HomeMy WebLinkAbout20201002Appendix B DSM 2019 Annual Report.pdf2019
MARCH 15 • 2019
I N T E G R A T E D R E S O U R C E P L A N
A P P E N D I X B : D S M A N N U A L R E P O R T
Printed on recycled paper
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This document may contain forward-looking statements,
and it is important to note that the future results could
differ materially from those discussed. A full discussion
of the factors that could cause future results to differ
materially can be found in Idaho Power’s filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Idaho Power Company Table of Contents
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary .....................................................................................................................................1
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................5
Annual DSM Expense Review Filing ....................................................................................................7
DSM Programs Performance .................................................................................................................7
Customer Education .............................................................................................................................12
Surveying Customer Satisfaction .........................................................................................................12
Program Evaluation Approach .............................................................................................................14
Cost-Effectiveness Goals .....................................................................................................................14
Energy Efficiency Advisory Group .....................................................................................................15
Idaho Power Field Staff .......................................................................................................................17
Future Plans for DSM Programs ..........................................................................................................17
DSM Annual Report Structure.............................................................................................................18
2018 DSM Program Activity .....................................................................................................................19
DSM Expenditures ...............................................................................................................................19
Marketing .............................................................................................................................................21
Cost-Effectiveness Results...................................................................................................................25
Customer Satisfaction Surveys ............................................................................................................26
Evaluations ...........................................................................................................................................26
Residential Sector Overview ................................................................................................................28
Marketing .......................................................................................................................................28
Customer Satisfaction ....................................................................................................................35
A/C Cool Credit .............................................................................................................................36
Easy Savings: Low-Income Energy Efficiency Education ............................................................39
Educational Distributions...............................................................................................................42
Energy Efficient Lighting ..............................................................................................................52
Energy House Calls........................................................................................................................56
Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program ........................................................................................60
Home Energy Audit .......................................................................................................................67
Multifamily Energy Savings Program ...........................................................................................75
Oregon Residential Weatherization ...............................................................................................79
Rebate Advantage ..........................................................................................................................81
Residential New Construction Pilot Program ................................................................................84
Table of Contents Idaho Power Company
Page ii Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Shade Tree Project .........................................................................................................................87
Simple Steps, Smart Savings™ .....................................................................................................92
Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers .....................................................................95
Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers........................................................................104
Commercial/Industrial Sector Overview ...........................................................................................109
Marketing .....................................................................................................................................109
Customer Satisfaction ..................................................................................................................114
Training and Education ................................................................................................................114
Field Staff Activities ....................................................................................................................116
Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Program ..............................................................117
Flex Peak Program .......................................................................................................................131
Oregon Commercial Audits .........................................................................................................134
Irrigation Sector Overview ................................................................................................................136
Marketing .....................................................................................................................................137
Customer Satisfaction ..................................................................................................................137
Training and Education ................................................................................................................137
Field Staff Activities ....................................................................................................................138
Irrigation Efficiency Rewards ......................................................................................................139
Irrigation Peak Rewards ...............................................................................................................142
Other Programs and Activities ...........................................................................................................145
Green Motors Initiative ................................................................................................................145
Local Energy Efficiency Funds ...................................................................................................145
Idaho Power’s Internal Energy Efficiency Commitment.............................................................146
Market Transformation: NEEA ...................................................................................................147
Program Planning Group .............................................................................................................154
Regional Technical Forum ...........................................................................................................155
Residential Energy Efficiency Education Initiative .....................................................................155
University of Idaho Integrated Design Lab .................................................................................162
Glossary of Acronyms .............................................................................................................................167
Appendices ...............................................................................................................................................172
Idaho Power Company Table of Contents
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page iii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. DSM programs by sector, operational type, location, and energy savings/demand
reduction, 2018 ..................................................................................................................11
Table 2. DSM program sector summary and energy usage/savings/demand reduction, 2018 ........12
Table 3. 2018 funding source and energy savings ...........................................................................19
Table 4. 2018 DSM program expenditures by category ..................................................................20
Table 5. 2018 DSM program incentive totals by program type and sector .....................................20
Table 6. Cost-effectiveness summary by energy efficiency program ..............................................26
Table 7. Residential sector program summary, 2018.......................................................................28
Table 8. A/C Cool Credit demand response event details ...............................................................37
Table 9. Savings and realization rate based on RTF version for Energy Efficient Lighting ...........54
Table 10. H&CE Program incentives in 2018 ...................................................................................62
Table 11. Suggested energy savings from DNV GL for the Shade Tree Project ..............................91
Table 12. WAQC activities and Idaho Power expenditures by agency and county in 2018 .............97
Table 13. WAQC base funding and funds made available in 2018 ...................................................98
Table 14. WAQC review of measures installed in 2018 ....................................................................99
Table 15. 2018 savings values for WAQC program ........................................................................100
Table 16. Commercial/industrial sector program summary, 2018 ...................................................109
Table 17. Commercial Energy-Saving Kit contents by industry .....................................................119
Table 18. Custom Projects annual energy savings by primary option measure, 2018 ....................120
Table 19. Kit distribution and savings by kit type and state, 2018. .................................................126
Table 20. Flex Peak Program demand response event details .........................................................132
Table 21. Irrigation sector program summary, 2018 .......................................................................136
Table 22. Irrigation Peak Rewards demand response event details .................................................143
Table 23. Irrigation Peak Rewards program MW load reduction for events ...................................144
Table 24. Green Motor Initiative savings, by sector and state .........................................................145
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Idaho Power Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lisa Grow, Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, Idaho Power President and CEO Darrel Anderson, Idaho Power Vice President of Customer Operations and Business Development Adam Richins,
and Idaho Power Customer Relations and Energy Efficiency Senior Manager
Theresa Drake ......................................................................................................................1
Figure 2. Idaho Power’s Facebook post announcing the Governor’s Award .....................................2
Table of Contents Idaho Power Company
Page iv Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Figure 3. Idaho Power service area map .............................................................................................6
Figure 4. Annual energy savings and energy efficiency program expenses, 2002–2018 (MWh and
millions [$]) .........................................................................................................................7
Figure 5. DSM expense history by program type, 2002–2018 (millions [$]) .....................................8
Figure 6. Peak demand-reduction capacity and demand response expenses, 2004–2018 (MW and millions [$]) .........................................................................................................................8
Figure 7. Annual incremental energy efficiency savings (aMW**) compared with IRP targets,
2002–2018............................................................................................................................9
Figure 8. Annual cumulative energy efficiency savings (aMW**) compared with IRP targets, 2002–2018......................................................................................................................................9
Figure 9. Customers’ needs “met” or “exceeded” (percent), 2009–2018 .........................................13
Figure 10. 2018 DSM program expenditures by category ..................................................................20
Figure 11. DSM program incentives by segment and sector, 2018 ....................................................21
Figure 12. Idaho Power shares energy efficiency tips and engages with customers on social media.............................................................................................................................................22
Figure 13. Idaho Power appearances on KTVB and KMVT ..............................................................24
Figure 14. Energy efficiency awareness campaign ad example ..........................................................29
Figure 15. Idaho Power Smart-Saver Pledge email ............................................................................30
Figure 16. Google search ad example .................................................................................................31
Figure 17. Smart-Saver Pledge bill insert ...........................................................................................34
Figure 18. Idaho Power’s Energy-Saving Kit for homes with electric water heaters .........................43
Figure 19. Example of a customer’s social media response to Idaho Power’s Welcome Kit .............47
Figure 20. Social media post from environmentally focused customer who received ESK ...............48
Figure 21. Participation in the Energy House Calls program, 2012–2018..........................................57
Figure 22. Energy House Calls participation by region ......................................................................57
Figure 23. Energy House Calls participation by job type ...................................................................58
Figure 24. Whole-house fan advertising postcard ...............................................................................63
Figure 25. HPWH sticker ....................................................................................................................64
Figure 26. Home Energy Audit summary of participating homes, by county ....................................69
Figure 27. Home Energy Audit summary of space and water heating fuel types ...............................69
Figure 28. Home Energy Audit measures installed in participating homes ........................................70
Figure 29. Home Energy Audit program bill insert ............................................................................71
Figure 30. Home Energy Audit program digital ad .............................................................................72
Figure 31. Three Multifamily Energy Saving Program promotional ads on website .........................76
Figure 32. Multifamily Energy Saving Program post-project customer survey .................................77
Figure 33. Rebate Advantage dealership banner .................................................................................82
Idaho Power Company Table of Contents
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page v
Figure 34. Residential New Construction Pilot Program ad ...............................................................85
Figure 35. Thank-you post from Idaho Power after Twin Falls Shade Tree Project event.................89
Figure 36. Social media post and paid ad for Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers
program ............................................................................................................................106
Figure 37. Example of C&I Energy Efficiency Program ad .............................................................110
Figure 38. Example of success story videos on Idaho Power’s YouTube channel ...........................112
Figure 39. Check presentation to SUEZ Water in Boise ...................................................................113
Figure 40. Idaho Power banner displayed at Wilson Elementary, Caldwell .....................................127
Figure 41. Vehicles wrapped with graphics to promote Idaho Power’s use of EVs .........................147
Figure 42. Tiny house ........................................................................................................................156
Figure 43. Kill A Watt meter.............................................................................................................157
Figure 44. Eighth annual Student Art Contest participants ...............................................................159
Figure 45. Winter Energy Efficiency Guide, 2018 ............................................................................160
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1. Idaho Rider, Oregon Rider, and NEEA payment amounts (January–December 2018) ..173
Appendix 2. 2018 DSM expenses by funding source (dollars) ............................................................174
Appendix 3. 2018 DSM program activity ............................................................................................175
Appendix 4. 2018 DSM program activity by state jurisdiction ............................................................177
LIST OF SUPPLEMENTS
Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness
Supplement 2: Evaluation
Table of Contents Idaho Power Company
Page vi Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Idaho Power Company Executive Summary
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Idaho Power, through its energy efficiency programs, its customer education programs, and its focus on
the customer experience, fully supports energy efficiency and demand response and encourages its
customers to use energy wisely.
