DEED Grant 2ndQuarterly Report – Period Ending June 2006

Demonstration of Energy-Efficient Developments (DEED) Program

AMERICAN PUBLIC POWER ASSOCIATION

PROJECT TITLE: SURVEY TO DETERMINE MOST EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS THAT CAN ASSIST LOW INCOME CUSTOMERS WITH ENERGY USE REDUCTION

UTILITY NAME AND ADDRESS:

Name and address of sponsoring utility (include other participants under “Additional Notes”)

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU)

P.O. Box 147117

Gainesville, FL32614-7117

Phone: 352.393.1483Fax: 352.393.3480

KEY PERSONNEL & PHONE NUMBERS:

List personnel from sponsoring utility as well as contractors who worked on the project. Describe the responsibilities each person had during the project. Be sure to notify us of any changes in project management personnel.

Bill Shepherd, Interim Manager, Energy and Business Services, GRU

Phone: 352.393.1483E-mail:

Oversees and coordinates project.

Tara Thomas, Conservation Analyst III, GRU

Phone: 352.393.1476E-mail:

Coordinates field surveys and field personnel.

Pierce Jones, Professor and Director, PREC

Phone: 352.392.8074Email:

Oversees and coordinates relationship between PREC and GRU.

DESCRIPTION:

Thoroughly describe the scope of the project and any requests for changes to the project scope from that which was originally proposed. Please provide information on any events precipitating the need for a change in the project scope.

Project administrators from GRU and PREC developed a survey instrument (and are refining a methodology to analyze survey data) to identify and overcome the barriers to delivering energy efficiency services in the most cost effective manner to low income residential customers. Two particular attributes of the population of GRU customers motivated the study, both of which were revealed when we combined our Geographic Information System (GIS) data with customers’ energy usage data into one map:First, many low income customers consume significantly more energy per square foot of air-conditioned living space (i.e., their ‘energy intensity’ is higher) than high income customers. Second, although average energy intensity among low income households is relatively high, a fair portion of these households perform relatively well with respect to energy efficiency (i.e., their energy intensity is relatively low). Aware of these characteristics of our customer population, we designedthe survey instrumentto answer the question: What factors (structural features, demographics, behavioral patterns, etc.) cause and/or allow some low-income households to demand significantly less energy per square foot than others?

We shall identify the major factors that distinguish low energy intensity, low income (‘LL’) households from high energy intensity,low income (‘HL’) households[1] by comparing survey responses across these two groups of customers. To isolate factors that are statistically significant at 95% confidence levels, our sampling target is to complete 392 surveys total, 196 of each household energy intensity group. The survey instrument has two components: 1) a brief mail-administered recruiting survey and 2) an in-depth, in-home energy survey.

The purpose of the recruiting survey was to invite randomly selected households from both the LL and HL customer populations to participate in the in-home energy survey. To verify that households contacted for an in-home survey met HUD’s low income criteria, the brief mail-administered surveyasked for:1) their 2005 gross household income and 2) the number of people living in the household (Figure 1). Two additional questions gauged concern about home energy costs and elicited information about customers’ length of time at their current residence.

Figure 1: Mail-administered Recruiting Survey

An invitation letter signed by the City of Gainesville Mayor, Pegeen Hanrahan (Attachment A),prefaced the recruiting survey to introduce the goals of the project and explain how interested households could participate. As an incentive for participation, this letter also informed customers that GRU staff would install three free compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in their home upon completion of the energy survey. Respondents who indicated they were willing to participate in the survey werescreened to isolate those who met HUD’s low income criteria, and the in-home surveys were scheduled by GRU staff via telephone. Follow up telephone calls and follow up mailings (when necessary),were made to non-respondents from the current batch of customers sampled (representing both HL and LL household energy intensity groups) before recruiting surveys were sent to additional customers.

