The End of Prescriptive Rebate Forms? Massachusetts Moves Upstream

摘要

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