In 2018, Idaho Power’s focus was not only on the pursuit of all cost-effective energy efficiency, but also
improving the customer experience. One of the highlights was added functionality to My Account,
an online energy portal where a customer can register to receive notifications for high or overdue bills
via text message or email. Another project was sending a Welcome Kit to customers new to
Idaho Power’s service. Each Welcome Kit contains four LED lightbulbs, a night light, a “welcome
to the neighborhood” greeting card, and an Energy Savings Made Easy “flip book” containing tips and
residential program information. Over 30,000 customers were reached with this innovative effort,
starting new customers on the path to saving energy.
Another highlight of 2018 was Idaho Power being recognized with the Governor’s Award for
Excellence in Energy Efficiency. This award honors a single facility or organization that demonstrates a
commitment to energy efficiency at all levels through programming, implementation, and promotion.
Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter presented the award to Idaho Power President and CEO Darrel Anderson
during the fall meeting of the Energy Efficiency Advisory Group (EEAG).
Figure 1. Idaho Power Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Lisa Grow, Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, Idaho Power President and CEO Darrel Anderson, Idaho Power Vice President of Customer Operations and Business Development Adam Richins, and Idaho Power Customer Relations and Energy Efficiency Senior Manager Theresa Drake
Executive Summary Idaho Power Company
Page 2 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Figure 2. Idaho Power’s Facebook post announcing the Governor’s Award
Idaho Power’s portfolio of energy efficiency program energy savings remains strong, with savings of
183,378 megawatt hours (MWh) in 2018, including the estimated savings from the Northwest Energy
Efficiency Alliance (NEEA). These savings represent enough energy to power over 16,000 average
homes for one year in Idaho Power’s service area. In 2018, the company’s energy efficiency portfolio
was cost-effective from both the total resource cost (TRC) test and the utility cost test (UCT)
perspectives with ratios of 2.26 and 3.04, respectively. The portfolio was also cost-effective from the
participant cost test (PCT) ratio, which was 2.85. The savings from Idaho Power’s energy efficiency
programs alone, excluding NEEA savings, was 158,412 MWh in 2018.
Idaho Power successfully operated all three of its demand response programs in 2018. The total demand
response capacity from the company’s programs was 382 megawatts (MW). Energy efficiency and
demand response are important aspects of Idaho Power’s resource planning process. Idaho Power’s 2018
achievements in energy savings exceeded the annual savings target identified in Idaho Power’s 2017
Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). On a cumulative basis, the company’s energy savings have exceeded
the IRP targets every year since 2002.
Total expenditures from all funding sources of demand-side management (DSM) activities was $44
million in 2018. DSM program funding comes from the Idaho and Oregon Riders, Idaho Power base
rates, and the annual power cost adjustment (PCA). The company’s demand response incentives are
recovered through base rates and the annual PCA in Idaho, while Oregon demand response incentives
are funded through the Oregon Rider.
Idaho Power Company Executive Summary
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 3
In 2018, Idaho Power continued to expand the reach and frequency of its residential energy efficiency
campaign with digital and print marketing, including an increase in social media activity. The company
also continued promoting the three Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Energy Efficiency Program
options as a single program.
Idaho Power uses stakeholder input to enhance its programs. The company met regularly with EEAG
and individual customers seeking input on program improvement. To find growth in the program
portfolio, the company relied on its Program Planning Group (PPG) that was initiated in 2014,
NEEA’s Regional Emerging Technology Advisory Committee (RETAC), and E Source resources.
Additionally, Idaho Power continued to refine its program processes through evaluations,
customer surveys, and research to make it easier for its customers to participate.
In 2018, Idaho Power continued to distribute Energy-Saving Kits (ESK) at no cost to customers on
request. By the end of the year, 44,691 ESKs were shipped to customer homes: 18,383 kits to homes
with electric water heaters and 26,308 to homes with alternate-source water heaters. In 2018,
Idaho Power developed an ESK for commercial customers, distributing over 1,600 kits to small
commercial customers in Idaho and Oregon.
This Demand Side Management 2018 Annual Report provides a review of the company’s DSM
activities and finances throughout 2018 and outlines Idaho Power’s plans for future DSM activities.
This report also satisfies the reporting requirements set out in the Idaho Public Utilities Commission’s
(IPUC) Order Nos. 29026 and 29419. Idaho Power will provide a copy of the report to the Public Utility
Commission of Oregon (OPUC) under Oregon Docket Utility Miscellaneous (UM) No. 1710.
Executive Summary Idaho Power Company
Page 4 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Idaho Power Company Introduction
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 5
INTRODUCTION
Idaho Power, through its energy efficiency programs, its customer education programs, and its focus on
the customer experience, fully supports energy efficiency and demand response and encourages its
customers to use energy wisely.
Energy efficiency and demand response provide economic and operational benefits to the company and
its customers; in 2018, Idaho Power continued to pursue all cost-effective energy efficiency across its
service area. Idaho Power focuses on the customer experience when providing information and
programs that ensure customers have opportunities to learn about their energy use, how to use energy
wisely, and participate in programs.
This report focuses on Idaho Power’s demand-side management (DSM) activities and results for 2018
and previews planned activities for 2019. The appendices provide detailed information on the
company’s DSM activities and detailed financial information from for 2018. Supplement 1: Cost-
Effectiveness provides detailed cost-effectiveness data and Supplement 2: Evaluation provides copies of
Idaho Power’s evaluations, reports, and research conducted in 2018. Supplement 2: Evaluation includes
the Historical DSM Expense and Performance report (formerly Appendix 4) which details DSM
activities and financial information from 2002 to 2018.
Idaho Power’s main objectives for DSM programs are to achieve prudent, cost-effective energy
efficiency savings and to provide an optimal amount of demand reduction from its demand response
programs as determined through the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) planning process. Idaho Power
considers cost-effective energy efficiency the company’s least-cost resource and pays particular
attention to ensuring the best value to Idaho Power’s customers. Idaho Power strives to provide
customers with programs and information to help them manage their energy use wisely.
The company achieves these objectives through the implementation and careful management of
programs that provide energy and demand savings and through outreach and education. For economic
and administrative efficiency and to reduce customer confusion, Idaho Power endeavors to implement
identical programs in its Idaho and Oregon service areas. Idaho Power has been locally operated since
1916 and serves more than 550,000 customers throughout a 24,000-square-mile area in southern Idaho
and eastern Oregon.
Introduction Idaho Power Company
Page 6 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Figure 3. Idaho Power service area map
Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs are available to all customer sectors in Idaho Power’s service
area and focus on reducing energy use by identifying homes, buildings, equipment, or components for
which an energy-efficient design, replacement, or repair can achieve energy savings. Some energy
efficiency programs include behavioral components. For example, the Residential Energy Efficiency
Education Initiative (REEEI), the Smart-Saver Pledge, the School Cohort, and the Home Energy Report
pilot program, which began in 2017, all have behavioral components associated with them.
Savings from energy efficiency programs are measured in terms of energy savings on a kilowatt-hour
(kWh) or megawatt-hour (MWh) basis. These programs usually supply energy savings throughout the
year at different times depending on the energy efficiency measure put in place. Idaho Power shapes
these savings based on the end use to estimate energy reduction at specific times of the day and year.
Idaho Power’s energy efficiency offerings include programs in residential and commercial new
construction (lost-opportunity savings); residential and commercial retrofit applications; and irrigation
and industrial system improvement or replacement. Idaho Power’s custom incentives offer a wide range
of opportunities to its irrigation, industrial, large-commercial, governmental, and school customers to
execute energy-saving projects.
Energy efficiency and demand response funding comes from Idaho Power base rates, the Idaho and
Oregon Riders (Rider), and the annual power cost adjustment (PCA) in Idaho. Idaho incentives for the
company’s demand response programs are recovered through base rates and the annual PCA, while
Oregon demand response incentives are funded through the Oregon Rider. Total expenditures from all
funding sources on DSM-related activities was $ $44 million in 2018 (Figure 5).
Idaho Power started its modern demand response programs in 2002, and now has over 11 percent of its
all-time peak load available due to demand response programs. The goal of demand response at
Idaho Power is to minimize or delay the need to build new supply-side peaking resources. The company
Idaho Power Company Introduction
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 7
estimates future capacity needs through the IRP planning process and plans resources to mitigate any
system peak deficits that exist. Demand response program results are measured by the amount of
demand reduction, in megawatts (MW), available to the company during system peak periods.
According to 2017 U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, Idaho Power is one of eight
investor-owned utilities with greater than 10 percent of their peak load controlled under demand
response programs.
Annual DSM Expense Review Filing
On March 15, 2018, Idaho Power filed Case No. IPC-E-18-03 with the Idaho Public Utilities
Commission (IPUC) requesting an order finding the company had prudently incurred $44,145,316 in
DSM expenses in 2017, including $37,162,002 in Rider expenses, and $6,983,314 in demand response
program incentives.
In Order No. 34141, dated September 11, 2018, the IPUC deemed $37,162,002 in Rider expenses,
and $6,983,314 in demand response program incentives as prudently incurred.
DSM Programs Performance
The 2018 savings results consisted of 43,651 MWh from the residential sector, 95,759 MWh from the
commercial/industrial sector, and 19,002 MWh from the irrigation sector. The Custom Projects option in
the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Energy Efficiency Program contributed 30 percent of
Idaho Power’s direct program savings, while the residential sector Energy Efficient Lighting and
Educational Distributions programs contributed 80 percent of the residential savings and 22 percent of
Idaho Power’s direct program savings.
Figure 4. Annual energy savings and energy efficiency program expenses, 2002–2018 (MWh and millions [$])
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Introduction Idaho Power Company
Page 8 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Figure 5. DSM expense history by program type, 2002–2018 (millions [$])
Figure 6. Peak demand-reduction capacity and demand response expenses, 2004–2018 (MW and millions [$])
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Idaho Power Company Introduction
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 9
Figure 7. Annual incremental energy efficiency savings (aMW**) compared with IRP targets, 2002–2018
* NEEA codes and standards savings were removed because they are not included in IRP targets
**average megawatt
Figure 8. Annual cumulative energy efficiency savings (aMW**) compared with IRP targets, 2002–2018
*NEEA codes and standards savings were removed because they are not included in IRP targets.
