DMIS report shows customer uptake of efficiency measures is six times higher when utilities partner with select contractors

SEATTLE, June 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Demand Management Installation Services (DMIS), a company that advises utilities on how to increase residential uptake of energy efficiency measures, released a white paper today that outlines the value of selected partnerships in promoting such efforts. The paper shows that utilities that use past performance as a criterion when partnering with contractors to promote efficient products are more successful at reaching program objectives.

The paper illustrates the importance of engaging with customers at the point of purchase. Customers that do not have access to informed guidance at the point of purchase are less like to invest in efficient products.

DMIS CEO Jason Hanleybrown said, "By using objective criteria to select contractors to partner with, utilities should expect to see their energy efficiency incentive programs reach their targets in a timely manner."

In the case study explored in the paper, a utility that actively partnered with a contractor to execute a rebate promotion program saw a 63% measure penetration rate, contrasted to an 8% penetration rate in a program that used a traditional "market neutrality" approach to promotion.

Utilities that impose performance metrics when selecting contractors to partner with typically see much higher penetration rates. Contractors that are engaged selectively by utilities are also usually incentivized to hit uptake targets, and are motivated to promote efficient products.

Utilities are most likely to see successful energy efficiency promotion programs when they:

• Engage in co-branding with pre-selected contractors.
• Offer instant rebates.
• Share customer information with partnering contractor.
• Partner with contractors that self-identify as "green" or "energy efficient."

To read the full report, go to http://www.fastwaterheater.com/water-heaters/articles/approaches-utility-contractor-partnership/.

About DMIS 
Demand Management Installation Services is a division of Fast Water Heater Company that works with utilities and other groups to deliver large scale, cost-effective therm and kWh hour savings.  DMIS conducts 25,000 unique customer visits each year. DMIS programs have a track record of high customer adoption rates that yield significant energy and water savings.

SOURCE Demand Management Installation Services