The in-home energy surveys contain the bulk of data collected toidentify the factors affecting energy intensity among low-income households. This second survey component uses an extensive survey instrument that is being administered by two teams of interviewers in the field; each team includes a GRU (trained staff) and University of Florida (trained student) representative. The survey instrument/questionnaire for this component investigates features of the built environment (e.g., structural and landscape characteristics of the household) as well as socio-economic and behavioral characteristics of the household residents (Attachment B). Data collected with this instrument are also supplemented with informationrecordedduring the in-home survey using a standard GRU Energy Audit form (Attachment C).

DATES:

Please describe the project’s term as submitted in the original DEED proposal, and if applicable, any requests for changes to that timeline. The DEED administrator must approve all changes, so provide information on the events causing any need for change in the project’s term.* Denotes Change.

The term of thisproject (as detailed in the original DEED proposal) consists of four phases: 1) Survey Development 2) Survey Implementation 3) Data Analysis and 4) Recommendations and Future Directions, with a proposed start date of October, 2005 and a proposed completion date of June 30, 2006. As detailed in the March 2006 Quarterly Report, the start of the project was delayed by several months, and therefore we are currently operating under an anticipated completion date of October 1, 2006.

Phase 1, Survey Development, is complete asof March 31, 2006 and data collection (i.e., in-home surveys) beganApril 14, 2006. We are currently at the mid-point of survey implementation – with Phase 2 approximately 50 percent complete – and anticipate completion of Phase 2 by late August or early September, 2006. Survey implementation has proceeded slower than anticipated, primarily due to a significant time lapse between the return of the recruiting surveys and our attempt to contact the customer by phone to schedule the in-home survey. The time lapse occurred due torepeated efforts necessary to contact the respondents by phone, staffing complications; i.e., availability between GRU and UF staff, due to an overwhelming demand for regular energy surveys and a time period in which University of Florida students were unable to participate due to final projects and exams. In addition, we have had a number of eligible respondents who canceled and did not reschedule or did not cancel and were not available for their appointment.

The results to date are detailed in the next section are current as of June 22, 2006.

RESULTS TO DATE:

Thoroughly describe what has occurred on the project up to the time of the quarterly report. This section should include all relevant data resulting from the project, and a detailed description of past action on the project.

The final mail-administered recruiting survey and cover letter from the Mayor were approved on February 7, 2006. Beginning with the first round of mailings on February 17th and continuing over the following eight weeks, four groups of customers (4,268 customers in total) were mailed the initial recruiting survey. As of May 19th, 934 customers returned the energy survey form, and of these, 579 meet the HUD low-income criteria. Of those who met the low-income criteria, 296 are high-energy intensity (HL) households and 283 are low-energy intensity (LL). Corresponding response and eligibility rates are 20.2% and 56.7%, respectively[2].

The four charts below summarize responses from the 579 eligible households to the four questions in the recruiting survey[3]. Preliminary results indicate that respondents are very concerned about energy costs in their homes. Only 1% stated that they are ‘not concerned at all’ about home energy costs. The greatest portion (50%) of households in our sample reported a 2005 gross household income of less than $18,750 while 36% reported an income of between $18,750 and $30,000. The remaining 14% reported a 2005 household income of between $30,001 and $49,750. Only 10% of respondents are from households with five or more residing; 15% are from households of four persons; 17% from households of three; 30% from 2-person households, and the remaining 28% from single-person households. A majority of these customers (53%) have lived in Gainesville at their current residence for six years or more and 14% are relatively new to their current homes, living in them for one year or less.

In an effort to achieveour target of completing 392 surveys, we are continuing to solicit participation from the remaining 316 respondents who are eligible but who may not have agreed to participate by phone because of the lag between their return of the initial survey and our contacting them by phone to schedule the in-home survey.

As of June 22, 2006, 163 surveys have been scheduled (91 HL and 72 LL). Of these, 112 surveys have been completed, 65 of them in high-energy intensity homes and 47 in low-energy intensity homes. In-home surveys began on April 14th and GRU staff and UF students have worked on administering the surveys for approximately forty, 4-6 hour days, typically completing 2-4 surveys each day. On average, the surveys take 45 minutes to one hour to complete, and as the data collection proceeds, interviewers are increasingly efficient in administering the surveys.