**average megawatt
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Introduction Idaho Power Company
Page 10 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Idaho Power invests significant resources to maintain and improve its energy efficiency and demand
response programs. Idaho Power’s 2018 achievements in energy savings exceeded the annual savings
target identified in Idaho Power’s 2017 Integrated Resource Plan. On a cumulative basis, the company’s
energy savings have exceeded the IRP targets every year since 2002 (Figure 8).
Demand Response
In summer 2018, Idaho Power had a combined maximum actual non-coincidental load reduction from
all three programs of 359 MW at the generation level. The amount of capacity available for demand
response varies based on weather, time of year, and how programs are used and managed. The 2018
capacity of demand response programs was 382 MW (Figure 6). The demand response capacity is
calculated using total enrolled MW from participants with an expected maximum realization rate for
those participants. This maximum realization rate is not always achieved for every program in any given
year. The maximum capacity for the Irrigation Peak Rewards program is based on the maximum
reduction possible during the hours within the program season. For the Flex Peak Program, the
maximum capacity is assumed to be the maximum realized reduction. And for the A/C Cool Credit
program, the capacity is calculated based on the number of active participants multiplied by maximum
per-unit reduction ever achieved.
Idaho Power has forecast through the IRP that demand response capacity is not currently needed.
However, under the terms of IPUC Order No. 32923 and Public Utility Commission of Oregon (OPUC)
Order No. 13-482 the company has continued to maintain these programs and use them at least three
times per season. In 2018, Idaho Power began conducting analysis and soliciting public input for the
2019 IRP. During this process, the company is analyzing if and when expanded demand response
capacity is needed to avoid system peak deficiencies.
Energy Efficiency
Idaho Power’s portfolio of energy efficiency program energy savings remains strong in 2018. However,
the savings, including the estimated savings from NEEA, slightly decreased to 183,378 MWh compared
to the 2017 savings of 192,260 MWh—a 4.6 percent year-over-year decrease. The savings from
Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs alone, excluding NEEA savings, was 158,412 MWh in
2018 and 167,819 MWh in 2017—a 5.6 percent year-over year decrease. Even so, the 2018 savings
represent enough energy to power over 16,000 average homes in Idaho Power’s service area for
one year.
In 2018, the company’s energy efficiency portfolio was cost effective from both the total resource cost
(TRC) test and the utility cost test (UCT) perspectives with ratios of 2.26 and 3.04, respectively.
The portfolio was also cost-effective from the participant cost test (PCT) ratio, which was 2.85.
Idaho Power Company Introduction
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 11
Table 1. DSM programs by sector, operational type, location, and energy savings/demand reduction, 2018
Program by Sector Operational Type State Savings/Demand
Residential
A/C Cool Credit .............................................................. Demand Response ID/OR 29 MW
Easy Savings: Low-Income Energy Efficiency Education Energy Efficiency ID 30 MWh
Educational Distributions ............................................... Energy Efficiency ID/OR 16,052 MWh
Energy Efficient Lighting ................................................ Energy Efficiency ID/OR 18,857 MWh
Energy House Calls ....................................................... Energy Efficiency ID/OR 374 MWh
Fridge and Freezer Recycling Program* ........................ Energy Efficiency ID/OR 74 MWh
Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program ........................... Energy Efficiency ID/OR 1,556 MWh
Home Energy Audit Program ......................................... Energy Efficiency ID 211 MWh
Home Energy Report Pilot Program .............................. Energy Efficiency ID 3,282 MWh
Multifamily Energy Savings Program ............................. Energy Efficiency ID/OR 656 MWh
Oregon Residential Weatherization ............................... Energy Efficiency OR 0 MWh
Rebate Advantage ......................................................... Energy Efficiency ID/OR 285 MWh
Residential New Construction Pilot Program ................. Energy Efficiency ID/OR 777 MWh
Shade Tree Project ........................................................ Energy Efficiency ID 36 MWh
Simple Steps, Smart Savings™ ...................................... Energy Efficiency ID/OR 241 MWh
Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers ...... Energy Efficiency ID/OR 650 MWh
Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers ........... Energy Efficiency ID 572 MWh
Commercial/Industrial
Commercial and Industrial Efficiency Program
Custom Projects ....................................................... Energy Efficiency ID/OR 46,964 MWh
New Construction ..................................................... Energy Efficiency ID/OR 13,378 MWh
Retrofits .................................................................... Energy Efficiency ID/OR 34,911 MWh
Commercial Energy-Saving Kit ...................................... Energy Efficiency ID/OR 442 MWh
Flex Peak Program ........................................................ Demand Response ID/OR 33 MW
Green Motors—Industrial .............................................. Energy Efficiency ID/OR 64 MWh
Oregon Commercial Audits............................................ Energy Efficiency OR n/a
Irrigation
Green Motors—Irrigation ............................................... Energy Efficiency ID/OR 68 MWh
Irrigation Efficiency Rewards ......................................... Energy Efficiency ID/OR 18,934 MWh
Irrigation Peak Rewards ................................................ Demand Response ID/OR 297 MW
All Sectors
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance ............................ Market Transformation ID/OR 24,966 MWh
* Although the Fridge and Freezer Recycling program was discontinued in 2017, Idaho Power did have a few pickups in 2018.
Introduction Idaho Power Company
Page 12 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Table 2. DSM program sector summary and energy usage/savings/demand reduction, 2018
Energy Efficiency Program Impacts a Idaho Power System Sales
Program Energy Savings Peak-Load Reduction b Sector Percentage of Energy Number of
Residential ........................... $ 10,310,503 43,651,278 5,139,473 35% 459,128
Commercial/Industrial .......... 17,014,509 95,759,049 7,471,683 51% 71,222
Market Transformation ......... 2,500,165 24,966,000
Demand Response .............. 8,169,419 n/a
Direct Overhead/ Other Programs.................... 1,978,570 n/a
Total Direct Program Expenses ............................ $ 42,926,872 183,377,834 14,587,743 100% 550,427
a Energy, average energy, and expense data have been rounded to the nearest whole unit, which may result in minor rounding differences.
b Includes 9.7 percent peak line loss assumptions.
Customer Education
Idaho Power participated in a select group of events impacting large audiences or audiences expected to
have a higher receptivity to energy-efficient messaging and behavior change. Idaho Power additionally
participated in or sponsored 45 outreach activities, including events, presentations, trainings, and other
activities. Idaho Power customer representatives throughout the service area delivered numerous
other presentations to local organizations addressing energy efficiency programs and wise energy use.
In 2018, Idaho Power’s community education team provided 118 presentations on The Power to Make a
Difference to 3,063 students and 122 classroom presentations on Saving a World Full of Energy
to 2,803 students. The community education representatives and other staff also completed
24 presentations to senior citizen groups on energy efficiency programs and shared information about
saving energy to 1,149 senior citizens in the company’s service area.
Since 2008, the company’s commercial and industrial training activities have informed and educated
commercial and industrial customers regarding energy efficiency, increased awareness of and
participation in existing energy efficiency and demand response programs, and enhanced customer
satisfaction regarding energy efficiency initiatives. The level of participation in 2018 remained high,
with 337 attendees for the technical sessions and almost 90 for the program workshops. The workshops
covered the following topics: Commercial/Industrial Motor Efficiency; Commercial/Industrial
Adjustable Speed Drives; Compressed Air Challenge Level II—Advanced Management of Compressed
Air Systems; Energy Efficiency of Chilled Water Systems; Energy Efficiency of Cooling Towers;
Advanced Lighting Control Systems; Energy Efficient Data Center; Industrial Refrigeration Systems
Energy Management; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Controls Training;
and Optimizing Pumping Systems: A Measurement-Based Approach.
Surveying Customer Satisfaction
Idaho Power fields a variety of customer surveys throughout the program year. Some of these are overall
customer satisfaction or relationship surveys and others measure customer satisfaction related to specific
program offerings. Depending on the nature of the research, these surveys are typically conducted by
telephone, online, or through the mail. Surveys are conducted internally or by third-party research
Idaho Power Company Introduction
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 13
vendors. Internally conducted surveys are managed by the customer relations and research coordinator
with oversight by program specialists and/or the marketing department.
Based on surveys conducted in the last six months of 2017 and the first six months of 2018, Idaho Power
ranked second out of 14 utilities included in the west region midsize segment of the J.D. Power and
Associates 2018 Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study. Fifty-two percent of the
residential respondents in this study indicated they were aware of Idaho Power’s energy efficiency
programs, and on an overall basis, those customers were more satisfied with Idaho Power than
customers who are unaware of the programs.
Burke, Inc., conducts quarterly customer relationship surveys to measure the overall customer
relationship and satisfaction with Idaho Power among all customer segments. The Burke Customer
Relationship Survey measures the satisfaction of a number of aspects of a customer’s relationship with
Idaho Power, including energy efficiency at a very high level. However, the survey is not intended to
measure all aspects of energy efficiency programs offered by Idaho Power.
The 2018 results of Idaho Power’s customer relationship survey showed record high overall customer
satisfaction including an increase in meeting and exceeding customers’ needs by encouraging energy
efficiency. Sixty-seven percent of customers indicated their needs were met or exceeded by Idaho Power
encouraging energy efficiency among its customers. Figure 9 depicts the percent of customers who
indicated Idaho Power met or exceeded their needs concerning the energy efficiency efforts it
encouraged each year since 2009.
Figure 9. Customers’ needs “met” or “exceeded” (percent), 2009–2018
The 2018 survey also asked three questions related to Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs:
1) Have you participated in any of Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs? 2) Which energy
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Introduction Idaho Power Company
Page 14 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
efficiency program did you participate in? and 3) Overall, how satisfied are you with the energy
efficiency program? In 2018, 45 percent of the survey respondents across all sectors indicated they
participated in at least one Idaho Power energy efficiency program, and 92 percent were “very” or
“somewhat” satisfied with the program they participated in.
Results of sector-level, program-level, and/or marketing-related customer satisfaction surveys can be
found later in this report.
