Low Income Energy Network ConferenceQuaker Friends HouseApril 7, 2005

Presented by: Erika Lontoc, Program Manager

Low Income Energy Network ConferenceQuaker Friends HouseApril 7, 2005

Presented by: Erika Lontoc, Program Manager

Mass Markets – Low Income Program

Overview

• Enbridge and Low Income Program background

• Program Description• Future Program Plans

Enbridge Gas Distribution

• Largest and longest standing gas utility in Canada

• 1.7 million customers• ~1.5 million residential• Service franchise: Toronto, Ottawa,

Durham, Peel, Dufferin, York, Peterborough, Niagara Peninsula, Barrie

• Energy efficiency programs in place since 1995

Background

• 2005 Rates Application– Low Income Program– Social Housing Program

• DSM for Low Income Residential Customers– Research report prepared by Elanchus

Research Associates

• Program partnership with Toronto Hydro

Program Scope

• Low income, vulnerable or fixed income Mass Markets Rate 1 residential customers

• Homeowner or tenant paying own utility bills

• “Freehold” type of dwelling – detached, semi, row townhomes

• Not social housing provided

Program Elements

• Customer education and public outreach• Stakeholders’ participation, partnerships

– LIEN, Toronto Hydro, City of Toronto, Ministry of Energy, Natural Resources Canada, CMHC

• Customer incentives• Feedback

Implementation Strategy

Phased approach– Education and outreach

• March-May 2005 – Direct install program

• Enhanced “TAPS” program• June-August 2005

– Reinforcement of learnings, customer follow up• September-November 2005

– Program Review for 2006 • Process review• Performance tracking• Program expansion?

Education and Public Outreach

• Partnership with Toronto Hydro and Eneract “Smartliving”

• Councillor involvement• 10 workshops scheduled, completed 6

todate• Total participants > 200• Positive feedback from participants and

councillors

Enhanced TAPS Program

– Direct Installation Program– No cost to customer to participate

– Programmable Thermostats, Aerators, Pipewrap, Showerheads, CFLS

– Customer education follow up

Identification of program delivery

area(s)/recipients will be key.

Learning Reinforcement

• Practice, control, feedback• Foot brigade survey – Eneract• Annual customer survey

Program Enhancements

• Extend to other regions• Home energy assessment/audit• Homeowner Plus Program• Financing mechanisms• Other electric utility partnerships• Expanded delivery agents, mechanisms• Complimentary program to Winter

Warmth, Golden Age Program

Questions