The End of Prescriptive Rebate Forms? Massachusetts Moves Upstream

摘要

For nearly two decades, energy efficiency programs have used prescriptive rebaternapplication forms as a primary vehicle to obtain savings in the C&I Sector. It seems simple: therncustomer purchases more efficient equipment, completes an application form, and receives arnrebate after-the-fact. Yet time and time again, evaluation after evaluation, program afterrnprogram, customers and trade allies complain about the forms. The forms are complex, thernprocess is time-consuming, and rebates not timely. Nevertheless, the industry has soldiered on,rncontinuing to direct customers to use this cumbersome method to help them purchase morernenergy efficient equipment. The questions had to be asked, “Is there a better way? Can thisrncustomer-unfriendly method achieve aggressive savings goals within both new and maturernprograms?” In September 2011, Massachusetts began working with a new and excitingrnalternative to prescriptive rebate forms for C&I customers. Frequently called “upstream” orrn“mid-stream”, this new program delivery model abandons the prescriptive application form andrnshifts the burden of paperwork away from the C&I customer. In fact, the C&I customerrncompletes no paperwork. They don’t wait for a rebate. They simply purchase the more efficientrnequipment at an already discounted price. Most importantly, the new method has achievedrnparticipation levels of customers and trade allies never before seen with the traditionalrnprescriptive approach. Beginning with lighting in 2012, HVAC in 2013, water heating andrncommercial kitchens in 2014, this paper will describe this new upstream approach, the evaluationrnresults to date, lessons-learned, and plans for the future.