Program Evaluation Approach
Idaho Power considers program evaluation an essential component of its DSM operational activities.
The company uses third-party contractors to conduct impact, process, and other evaluations on a
scheduled and as-required basis. In some cases, research and analyses are conducted internally and
managed by Idaho Power’s Research and Analysis team within the Customer Relations and Energy
Efficiency (CR&EE) department. Third-party evaluations are specifically managed by the company’s
energy efficiency evaluator. Third-party contracts are generally awarded using a competitive-bid process
managed by Idaho Power’s Corporate Services department.
Idaho Power uses industry-standard protocols for its internal and external evaluation efforts, including
the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency—Model Energy Efficiency Program Impact Evaluation
Guide, the California Evaluation Framework, the International Performance Measurement and
Verification Protocol (IPMVP), the Database for Energy Efficiency Resources, and the Regional
Technical Forum’s (RTF) evaluation protocols.
The company also supports regional and national studies to promote the ongoing cost-effectiveness of
programs, the validation of energy savings and demand reduction, and the efficient management of its
programs. Idaho Power considers primary and secondary research, cost-effectiveness analyses, potential
assessments, and impact and process evaluations to be important resources in providing accurate and
transparent program-savings estimates. Idaho Power uses recommendations and findings from
evaluations, research, and industry best practices to continuously refine its DSM programs.
For a summary of evaluation results, recommendations, and responses, see each program
section. For copies of 2018 program evaluation reports and past and future evaluation schedules,
see Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Cost-Effectiveness Goals
Idaho Power considers cost-effectiveness of primary importance in the design, implementation, and
tracking of energy efficiency and demand response programs. Idaho Power’s energy efficiency and
demand response opportunities are preliminarily identified through the IRP process. Idaho Power uses
third-party energy efficiency potential studies to identify achievable cost-effective energy efficiency
potential that is added to the resources included in the IRP. Because of Idaho Power’s diversified
portfolio of programs, most of the new potential for energy efficiency in its service area is based on
additional measures to be added to existing programs, rather than developing new programs.
Prior to the actual implementation of energy efficiency or demand response programs, Idaho Power
performs a cost-effectiveness analysis to assess whether a potential program design or measure will be
Idaho Power Company Introduction
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 15
cost-effective from the perspective of Idaho Power and its customers. Incorporated in these models are
inputs from various sources that use the most current and reliable information available.
Idaho Power’s goal is for all programs to have benefit/cost (B/C) ratios greater than one for the TRC
test, UCT test, and PCT at the program and measure level where appropriate. Each cost-effectiveness
test provides a different perspective, and Idaho Power believes each test provides value when evaluating
program performance. If a measure or program is found to be not cost-effective from one or more of the
three tests, Idaho Power assesses the program or measure and runs the cost-effectiveness calculations
under a variety of scenarios. There are many assumptions when calculating the cost-effectiveness of a
given program or measure. For some measures within the programs, savings can vary based on factors,
such as participation levels or the participants’ locations. For instance, heat pumps installed in the Boise
area will have less savings than heat pumps installed in the McCall area. If program participation and
savings increase, fixed costs, such as labor and marketing, are distributed more broadly, and the program
cost-effectiveness increases.
When a program or measure is shown to be not cost-effective, Idaho Power works with the Energy
Efficiency Advisory Group (EEAG) to obtain input before making its determination on continuing or
discontinuing an offering. If the measure or program is indeed offered, the company explains to EEAG
and stakeholders why the measure or program was implemented or continued and the steps the company
plans to take to improve its cost-effectiveness. The company believes this aligns with the expectations of
the IPUC and OPUC.
As part of the public workshops on Case No. IPC-E-13-14, Idaho Power and other stakeholders agreed
on a new methodology for valuing demand response. The settlement agreement, as approved in IPUC
Order No. 32923 and OPUC Order No. 13-482, defined the annual cost of operating the three demand
response programs for the maximum allowable 60 hours to be no more than $16.7 million. The annual
value calculation will be updated with each IRP based on changes that include, but are not limited to,
need, capital cost, or financial assumptions. This amount was reevaluated in the 2015 IRP to be $18.5
million. Under the 2017 IRP, this value is $19.8 million.
This value is the levelized annual cost of a 170-MW deferred resource over a 20-year life. The demand
response value calculation will include this value even in years when the IRP shows no peak-hour
capacity deficits. In 2018, the cost of operating the three demand response programs was $8.2 million.
Idaho Power estimates that if the three programs were dispatched for the full 60 hours, the total costs
would have been approximately $11.3 million and would have remained cost-effective. The settlement
agreement also allowed Idaho Power to design its programs such that they can be dispatched three times
a year with no variable costs. This is what Idaho Power normally does unless the capacity is needed to
meet load.
Details on the cost-effectiveness assumptions and data are included in Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
Energy Efficiency Advisory Group
Formed in 2002, EEAG provides input on enhancing existing DSM programs and on implementing
energy efficiency programs. Currently, EEAG consists of 13 members from Idaho Power’s service
area and the Northwest. Members represent a cross-section of customers from the residential, industrial,
commercial, and irrigation sectors, and technical experts, as well as representatives from low-income
Introduction Idaho Power Company
Page 16 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
households, environmental organizations, state agencies, county and city governments, public utility
commissions, and Idaho Power.
EEAG meets quarterly and, when necessary, Idaho Power facilitates conference calls and/or webinars to
address special topics. In 2018, four EEAG meetings were held: February 8, May 1, August 9, and
October 30. EEAG meetings are generally open to the public and attract a diverse audience. Idaho
Power appreciates the input from the group and acknowledges the commitment of time and resources
the individual members give to participate in EEAG meetings and activities.
During these meetings, Idaho Power discussed new energy efficiency program ideas and new measure
proposals, marketing methods, and specific measure details. The company provided the status of energy
efficiency expenses and Idaho and Oregon Rider funding, gave updates of ongoing programs and
projects, and supplied general information on DSM issues and other important issues occurring in the
region. Experts were invited to speak about evaluations, research, and other topics of interest.
Idaho Power relies on input from EEAG to provide a customer and public-interest view of energy
efficiency and demand response. Additionally, Idaho Power regularly provides updates on current and
future cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency programs and the changes in IRP provides updates on
DSM alternate costs, which Idaho Power uses in calculating cost-effectiveness. In each meeting, Idaho
Power requests feedback from EEAG members on energy efficiency and demand response programs,
specific measures, and incentives. EEAG often recommends presentation ideas for future meetings.
Throughout 2018, Idaho Power relied on input from EEAG on the following important topics.
Residential Energy-Saving Kits
The deemed savings that had been previously applied to the Giveaway Energy-Saving Kits (ESK) were
no longer being supported by the RTF, and the new deemed savings did not apply to the Giveaway
ESKs as designed. Idaho Power presented options on how to manage the giveaways moving forward,
including changing the kits to match the savings that were supported by the RTF or keeping the ESKs
as-is and continuing to apply the previous savings. EEAG agreed the company should continue to
distribute Giveaway ESKs to customers who call about their high bills and at various events, while
continuing to apply the previous deemed savings. EEAG agreed this effort should be continued as this
interaction is targeted to a more engaged customer.
Simple Steps, Smart Savings
Idaho Power reported to EEAG that the incremental price difference between standard and high
efficiency showerheads had become small and asked the group if the company should continue with
incentives for this measure. The group suggested the company should consider market indicators before
deciding whether to continue offering this measure. Based on EEAG’s feedback and findings from
researching the market that indicated inefficient showerheads are still available, the group recommended
the company should continue offering these showerheads as part of the program.
Idaho Power Company Introduction
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 17
School Cohort
EEAG was asked for input regarding continuation with year-two of the School Cohort. The group
expressed appreciation that the company is looking for ways to improve and continue this program. The
consensus of the group was that Idaho Power should continue this effort for the second year.
A/C Cool Credit
The company informed EEAG that it was unable to communicate with a small number of load control
devices and it committed to develop a plan to test these devices. The company provided detailed
information regarding the proposed testing protocol and explained that, as a last resort, participants
would be removed from the program if reliable communication could not be established. After further
discussion, the group was in favor of Idaho Power moving forward with the new testing protocol.
Smart-Saver Pledge
At the October 2017 meeting, Idaho Power updated EEAG regarding the status of the 2018 campaign.
Previously, EEAG members were asked to work in groups to help Idaho Power come up with new low-
cost or no-cost items to use in the pledge. As a result, four out of the five items listed on the 2018 pledge
form came from that break out session.
Idaho Power Field Staff
Idaho Power has a wide array of field personnel who have regular and almost continual contact with its
customers provide this service throughout the Idaho Power service area. These expert energy advisors
include: major account and combo representatives, customer representatives, agriculture representatives,
community education representatives, and customer solutions advisors. All the representatives are
subject-matter experts in their respective fields and provide added support for customers through strong
working relationships. These representatives promote Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs and
help customers to use energy wisely.
Future Plans for DSM Programs
Idaho Power will continue to pursue all prudent cost-effective energy and an appropriate amount of
demand response based on the demand response settlement agreement approved in IPUC Order No.
32923 and OPUC Order No. 13-482. The forecast level of energy efficiency and the needed level of
demand response are determined by Idaho Power’s biennial IRP planning process. Idaho Power includes
all achievable cost-effective energy savings as identified in its potential studies in each IRP and
considers this achievable potential a reasonable 20-year planning estimate. However, the company does
not consider the achievable potential as a ceiling limiting energy efficiency acquisition. The IRP is
developed in a public process that details Idaho Power’s strategy for economically maintaining the
adequacy of its power system into the future. The IRP process balances reliability, cost, risk,
environmental concerns, and efficiency to develop a preferred portfolio of future resources to meet the
specific energy needs of Idaho Power’s customers.
The company will explore new energy-savings potential through third-party resources, conferences, and
regional organizations, and will continue to assess and develop new program offerings through its
Program Planning Group (PPG). Idaho Power will work in consultation with EEAG to expand or modify
Introduction Idaho Power Company
Page 18 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
its energy efficiency portfolio. Future plans for individual programs are included under each program’s
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies section.