FUTURE PLANS:

Describe the upcoming activities on the project, particularly anything you have planned for the next quarter.

We will continue to contact customers who responded positively to the recruiting survey and make our best effort to increase survey participation rates. Once Phase 2 is complete and all of the data is collected, we will begin the data analysis (Phase 3) immediately; this phase will include data cleaning, description, and statistical analysis using SPSS software. Factor analysis will be used to identify the most significant contributors to energy intensity and potential interventions to improve household energy efficiency. Results of the survey will be used to develop a plan and programs to reduce the energy use and power demand of low income GRU customers, in turn easing the relative burden of rising energy costs.

BUDGET:

Provide a detailed budget for the project to-date. Provide information on both funding and costs. Please be clear about what the DEED funding is being spent on. It is important to break down budget as much as possible so that others can see the itemized costs. You may include a budgeted and actual figure for each item under costs. The totals for funding and costs should be the same. If the figures are different, you must include an explanation why. A complete budget should show all sources of funding and compare funding totals with each costs (actual vs. budgeted), e.g., for each piece of equipment, consultant fees, utility staff time, etc.

The budget to date is summarized in the following table. Phase 1 invoice from PREC is attached (Attachment D).

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Include any additional information about the project that is important to know, but does not fit into any of the previous categories.

Attachment A: Recruitment Mailing Cover Letter from Mayor of Gainesville

February 6, 2006

Dear Family Bill-Payer:

As fuel prices continue to rise, families throughout Gainesville are looking for ways to reduce home energy expenses. GRU and the City of Gainesville are developing ways to help you save energy, but we need your help. We hope you will be part of a study that will help you and other customers save energy and money. Your home has been selected to represent at least 50 others in your neighborhood, so your participation is important.

Please fill out the short form included with this letter and mail it back to GRU in the enclosed postage-paid envelope by February 24, 2006. Your responses will tell us if you and your home meet the needs of the study. If you qualify, we will contact you at the telephone number you provide to schedule an in-home energy assessment. During our visit, we will 1) perform a detailed energy survey at no charge to you, and 2) with your help, complete an in-depth questionnaire about your energy usage and pertinent features of your home such as appliances, number of rooms, windows, and insulation levels.

If you are selected and agree to participate, we will thank you by installing three energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs in your home for free! These light bulbs will help reduce your home’s energy use and save you money.

We hope you will take this chance to conserve energy, save on your monthly energy bill, and improve the environment. Fill out the short form and drop it in the mail today! If you have questions about the enclosed form or the energy survey itself, please contact Amy Carpus in GRU’s Conservation Services Department at (352) 393-1450.

Thank you for your participation!

