unnecessary debate New England Grassroots Environment Fund | 11-5-15 | Slide 6

  7. Whom Are You Trying to Reach? • Target populations are well defined and consistent with program goals • Eligibility requirements are consistent with the target populations • Application processes, including income criteria, are simple and consistent with other low-income programs • Program accessibility is maximized – participation barriers are identified and minimized New England Grassroots Environment Fund | 11-5-15 | Slide 7

  8. Whom Are You Trying to Reach? Barriers to enrollment are minimized, including the application process, and comprehensiveness and quality of service delivery Active outreach strategies are used to recruit participants New England Grassroots Environment Fund | 11-5-15 | Slide 8

  9. What is the Offer? What is the Need? • Map your offering to what your client / customer wants or needs • Base your outreach on customer wants and needs • Focus on primary needs, with secondary wants as….secondary! New England Grassroots Environment Fund | 11-5-15 | Slide 9

  10. With Whom Can I Partner? • Why partner? • Who is trusted? • Who already has relationship? • What are the leverage points? • What do I bring? • What does my partner bring? • How can we both increase our impacts? • Do I need to redesign my offering? New England Grassroots Environment Fund | 11-5-15 | Slide 10

  11. What Data Do I Have? What Do I Need? • How will you know outreach has been successful? Or not? • Be methodical and analytic • Lead initiation • Lead development • How many touches to acquisition? • What is the final trigger? • Customer acquisition • Start with basics, and grow from there New England Grassroots Environment Fund | 11-5-15 | Slide 11

  12. How Can I Maximize Referrals? • Create the channels. • Make it easy! • Your clients / customers are a “best source” for new clients / customers • If you like our work, tell your friends. • If you like our work, give us the names of friends, family, neighbors. • Paid referrals – cost, benefit • Follow up – immediately and over time New England Grassroots Environment Fund | 11-5-15 | Slide 12

  13. Quick Summary Partner, partner, partner “Add on” to existing programs Collaborate in design and delivery Use trusted networks and channels Meet people with what they want / need Be opportunistic New England Grassroots Environment Fund | 11-5-15 | Slide 13

  14. Contact Elizabeth Chantechant@veic.org802-540-7659 Thank you!

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