In 2018, Idaho Power will continue to enhance its marketing and outreach efforts as described in the
Marketing section of this report and within each program section. Idaho Power will continue to work
with NEEA on its market transformation activities during the 2015–2019 funding cycle and will
participate in discussions with NEEA concerning its 2020–2024 funding cycle.
The company will complete its research and evaluation, measurement, and verification (EM&V)
projects included in the evaluation plan in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
DSM Annual Report Structure
The Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report consists of this main document and
two supplements.
The main document contains the following sections related to 2018 DSM activities: 1) program
activities by customer sector (residential, commercial/industrial, and irrigation) including marketing
efforts, cost-effectiveness analysis, customer satisfaction survey results, and evaluation
recommendations and responses for each program; 2) other program and activity details including
market transformation; 3) and four appendices of data related to payments, funding, and program-level
costs and savings. Where appropriate, plans for 2019 are also discussed. Historical data related to energy
efficiency programs and demand response activities that was traditionally reported in Appendix 4, has
been moved to Supplement 2: Evaluation in the Other section.
Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness describes the standard cost-effectiveness tests for Idaho Power
programs and reports current-year program-level and summary cost-effectiveness and expenses by
funding source and cost category.
Supplement 2: Evaluation includes an evaluation and research summary, an evaluation plan, EEAG
meeting notes, links to NEEA evaluations, and copies of Integrated Design Lab (IDL) reports, research
and survey reports, evaluation reports, and other reports (including the historical program data
mentioned above).
Idaho Power Company 2018 DSM Program Activity
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 19
2018 DSM PROGRAM ACTIVITY
DSM Expenditures
Funding for DSM programs in 2018 came from several sources. The Idaho and Oregon Rider funds are
collected directly from customers on their monthly bills. The 2018 Idaho Rider was 3.75 percent of base
revenues. On November 9, 2018 Idaho Power filed Advice No. 18-10 with the OPUC to increase the
Oregon Rider collection percentage from 3 percent to 4 percent of base revenues. Concurrently,
Idaho Power filed Advice No. 18-11 to lower the collection percentage of the Solar Photovoltaic Pilot
Program Rider, and in both advice filings requested to transfer $5.5 million from the Solar Photovoltaic
Pilot Program Rider balance to the Oregon Rider balance. Both advice filings received OPUC approval
on December 18, 2018. Additionally, Idaho demand response program incentives were paid through
base rates and the annual PCA mechanism. DSM expenses not funded through the Rider are included as
part of Idaho Power’s ongoing operation and maintenance (O&M) costs.
Total DSM expenses funded from all sources were $44.3 million in 2018. At the beginning of 2018,
the Idaho Rider balance was approximately $0.4 million, and by December 31, 2018, the positive
balance was $5.3 million. At the beginning of 2018, the Oregon Rider negative balance was
approximately $6.3 million, and by year-end, the negative balance was $1.4 million.
Table 3 shows the total expenditures funded by the Idaho and Oregon riders and non-rider funding
resulting in Idaho Power’s total DSM expenditures of $44,262,080. The non-rider funding category
includes the company’s demand response Idaho incentives, Weatherization Assistance for Qualified
Customers (WAQC) expenses, and O&M costs.
Table 3. 2018 funding source and energy savings
Funding Source Expenses MWh Savings
Idaho Rider ................................................................................................................ $ 33,663,001 176,204
Oregon Rider.............................................................................................................. 1,757,910 6,524
Idaho Power Base Rates ........................................................................................... 8,841,168 650
Total .......................................................................................................................... $ 44,262,080 183,378
Table 4 and Figure 10 indicate 2018 DSM program expenditures by category. The Materials &
Equipment category includes items that directly benefit customers: ESKs and LED lightbulbs distributed
at customer events ($2,255,883) and direct-install weatherization measures ($125,000). The expenses in
the Other Expense category include marketing ($1,270,112), program evaluation ($97,448), program
training ($168,278), and Custom Projects energy audits ($259,821). The Purchased Services category
includes payments made to NEEA and third-party contractors who help deliver Idaho Power’s programs.
2018 DSM Program Activity Idaho Power Company
Page 20 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Table 4. 2018 DSM program expenditures by category
Total % of Total
Incentive Expense .................................................................................................................... $ 25,114,246 57%
Materials & Equipment ............................................................................................................. 2,638,648 6%
Other Expense ......................................................................................................................... 2,148,339 5%
Purchased Services ................................................................................................................. 10,492,873 24%
Total 2018 DSM Expenditures by Category ......................................................................... $ 44,262,080 100%
Figure 10. 2018 DSM program expenditures by category
Table 5. 2018 DSM program incentive totals by program type and sector
Program Type—Sector Total % of Total
DRa—Residential .................................................................................................................. $ 379,237 2%
DR—Commercial/Industrial ................................................................................................... 371,496 1%
DR—Irrigation ....................................................................................................................... 6,636,510 26%
EEb—Residential ................................................................................................................... 2,029,822 8%
EE—Commercial/Industrial ................................................................................................... 13,180,964 53%
EE—Irrigation ........................................................................................................................ 2,516,217 10%
Total Incentive Expense ..................................................................................................... $ 25,114,246 100%
a DR = demand response
b EE = energy efficiency
57%
8%
6%
5%
24%
Incentive Expense
Labor/Administrative Expense
Materials & Equipment
Other Expense
Purchased Services
Idaho Power Company 2018 DSM Program Activity
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 21
Figure 11. DSM program incentives by segment and sector, 2018
Marketing
Idaho Power used multi-channel marketing and public relations strategies in 2018 to improve
communication and increase energy efficiency program awareness among its customers. Idaho Power
uses a wide variety of media and marketing. Owned media (social, website, and newsletters) and paid
media (advertising and sponsorships) allow Idaho Power to control content. Earned unpaid media
(news coverage, Idaho Power’s News Briefs sent to reporters, third-party publications, and television
news appearances) give Idaho Power access to audiences through other channels and help establish
credibility and brand trust. Though Idaho Power has less control of the content with earned unpaid
media, the value is established from the third-party endorsement.
The following describes a selection of the methods, approaches, and strategies used by Idaho Power to
engage with customers regarding energy efficiency, along with their results. See the respective Sector
Overviews and program sections later in this report for the company’s marketing efforts specific to those
areas.
Social Media
Approximately 25 percent of the company’s total social media content promoted energy efficiency in
2018. Idaho Power regularly posted messages encouraging energy efficiency behaviors, program
enrollment, and customer engagement on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Social media
content also showcased local businesses and organizations that have benefitted from Idaho Power
energy efficiency efforts. Idaho Power engaged with customers posting their own social media content
about Idaho Power programs such as Energy-Saving Kits and Welcome Kits.
2%1%
26%
8%53%
10%
DR—Residential
DR—Commercial/Industrial
DR—Irrigation
EE—Residential
EE—Commercial/Industrial
EE—Irrigation
2018 DSM Program Activity Idaho Power Company
Page 22 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Figure 12. Idaho Power shares energy efficiency tips and engages with customers on social media.
In 2018, Idaho Power continued its #TipTuesday posts on Facebook and Twitter. #TipTuesday posts
provided Idaho Power’s Facebook and Twitter followers with an energy efficiency tip or program
information every Tuesday of the year, with the exception of a brief hiatus in September while the team
worked to update design and strategy. The posts used photos and included the hashtag #TipTuesday so
the tips could be categorized together and easily identified by social media users. For the first time, the
company paid to “boost” a few #TipTuesday posts to increase reach to Idaho Power Facebook followers
and their friends. Facebook charges a fee to boost a post to target specific audiences.
Idaho Power’s Facebook followers increased 9.6 percent in 2018, from 17,645 at the end of 2017 to
19,340 at the end of 2018. Though the number of followers increased overall, the rate Idaho Power
added followers is slightly lower in 2018 because Facebook changed to an algorithm that promotes
interactions from friends and family over content from businesses or brands. In this new Facebook
environment, it is harder to reach followers or gain new followers without paying for advertising.
Idaho Power uses Twitter to communicate with customers, the media, and business partners about media
items, large outages, and energy efficiency. Idaho Power’s Twitter followers increased 5 percent in
2018, from 5,510 followers to 5,785. Twitter growth is a lower priority for Idaho Power, as Facebook is
a much more widely used and more popular platform for engaging directly with all customer
demographics.
Idaho Power Company 2018 DSM Program Activity
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 23
Idaho Power saw a very favorable increase in followers on LinkedIn: up 24 percent from 2017.
The increase is attributed to a concerted effort to engage business and commercial customers in energy
efficiency on LinkedIn, as well as position the company as a good corporate citizen and employer
of choice.
Website
Idaho Power tracked the number of page views to the main energy efficiency pages—also known as
landing pages—on the company’s website. In 2018, the company’s energy efficiency homepage
received 35,326 page views, the residential landing page received 213,183, and the business and
irrigation landing pages received 13,394. Idaho Power uses Google Analytics to analyze web activity.
Google’s definition of page views is the total number of pages viewed, with repeated views of a single
page by one user counted as a new view.
Bill Inserts
A February bill insert promoting Idaho Power’s Empowered Community, which is often surveyed on
topics related to energy efficiency, was sent to 329,379 customers. Read more about the Empowered
Community in the Residential Sector Overview. Other program-specific bill inserts were also sent
throughout the year. Information about those can be found in each program later in this report.
Public Relations
Idaho Power’s public relations (PR) staff supported energy efficiency programs and activities through
multiple channels: eNews videos telling energy efficiency success stories; Connections, a monthly
customer newsletter distributed in approximately 410,000 monthly bills and available online; News
Briefs, a weekly email of interesting news items sent to all media in the company’s service area; pitching
and participating in news stories; energy efficiency TV segments in three markets (KTVB in Boise,
KPVI in Pocatello, and KMVT in Twin Falls); news releases; and public events (such as incentive check
presentations).
In 2018, the April and October issues of Connections were devoted to energy efficiency. The April issue
included stories about Idaho Power’s heat pump water heater (HPWH) incentive for residential
customers, the winners of the 2017 Smart-Saver Pledge contest, and an energy-saving success story at
Alpine Automotive in McCall. The October edition of Connections focused on fixing leaks to keep
homes cozy, the benefits of Home Energy Audits, and the kickoff of the 2018 Smart-Saver Pledge.