Sincerely,

Pegeen Hanrahan

Mayor, City of Gainesville

RJL:CEP

Enclosure

Attachment B:In-Home Energy Survey Instrument

DEED HOME ENERGY SURVEY
Section 1: INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR HOME
We would like to begin by asking some information about the home in which you now live.
Q1. When did you move into this home?
1Less than 1 year ago Date given: ______
21 year to less than 2 years ago
32 years to less than 3 years ago
43 years to less than 5 years ago
55 years to less than 10 years ago
610 years ago or longer
Q2. How many months per year do you live in this home?
1Less than 3 months
23 months to just under 6 months
36 months to just under 9 months
49 months to 12 months
Q3. Do you expect to move from this home in the next 12 months?
1Yes  Explanation, if offered:
2No
3Uncertain
Q4. Do you own your home?
1Yes, I own (or am buying)my home
2No, I’m renting/leasing my home
3Other:
Q5. When was your home built?
1Less than 5 years ago Year if known: ______
25 years to just under 10 years ago
310 years to just under 20 years ago
420 years ago or more
5Don’t know
Q6. What direction does the longest side of your home face?
1West (or East)
2Southeast (or Northwest)
3Southwest (or Northeast)
4South (or North)
Q7. Which best describes the foundation of your home?
1Slab on grade
2Raised wood floors  Insulated? ___Yes ___No ___Uncertain
3Other:
Q8. What is the major wall type of your home?
1Concrete block
2Brick
3Wood frame
4Other:
Q9. What is the shape of your home’s roof?
1Flat
2Shed
3Gabled
4Hipped
5Other:
Q10. Does your home have an attic?
1Yes  Insulated? ___Yes ___No ___Uncertain
2No
Q11. What is your home’s roofing material?
1Asphalt shingles
2Wooden shakes
3Tile (clay or concrete)
4Metal
5Other:
Q12. What is the color of your home’s roofing material?
1White or silver
2Light grey or tan
3Red or orange
4Dark brown or dark grey
5Black
6Other:
Q13. What is the total square footage of your home, including bathrooms and hallways? (Do not include garages, outside patios or porches)
1Less than 500 GRU Records / Appraiser Value:«Merge Record #»
2500-999
31000-1499
41500-1999
52000-2499
62500-2999
73000-3999
84000 or more Specific #, if offered: ______ft2
9Don’t Know
Q14. Describe your home’s exterior doors.
Description / Total # / # Weather-stripped
1 / Wood
2 / Metal Insulated
3 / Glass
4 / Other:
Q15. Describe your home’s windows.
Description / Total # / # Weather-stripped / # Double-paned / Frame Material (majority) / Window Covering (majority)
1 / Single Hung / Wood / Vinyl / Metal / Other: / None / Drapes / Blinds / Other:
2 / Double Hung / Wood / Vinyl / Metal / Other: / None / Drapes / Blinds / Other:
3 / Casement / Wood / Vinyl / Metal / Other: / None / Drapes / Blinds / Other:
4 / Jalousie / Wood / Vinyl / Metal / Other: / None / Drapes / Blinds / Other:
5 / Awning / Wood / Vinyl / Metal / Other: / None / Drapes / Blinds / Other:
6 / Sliding / Wood / Vinyl / Metal / Other: / None / Drapes / Blinds / Other:
7 / Other: / Wood / Vinyl / Metal / Other: / None / Drapes / Blinds / Other:
Q16. What type of floor coverings does your home have? (Circle all that apply and indicate percentage covering)
Description / Percent Covering
1 / Hardwood / 25% 50% 75% 100%
2 / Carpet or Area Rugs / 25% 50% 75% 100%
3 / Tile (Ceramic) / 25% 50% 75% 100%
4 / Vinyl or Linoleum / 25% 50% 75% 100%
5 / Other: / 25% 50% 75% 100%
Q17. During a typical summer day, to what extent do trees help shade your house in the morning? (around 8AM)
1Almost totally shade the house
2Partially shade the house
3No shading of the house
Q18. During a typical summer day, to what extent do trees help shade your house in the late afternoon? (around 4PM)
1Almost totally shade the house
2Partially shade the house
3No shading of the house
Section 2: KEEPING YOUR HOME COMFORTABLE
The next step is intended to gather some information about how you keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Q19. What are the main types of heating systems that you use?
Primary Secondary
1Electric resistance 1 Electric resistance
2Natural gas furnace 2 Natural gas furnace
3Liquid propane gas furnace 3 Liquid propane gas furnace
4Heat pump  __ Central __ Non-central 4 Heat pump__ Central __ Non-central
5Portable electric heater 5 Portable electric heater
6Kerosene space heater 6 Kerosene space heater
7Wood stove/fireplace 7 Wood stove / fireplace
8Natural gas logs 8 Natural gas logs
9None 9 None
10Other: 10 Other:
Q20. What type of thermostat controls your main heating system?
1Standard Thermostat
2Programmable Electronic Thermostat
3No Thermostat
Q21. At what temperature do you normally set your thermostat for winter heating?
______ºF
Q22. Do you change your thermostat setting or other heating control when you are away?
1Yes  To what temperature is it changed?
2No ______ºF
Q23. Do you change your thermostat setting or other heating control when you are sleeping?