Conservation Working Group LDC – Low Income Program Experiences July 2, 2009 Brian Smith Manager of Conservation & Demand Management

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.

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.

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.

Horizon 3 rd Tranche Activities 2005 Workshops partnering with Green Venture for low income families living in Social Housing Multi Residential buildings – 2006 Partnered with the City of Hamilton Housing to provide in suite measures such as CFL’s, toilet dams, and showerhead flow restrictors – 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 Partnered with Union Gas and Green Venture to do a low income Energy Audit Program Pilot.

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.

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.

Seniors Residence Direct Install Results

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.

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

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)

Results 46 Energy Audits Booked Nov 21 st – Dec 6 th 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

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.

Reported Results of Horizon 3 rd Tranche Plan

3 rd 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 Time of use related smart technologies were not as cost effective under 3 rd tranche as evaluation was based on the current rate structure.

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, included program design and start-up costs and resulted in a net TRC value of (37,368.08).