Idaho Power produced a number of videos championing energy efficiency in 2018. Examples include
wintertime energy savings tips; ductless heat pumps (DHP); energy-savings success at Alpine
Automotive in McCall, Roaring Springs and Wahooz in Meridian, and the Pocatello School District;
the Multifamily Energy Saving Program; and a series of quick tip for social media. Collectively,
energy efficiency videos posted in 2018 received more than 2,700 views on YouTube and an additional
5,600 views on Facebook.
The monthly energy efficiency television segments continued to receive positive feedback. Topics
included energy-saving New Year’s resolutions, Energy-Saving Kits, energy efficient spring planting,
ways to beat the summer heat, and energy efficient holiday cooking and decorating. Idaho Power
representatives conducted the energy efficiency segments on stations in Boise, Twin Falls and Pocatello.
2018 DSM Program Activity Idaho Power Company
Page 24 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
In Pocatello, the station discontinued regular monthly segments because of a format change late in the
year, but a customer representative made several TV appearances and was interviewed on the radio for
topics related to energy efficiency in October and November.
Figure 13. Idaho Power appearances on KTVB and KMVT
Media outreach efforts resulted in a variety of earned media coverage focused on energy efficiency.
Energy efficiency topics were pitched in News Briefs throughout the year, and the company earned
media coverage in multiple markets spanning print, TV, and radio. Some of the most popular story
topics included winter savings tips in January, a large incentive check for SUEZ Water in September,
and Idaho Power receiving the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency in October.
Staff Activities
Idaho Power staff networks with organizations across the region and industry to ensure it is informed
about current and future marketing trends and successes. NEEA and Idaho Power staff held regular
meetings throughout 2018 to coordinate, collaborate, and facilitate marketing for all sectors. All
marketing activities were reviewed for progress, results, and collaborative opportunities.
To build marketing networks and to learn what works in other regions, Idaho Power staff attended the E
Source Utility Marketing Executive Council and E Design Conference in April and the E Source Utility
Marketing Executive Council and Forum in September.
2019 Marketing Activities
In 2019, the Idaho Power marketing department plans to introduce new strategies to expand the reach
and visibility of the company’s energy efficiency ads.
The marketing team will update the Residential Energy Efficiency Awareness Campaign and consider
running it on new digital platforms. Idaho Power will continue to support various business organizations
and programs focused on promoting energy efficiency and will explore radio advertisements and
additional resources targeted toward small businesses. Additionally, the company will continue to
update collateral and displays for irrigation programs and trade shows.
See the Sector Overviews for more specific marketing plans for the future.
Idaho Power Company 2018 DSM Program Activity
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 25
Cost-Effectiveness Results
In 2018, 18 individual measures in various program are shown to be not cost-effective from either the
UCT or TRC perspective. These measures will be discontinued, analyzed for additional non-energy
benefits (NEB), modified to increase potential per-unit savings, or monitored to examine their impact on
the specific program’s overall cost-effectiveness.
Most of Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs were cost-effective from the perspective of all tests,
except for the Heating and Cooling Efficiency (H&CE) Program, Shade Tree Project, and the
weatherization programs for income-qualified customers.
Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program
The H&CE Program has a UCT of 1.65, TRC of 0.83, and PCT of 1.50. In 2016, Idaho Power reviewed
the program’s cost-effectiveness and notified EEAG at the August 30, 2016, meeting that the program
was anticipated to be not cost-effective from the TRC perspective. Idaho Power has continued to update
EEAG of its efforts to improve the program’s cost-effectiveness.
Throughout 2017 and into 2018, Idaho Power worked toward improving program cost-effectiveness.
These tactics included: 1) reassigning non-program labor, 2) reducing marketing spend while optimizing
campaigns, 3) reducing contractor incentives from $150 to $50, and 4) adding heat pump water heaters
to the program. These efforts were successful in keeping cost-effectiveness ratios from falling in 2018
over 2017 levels. However, calibrations to end-use load shapes created for the 2016 energy efficiency
potential study offset cost-effectiveness gains from cost control efforts in 2018. Had Idaho Power used
the same load shape as was used for the 2017 program year, the program would have had a TRC just
over 1.0.
Shade Tree Project
The Shade Tree Project has a UCT of 0.71, a TRC of 0.80. The cost-effectiveness for the program is
based on the modeled savings for the tree distributed in 2018 and the costs incurred during 2018. It is
estimated that these trees will begin saving 35,425 kWh in 2022 and 116,197 kWh by year 2038.
The shade tree calculator assumes a measure life of 20 years for the average tree. However, the most
common tree species distributed in 2018 have an average life of 50 to 500 years according to the United
States Department of Agriculture and the Urban Forest Ecosystem Institute. While the savings beyond
2038 are unknown, if the energy savings were to stay constant beyond year 20, it can be assumed the
program would be cost-effective from both the UCT and TRC perspective if the program life was
revised to 30 years.
Weatherization Programs
The WAQC program had a TRC of 0.52 and a UCT ratio of 0.43, and the Weatherization Solutions for
Eligible Customers (Weatherization Solutions) program had a TRC of 0.51 and a UCT ratio of 0.37.
The programs showed a slight increase in cost-effectiveness ratios over 2017. However, the
cost-effectiveness ratios will decline slightly again in 2019 with the full adoption of the 2017 IRP DSM
alternate costs. Also in 2019, both WAQC and Solutions will have updated per-home savings based on a
billing analysis of the homes weatherized between 2015–2017.
2018 DSM Program Activity Idaho Power Company
Page 26 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Table 6. Cost-effectiveness summary by energy efficiency program
Program/Sector UCT TRC Ratepayer Impact
Educational Distributions ..................................................... 2.68 4.51 0.58 N/A
Energy Efficient Lighting ..................................................... 4.67 6.64 0.59 13.05
Energy House Calls ............................................................ 1.37 1.74 0.42 N/A
Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program ................................ 1.65 0.83 0.47 1.50
Multifamily Energy Savings Program .................................. 1.60 3.00 0.47 N/A
Rebate Advantage .............................................................. 1.93 1.08 0.45 2.09
Residential New Construction Pilot Program ...................... 2.51 1.23 0.59 1.97
Shade Tree Project ............................................................. 0.71 0.80 0.57 N/A
Simple Steps, Smart Savings .............................................. 1.44 4.68 0.48 8.54
Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers ........... 0.43 0.52 0.25 N/A
Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers................. 0.37 0.51 0.22 N/A
Residential Energy Efficiency Sector 2.37 3.16 0.54 10.03
Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Program
Custom Projects ............................................................. 3.85 2.32 1.18 1.92
New Construction ........................................................... 3.97 1.79 0.89 1.88
Retrofits .......................................................................... 3.58 1.45 0.87 1.55
Commercial Energy-Saving Kits.......................................... 1.56 2.50 0.65 N/A
Commercial/Industrial Energy Efficiency Sector * 3.75 1.87 1.01 1.76
Irrigation Efficiency Rewards ............................................... 4.57 3.03 1.29 2.73
Irrigation Energy Efficiency Sector ** 4.60 3.04 1.29 2.73
Energy Efficiency Portfolio 3.04 2.26 0.83 2.85
* Commercial/Industrial Energy Efficiency Sector cost-effectiveness ratios include savings and participant costs from Green Motors Rewinds.
** Irrigation Energy Efficiency Sector cost-effectiveness ratios include savings and participant costs from Green Motors Rewinds.
Details on the cost-effectiveness assumptions and data are included in Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
Customer Satisfaction Surveys
Idaho Power does not separately survey most energy efficiency program participants each year. This is
primarily due to a concern of over-surveying program participants and because the measures and
specifics of most program designs do not change annually. To ensure meaningful research in the future,
Idaho Power conducts program research periodically (every two to three years), unless there have been
major program changes. Throughout 2018, Idaho Power administered several surveys regarding energy
efficiency programs to measure customer satisfaction. Some surveys were administered by a third-party
contractor; other surveys were administered by Idaho Power either through traditional paper or
electronic surveys or through the company’s Empowered Community online survey. Results of these
studies are included in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
The sector-level results of the 2018 Burke Customer Relationship Survey are available in each Sector
Overview of this report: Residential, Commercial and Industrial, and Irrigation.
Evaluations
In 2018, Idaho Power contracted with Tetra Tech MA to conduct three program impact evaluations and
one program process evaluation, DNV GL to conduct a program savings determination analysis,
Idaho Power Company 2018 DSM Program Activity
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 27
Resource Action Programs to conduct two program summary analyses, and Aclara to conduct one
program summary analysis. Impact evaluations were performed for Energy Efficient Lighting,
Multifamily Energy Savings Program, and the Custom option of the Commercial and Industrial Energy
Efficiency Program. A process evaluation was performed for the Multifamily Energy Savings Program
and a savings determination analysis was conducted for the Shade Tree Project. Program summary
analyses were performed for the Energy-Saving Kit Program, the Energy Wise Program, and the Home
Energy Report pilot project. Idaho Power conducted internal analyses of the 2018 demand response
events for A/C Cool Credit, Irrigation Peak Rewards, and Flex Peak Program.
A summary of each of these evaluations is available in the respective program section. An evaluation
schedule and the final reports from evaluations and research completed in 2018 are provided in
Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Residential Sector Overview Idaho Power Company
Page 28 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Residential Sector Overview
Idaho Power’s residential sector consists of 460,717 customers; Idaho customers number 447,282 and
eastern Oregon has 13,435. In 2018, the number of residential sector customers increased by 10,328,
an increase of 2.3 percent from 2017. The residential sector represented 35 percent of Idaho Power’s
actual total electricity usage and 44 percent of overall revenue in 2018.
Table 7 shows a summary of 2018 participants, costs, and savings from the residential energy
efficiency programs.
