Climate Showcase Communities
    Local Climate and Energy Program
                                 Effective Practices for Implementing Local
                                 Climate and Energy  Programs:
                                 Working with Utilities
 Lessons Learned by Communities for Communities
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 products or commercial services mentioned.
WHAT IS IT?
Energy utilities are well established and often have energy efficiency and environmental
commitments to meet. They can be key partners, especially for local energy efficiency
programs.
WHY DO IT?
•   Community programs can help utilities reach people and disseminate information about
    renewable energy and energy efficiency incentives.
•   Utilities can reach a wide audience and provide programs with extensive energy use
    data.
•   Partnerships with utilities can add credibility to a project/program and provide access to
    technical expertise.

WHAT WORKS?
•   Become familiar with state demand-side management and renewable energy
    requirements because they provide a key motive for utilities to work with local
    programs.
•   Work with utility staff to design a project that advances common goals. Help them
    understand how your program adds value.
•   Find the right contact at the utility, such as someone who sees the benefits that your
    organization or program can provide.
•   Formalize your collaboration in writing.
•   Invite utility representatives to participate in educational workshops.
•   Leverage utility rebates by bundling them into program offerings.
WHAT SHOULD YOU WATCH OUT FOR?
•   Utilities may have well-established programs that do not have the flexibility to work
    with alternative or progressive programs/approaches.
•   Utilities face perceived and real constraints by state and public utility commission
    regulations.
•   Some utilities may not be able to release data to third parties.
•   Substantial reporting and  administrative work may be required to access rebates for
    customers.
WHAT RESOURCES HAVE PROJECTS FOUND TO BE USEFUL?
•   Public utility commissions' websites and proceedings
•   Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency: www.dsireusa.org
                                                                   "Utilities can provide a
                                                                   funding match or cash
                                                                   incentives to enhance
                                                                   program offerings."

                                                                   Laura, Th-County Small Business
                                                                   Efficiency Program, Lewis and
                                                                   Clark County, Montana
                                                                   "Build relationships with
                                                                   utilities to provide better
                                                                   information about rebate
                                                                   and incentive programs."

                                                                   Sabrina, Green Homes
                                                                   Challenge, Frederick County,
                                                                   Maryland
£EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
                                          April 2015
EPA-430-F-15-018

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