Utility DSM and Municipal Programs
Elysian Energy supports both Utility DSM and Municipal contracts. Below are descriptions of each program type and how they increase the overall building energy efficiency of a region. We also provide descriptions of our two largest contracts (one of each type) with a local utility and DDOE.
Utility DSMDemand-side management (DSM) programs consist of the planning, implementing, and monitoring activities of electric utilities that are designed to encourage consumers to modify their level and pattern of electricity usage. Approximately half of the state regulatory commissions seek to reduce disincentives to utilities implementing DSM programs that result from conventional rate design practices. Given conventional rate designs, volumetric rates often are set above utilities’ short-run marginal costs. As a result, when utilities lose potential sales as a result of consumers using energy more efficiently, revenues and profits go down. State commissions address this problem by using: (1) net lost revenue adjustment mechanisms that allow utilities to recover revenues lost as a result of conservation programs net of any cost savings; (2) revenue decoupling that separates utilities’ profitability from the levels of actual sales; or (3) DSM performance incentives that are paid to utilities based on the savings achieved. The methods of DSM often depend on the local energy regulations, but below we provide you with a description of how a local utility program works.
Local Utility ProgramElysian Energy works with customers of a regional utility company to help them reduce their energy use by performing quick audits. While performing the quick audit, Elysian Energy shows homeowners points of air infiltration and advises them on their heating, cooling, washing, and refrigeration appliances, and informs them of any rebates and incentives available through state and utility programs. We also provide homeowners with energy efficient CFL light bulbs and water preserving devices. Municipal ContractsThe number of energy efficiency programs implemented by cities, counties, and states continues to grow throughout the country. The programs take many forms – some are grant programs, some are low-interest loans, some are changes in mortgage refinancing laws, some are changes in property tax laws, and some are a combination of these and other techniques. However, almost all programs include provisions for energy audits because the diagnostic tests performed during an audit help homeowners and the municipality map out the most cost-effective methods to reduce energy use. The national certifications (HERS and BPI) that all of our energy auditing staff have achieved are the gold standards for residential energy auditing. Below we describe how Elysian Energy’s contract with DDOE works.
Washington, D.C. Department of the EnvironmentElysian Energy has been serving the D.C. Department of the Environment’s (DDOE) energy audit grant program since 2007. Under the program, all D.C. residents are entitled to a free energy audit. For the program, DDOE provides our company with a list of homeowners who have applied for and received a grant. Elysian Energy then assumes the tasks of arranging the logistics with the homeowners directly and performs the onsite audit. Several days later, our company provides both the homeowner and DDOE with a Home Energy Report Card™, and we are reimbursed by DDOE. The audit grant program has grown dramatically in popularity among D.C. residents, and Elysian Energy’s services have been continually renewed at higher volumes due to the positive feedback from clients and our ability to communicate effectively with DDOE staff. A testimonial from DDOE: We have found [Elysian Energy] to be extremely effective in accomplishing the home energy rating system (HERS). Consistent with providing audits they have developed a RESNET report that is user friendly (the home energy report card) and accurate, in addressing energy issues faced by D.C. home owners. Their customer service, as reported by our survey of clients served suggest that customers are please with the services provided to them by Elysian Energy L.L.C. We believe that they have met our requirements to the letter and have been available when requested on other matters affecting the project with enthusiasm and professionalism. They are an excellent contractor and we rate them among the best in the region. Visit the DDOE site, or contact the DDOE at (202) 673-6700 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information on the program and the service that Elysian Energy provides.
Contact us with any questions you have on utility or municipal programs. |