Table 7. Residential sector program summary, 2018
Total Cost Savings
Program Participants Utility Resource
Annual Energy Peak Demand
Demand Response
A/C Cool Credit ............................................................ 26,182 $ 844,369 $ 844,369 29
Total $ 844,369 $ 844,369 29
Energy Efficiency
Easy Savings: Low-Income Energy Efficiency Education .................................................... 282 -ups $ 147,936 $ 147,936 29,610
Educational Distributions ............................................. 94,717 3,180,380 3,180,380 16,051,888
Energy Efficient Lighting .............................................. 1,340,842 bulbs 2,435,130 3,277,039 18,856,933
Energy House Calls ..................................................... 280 160,777 160,777 374,484
Fridge and Freezer Recycling Program........................ 304 reezers 33,907 33,907 73,602
712 585,211 1,686,618 1,556,065
Home Energy Audit ..................................................... 466 264,394 321,978 211,003
Home Energy Report Pilot Program ............................. 23,914 194,812 194,812 3,281,780
Multifamily Energy Savings Program ........................... 25 205,131 205,131 655,953
Oregon Residential Weatherization .............................. 5 5,507 5,507
107 147,483 355,115 284,559
Residential New Construction Pilot Program ............... 307 400,912 926,958 777,369
Shade Tree Project ...................................................... 2,093 162,995 162,995 35,571
Simple Steps, Smart Savings ....................................... 7,377 90,484 133,101 241,215
Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers ..... 193 -profits 1,272,973 1,819,491 649,505
Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers .......... 141 1,022,471 1,022,471 571,741
Total $ 10,310,503 $13,634,216 43,651,278
Notes:
See Appendix 3 for notes on methodology and column definitions.
Totals may not add up due to rounding.
Marketing
Idaho Power ran a multi-faceted advertising campaign in the spring (April and May) and fall (October
and November) to raise and maintain awareness of the company’s energy efficiency programs for
residential customers and to demonstrate that saving energy does not have to be challenging (Figure 14).
The campaign utilized radio, television, newspaper advertisements (ads), digital ads, Facebook ads,
News Briefs sent to the media, the Connections newsletter, and Idaho Power’s website to reach a variety
of customer demographics. New in 2018, the company added print publications, YouTube video ads,
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector Overview
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 29
Idaho Public TV, Google Ads, and digital ads at the Bogus Basin lodge. The company also continued
the Smart-Saver Pledge sweepstakes (initiated in 2016) to engage and encourage customers to make an
energy-saving behavior change.
Figure 14. Energy efficiency awareness campaign ad example
The company also continued to update individual program materials using the overall campaign imagery
and theme to ensure a consistent look and feel among programs.
Below are Idaho Power’s numerous marketing efforts to promote energy-saving tips and the company’s
energy efficiency programs, along with resulting data. Marketing tactics related to a specific sector or
program are detailed in those respective sections later in this report.
Email
In May 2018, Idaho Power launched an effort to communicate via email with residential customers who
had previously provided their addresses for a variety of reasons. An initial email was sent to 143,579
residential email addresses informing customers that Idaho Power will begin communicating with them
via email and encouraging them to set their preferences to identify which categories of information they
would like to receive emails about. The email categories included: company news, energy savings, green
options, and ways to pay.
Idaho Power sent emails promoting the company’s campgrounds, Energy-Saving Kits, paperless and
auto pay, the Smart-Saver Pledge, energy-saving tips to prepare for winter, and a powering-the-holidays
greeting. The emails had an average unique open rate of about 37 percent and an average unique click
rate of about 4 percent. According to SendGrid’s 2018 Global Email Benchmark Report, the aggregate
open rate for energy and utilities is 31 percent and the aggregate click rate is 4.4 percent.
Residential Sector Overview Idaho Power Company
Page 30 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Figure 15. Idaho Power Smart-Saver Pledge email
Digital
Idaho Power placed ads on weatherbug.com and the WeatherBug app in the spring and in other online
venues as part of the spring and fall campaign. The WeatherBug ads received 1,708,993 impressions
(defined as the number of times an ad was displayed), 3,696 clicks, and a click-through rate (the percent
of customers who clicked the ad and were directed to Idaho Power’s Savings For Your Home web page)
of 0.22 percent.
In the spring, web users were exposed to 1,785,483 display ads (image ads embedded into a website)
based on their demographics, related to online articles they viewed or their use of a particular mobile
web page or app. Users clicked on the ads 3,164 times, resulting in a click-through rate of 0.18 percent.
In the fall, the display ads received 2,395,638 impressions and 2,393 clicks, resulting in a click-through
rate of 0.10 percent.
Idaho Power began using Google search ads in 2018. When people search for terms related to energy
efficiency, energy efficiency programs, and individual program measures, the company’s ads appear and
drive them to the appropriate energy efficiency web page. These ads received 9,643,409 impressions and
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector Overview
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 31
116,381 clicks throughout the year. The search terms with the highest engagement were Idaho Power,
Idaho power company, idaho power, +Idaho +power rebates, smart thermostat, new +water +heater,
idaho power boise, and tankless water heater.
Figure 16. Google search ad example
Idaho Power ran digital ads on radio station websites and on the television screens in the Bogus Basin
Lodge during the 2017–2018 ski season. Idaho Power leveraged mobile geolocation services/technology
to display digital ads to people in and around select movie theaters. These ads resulted in 243,736
impressions, 3,283 clicks and a click-through rate of 1.31 percent in the spring and 250,770 impressions,
962 clicks and a click-through rate of 0.38 percent in the fall. These digital ads ran in conjunction with
on-screen and lobby ads playing within the theaters.
The company also ran ads on Pandora internet radio, YouTube, and Hulu. Those results can be found in
the Radio and Television sections, respectively.
Television
Idaho Power used network television, Hulu, and YouTube advertising for the spring and fall campaign.
The network television campaign focused on primetime and news programming that reaches the highest
percentage of the target market: adults age 25 to 64.
During the spring campaign, an ad ran 1,959 times in the Boise, Pocatello, and Twin Falls media
markets. The ads reached 71.5 percent of the Boise target audience, 60.1 percent of Twin Falls target
audience, and 70.2 percent of the Pocatello target audience. The targeted customers saw the ad 9.9 times
in Boise, 11.5 times in Twin Falls, and 8.3 times in Pocatello. Hulu ads delivered 419,083 completions,
meaning that the ad was viewed in its entirety. YouTube video ads resulted in 534,620 impressions and
186,761 views.
During the fall campaign, the spot ran 1,609 times in the Boise, Pocatello, and Twin Falls media
markets. The ads reached 68.6 percent of the Boise target audience, 41.3 percent of Twin Falls target
audience, and 36.1 percent of the Pocatello target audience. The targeted customers saw the ad 5 times
in Boise, 5.7 times in Twin Falls and 4.6 times in Pocatello. Hulu ads received 405,763 completions and
YouTube video ads delivered 393,669 impressions and 146,206 views.
New in 2018, Idaho Power sponsored Idaho Public Television’s This Old House and Ask This Old
House. Fifty-two 15-second spots ran from April through September; the ads reached 7,634 households.
Residential Sector Overview Idaho Power Company
Page 32 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Radio
As part of its spring and fall campaign, Idaho Power ran 30-second radio spots on major commercial
radio stations in the service area. To obtain optimum reach, the spots ran on a variety of station formats,
including classic rock, news/talk, country, adult alternative, adult contemporary, and classic hits. The
message was targeted toward adults age 25 to 64 throughout Idaho Power’s service area.
Results of the spots are provided for the three major markets: Boise, Pocatello, and Twin Falls. During
the spring campaign, Idaho Power ran 2,820 English radio spots. These spots reached 69.6 percent of the
target audience in Boise, 81 percent in Pocatello, and 85.7 percent in Twin Falls. The target audience in
Boise was exposed to the ad 7.6 times, 10.8 times in Pocatello, and 13.8 times in Twin Falls. During the
fall campaign, the company ran 2,843 English radio spots. These spots reached 76.7 percent of the target
audience in Boise, 47.4 percent of the target audience in Pocatello, and 90.4 percent of the target
audience in Twin Falls. The target audience was exposed to the message eight times in Boise, 12.1 times
in Pocatello, and 18.4 times in Twin Falls during the fall campaign.
Idaho Power also ran ads on Spanish-speaking radio stations and National Public Radio (NPR) stations
in the service area. These ads ran 670 times in the spring and 732 times in the fall.
Idaho Power ran 30-second spots with accompanying visual banner ads on Pandora internet radio,
which is accessed by mobile and web-based devices. In the spring, records show 1,049,382 impressions
and 162 clicks to the Idaho Power residential energy efficiency web page. The fall ads yielded
1,055,222 impressions and 126 clicks. Other online radio ads resulted in 4,812 impressions and
164 clicks/plays.
Print
As part of the campaign, print advertising ran in the major daily and select weekly newspapers
throughout the service area. The company also ran ads in the Idaho Shakespeare Festival program, Boise
Hawks program, Territory Magazine, Idaho Magazine, Broadway in Boise program, and Sun Valley
Magazine. The ads highlighted individual energy efficiency program options, such as how to get a home
energy audit or the benefits of installing a DHP. The ads informed customers that Idaho Power can help
them save energy and money regardless of whether they own or rent. The ads were scheduled for
2,168,892 impressions in 2018.
In 2018, Idaho Power developed a spiral-bound guide outlining each of the residential energy efficiency
programs, tips, and resources. The guide was included in Welcome Kits mailed out to 30,500 new
customers, provided to Weatherization Assistance customers, and handed out at a variety of events
including the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Symposium, Idaho Remodeling &
Design Show, Incredible Age Expo, FitOneSM Expo, Smart Women Smart Money, Eastern Idaho Fair,
Portneuf Environmental Fair, home shows in Pocatello, Twin Falls, Boise and Nampa, and more.
Social Media
Idaho Power’s Facebook ads averaged 424,248 impressions and received 11,492 link clicks during the
spring energy efficiency campaign. During the fall campaign, Facebook ads averaged 284,655
impressions and resulted in 1,384 link clicks, per available data. Due to a lapse in Facebook reporting,
data for one November ad is not available, bringing the total impression and link click data down
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector Overview
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 33
significantly. Fall campaign results may also be lower than previous months (2017 and 2018 campaigns)
due to saturation of the market. In targeting the same service area with the same ads over multiple
months, Facebook users may have started to scroll past the familiar ad rather than engage. Throughout
the year, Idaho Power used Facebook posts and boosted posts for various programs.
