The multifamily sector is an undeniably tricky one when it comes to creating energy savings. Navigating customer engagement, new technology, communication with renters and decision makers can be challenging, but utility programs can help. With the right partner, realizing energy savings in tenant spaces can be easier than in seems.
When a utility encounters a $1.2 billion substation upgrade, what are its options? A cost that steep isn’t a light undertaking. The alternative is to explore non-wire alternatives, but what if the existing market is saturated? What if program enrollment isn’t high and it’s hard to come up with a new program type that isn’t already being offered in the service territory?
Well, then it’s time to get creative.
Imagine this: You’re a large utility in the South with over 2.6 million customers. You focus deeply on engaging these customers, providing them with exceptional service and keeping rates below the national average. In fact, you’ve done so well that you’ve ranked #1 in customer satisfaction by JD Power for the last three years in a row.
But now, you’ve hit a roadblock. You want to maintain your shining reputation for meeting customers’ needs and providing top-notch service, but you also need to generate new revenue and further increase the regard customers hold for your utility. Where do you turn?
Energy efficiency programs deliver a host of benefits for utilities and their customers alike. Energy efficiency helps utilities manage high demand, which makes it easier to provide reliable service to customers. Energy efficiency and demand response programs also have the potential to free up in-demand energy resources in much less time and more cost effectively than other opportunities.
When it comes to energy efficiency, most customers want to get involved. They’re actively looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, engage in sustainability and become more educated in regard to their energy usage. Both residential and commercial customers believe that improving energy efficiency in their home or business is the fastest, most affordable and largest single solution for simultaneously saving both energy and money.
So, if customers are so keen to get involved, why are utilities still finding many of their programs aren’t meeting goals—savings or participation?
