Utility Leadership Roles in Promoting More Cost-Effective Energy Efficiency Programs

摘要

A utility, in addition to providing many other services, is in the business of delivering energy services that provide affordable comfort to its customers. The customers want to have their homes and offices at a comfortable temperature and humidity throughout the year... and they want that service delivered at an affordable price.rnThis paper describes how a utility can enhance its bottom line and its customer relationships by deploying an aggressive geothermal heat pump (GHP) program that meets the residential and commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) needs of its customers. Also, a GHP program can provide additional value to the utility because it can be melded into existing residential and commercial energy efficiency programs, such as a Residential Air Conditioning Load Management Program.rnIn new construction, the program consists of installing the GHP systems while the structure is being built. In existing commercial and residential facilities, the program consists of removing the HVAC systems and replacing them with GHP systems. GHP technology is a proven method of delivering comfort. GHP technology has been applied in the US for over 50 years. Despite the technology's track record of proving affordable comfort in a cost effective and energy efficient manner, its market penetration has not significantly improved. Historically, barriers - such as inexpensive natural gas, lack of knowledge, high first costs, and inadequate infrastructure support - have prevented the technology from taking hold.rnThis paper describes ways for the utility to implement GHP programs which will:rn1. Push through the barriers,rn2. Meet regulatory goals to put more energy efficiency into place,rn3. Enhance customer relationships, andrn4. Improve the utility's bottom line.