Public Relations
Many of the company’s PR activities focused on the residential sector. Energy-saving tips videos,
TV segments, News Briefs content and Connections newsletter articles often aim to promote incentive
programs and/or educate customers about behavioral or product changes they can make to save energy
in their homes. Idaho Power also promoted the Smart-Saver Pledge, including outreach in Connections,
News Briefs, and through regional TV segments.
See the Program Activity section and the Commercial and Industrial Sector Overview for more 2018
PR activities.
Empowered Community
In 2015, Idaho Power created the Empowered Community, an online community of residential
customers, to measure customer perceptions on a variety of company-related topics, including energy
efficiency. The community has almost 1,800 actively engaged members from across Idaho Power’s
service area. On average, Idaho Power sends one survey per month to active members. In 2018, Idaho
Power included 11 energy efficiency messages with survey invitations to members resulting in over
8,700 touchpoints.
Email Test
In March and April, the company ran a pilot program with a subset of Empowered Community
participants who agreed to receive and review a set of four emails and corresponding surveys within a
month period. Participants received a text-only email introducing Idaho Power’s email plans, an email
promoting ESKs that included a combination of text and images, an image-only email promoting
paperless billing, and an email with a link to a video about linemen saving a bee colony.
After each email, participants were asked if they received the email or if it ended up in a junk or spam
inbox and about their overall impression of the email—if the length was appropriate, whether the call to
action was clear, and their impression on the format (i.e., text, image, video or a combination thereof).
Responses varied for each of the four emails tested, but overall, participants felt that the emails were
clear and concise, included a good mix of images, text, and video, and left them with a neutral or
positive impression.
Smart-Saver Pledge Sweepstakes
In 2018, Idaho Power continued the Smart-Saver Pledge sweepstakes to encourage customers in Idaho
to make energy-saving changes. The sweepstakes ran from October 1 through November 20. Customers
were asked to commit to making an energy-saving change for 21 days, choosing one of the following
actions: change the porch light to an LED or add a timer, use a programmable pressure cooker once a
week instead of the oven or stove, hang-dry clothes after washing, unplug the cell phone charger when
not in use, or use kitchen and bath exhaust fans only when needed. In return, pledge participants were
entered to win an ENERGY STAR® electric appliance.
Residential Sector Overview Idaho Power Company
Page 34 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Idaho Power promoted the pledge primarily with a bill insert and email. The bill inserts (Figure 17) went
to 318,326 customers and included a sign-up form on the back for customers to mail in. The email was
sent to approximately 147,000 customers and included a link to the online sign-up form. The pledge was
also promoted through Facebook and Twitter posts. Additional promotion included News Briefs,
the October issue of Connections, and a television news segment on KTVB where customers were
directed to sign up on the Smart-Saver Pledge web page.
Figure 17. Smart-Saver Pledge bill insert
Idaho Power received 4,486 pledges throughout the pledge period and a few additional pledges after the
pledge ended. In 2017, the company received fewer than 1,000 pledges. In addition to the greatly
increased number of participants, the company received positive feedback from customers about the
pledge and their energy habits. One customer stated, “Good for Idaho Power in trying to help people use
less energy.” The company believes the participants were highly engaged and that the results were
generally positive.
Customers were asked to complete a follow-up survey as part of the pledge. In return, participants were
entered to win a $100 Visa gift card. The company received 2,302 responses to the follow-up survey in
2018 (about 51 percent of pledge participants). In 2017, the survey response rate was 42 percent.
Highlights include the following:
• Over 94 percent of respondents fulfilled all 21 days of their pledge.
• Of the respondents who answered the question regarding whether they would continue their
energy-saving changes, all but six planned to continue with the energy-saving changes after the
pledge ended.
• Just over 61 percent of respondents indicated they were “very likely” to seek out additional ways
to save energy.
• After taking the pledge, over 97 percent of respondents were “somewhat likely” or “very likely”
to participate in an Idaho Power energy efficiency program.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector Overview
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 35
A copy of the full survey results can be found in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Customer Satisfaction
Idaho Power conducts the Burke Customer Relationship Survey each year. In 2018, 64 percent of
residential survey respondents indicated Idaho Power is meeting or exceeding their needs with
information on how to use energy wisely and efficiently.
Sixty-six percent of residential respondents indicated Idaho Power is meeting or exceeding their needs
by encouraging energy efficiency with its customers. Fifty-three percent of Idaho Power residential
customers surveyed indicated the company is meeting or exceeding their needs in offering energy
efficiency programs, and 41 percent of the residential survey respondents indicated they have
participated in at least one Idaho Power energy efficiency program. Of the residential survey
respondents who have participated in at least one Idaho Power energy efficiency program, 90 percent are
“very” or “somewhat” satisfied with the program.
Based on surveys conducted in the last six months of 2017 and the first six months of 2018, Idaho Power
ranked second out of 14 utilities included in the west region midsize segment of the J.D. Power and
Associates 2018 Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study. Fifty-two percent of the
residential respondents in this study indicated they were aware of Idaho Power’s energy efficiency
programs, and on an overall basis, those customers were more satisfied with Idaho Power than
customers who are unaware of the programs.
See the individual programs for program-specific customer satisfaction survey results.
Residential Sector—A/C Cool Credit Idaho Power Company
Page 36 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
A/C Cool Credit
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (homes) 26,182 28,214
Demand Reduction (MW) 29 29
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $433,659 $495,142
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $36,425 $39,493
Idaho Power Funds $374,285 $401,637
Total Program Costs—All Sources $844,369 $936,272
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) n/a n/a
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Description
Originating in 2003, A/C Cool Credit is a voluntary, dispatchable demand response program for
residential customers in Idaho and Oregon. Using communication hardware and software, Idaho Power
cycles participants’ central air conditioning (A/C) units or heat pumps off and on via a direct load
control device installed on the A/C unit. This program enables Idaho Power to reduce system capacity
needs during times when summer peak load is high.
Customers’ A/C units are controlled using switches that communicate by powerline carrier (PLC).
The switch is installed on each participating customer’s A/C unit and allows Idaho Power to control the
unit during a cycling event.
The cycling rate is the percentage of an hour that the A/C unit will be turned off by the switch.
For instance, with a 55 percent cycling rate, the switch should be off for about 33 (nonconsecutive)
minutes of each hour. Idaho Power tracks the communication levels to validate whether the signal
reaches the switches. There are many reasons why Idaho Power’s PLC cannot communicate with a
switch. The switch may be disconnected, an A/C unit may not be powered on, the switch may be
defective, or the participant’s household wiring may prevent communication. Sometimes it is difficult
for the company to detect why the switch is not communicating. At the end of the season, Idaho Power
evaluates event reductions using methodologies consistent with those established in prior third-party
evaluations.
These are the program event guidelines:
• June 15 through August 15 (excluding weekends and July 4)
• Up to four hours per day
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—A/C Cool Credit
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 37
• A maximum of 60 hours per season
• At least three events per season
Program Activities
In 2018, about 26,000 customers participated in the program. Four cycling events occurred, and all were
successfully deployed (Table 8). The cycling rate was 55 percent and the communication level exceeded
94 percent for each event. The incentive remained $15 per season, paid as a $5 bill credit on the July,
August, and September bills.
Table 8. A/C Cool Credit demand response event details
Event Details Monday, Wednesday, Tuesday, Monday,
Event time .............................................. 4–7 p.m. 4–7 p.m. 4–7 p.m. 4–7 p.m.
Average temperature ............................. 93°F 98°F 96°F 89°F
Maximum load reduction (MW) .............. 29 27.3 27.3 10.4
For the third event, Idaho Power believes that the low results were partially due to low A/C use at the
time of the event. In addition, the methodology used to determine the amount of reduction achieved for
the event compared recent historical usage patterns to that of the event day. These results may be
understated because the customers’ use patterns from the prior ten days did not align well with the
customer usage patterns on the day of the event, causing the savings to appear lower. For the fourth
event, the lower reduction for this event corresponds to the cooler temperatures.
Marketing Activities
Per the settlement agreement reached in Idaho Case No. IPC-E-13-14 and Oregon Case No. UM 1653,
Idaho Power did not actively market the A/C Cool Credit program in 2018. Idaho Power communicated
with participants in an effort to retain them and with customers who moved into a home where a switch
was present in an effort the utilize the installed equipment.
Before the cycling season began, Idaho Power sent current participants a postcard reminding them of the
program specifics. Idaho Power also attempted to recruit customers who had moved into a home that
already had a load control device installed and previous participants who changed residences to a
location that may or may not have a load control device installed. The company used postcards,
phone calls, direct-mail letters, and home visits (leaving door hangers for those not home) to recruit
these customers. At the end of the summer, a thank-you postcard was sent to program participants.
Cost-Effectiveness
Idaho Power determines cost-effectiveness for its demand response program under the terms of IPUC
Order No. 32923 and OPUC Order No. 13-482. Under the terms of the orders and the settlement, all of
Idaho Power’s demand response programs were cost-effective for 2018.
The A/C Cool Credit program was dispatched for four events (totaling 12 event hours) and achieved a
maximum demand reduction of 29.1 MW. The total expense for 2018 was $844,369 and would have
remained the same if the program was fully used for 60 hours because there is no variable incentive paid
for events beyond the three required events.
Residential Sector—A/C Cool Credit Idaho Power Company
Page 38 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
A complete description of Idaho Power cost-effectiveness of its demand response programs is included
in Supplement 1: Cost-effectiveness.
Evaluations
Each year, Idaho Power internally evaluates the program reductions by determining the three days with
the highest usage, out of the 10 days prior to an event, and comparing their usage to the event day usage.
The baseline methodology performed as expected for three of the four events, but the third event on
July 31 was lower than expected partially due to misalignment of the baseline days and the event day.
The complete report is available in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power does not anticipate any program changes in 2019.
Per the terms of the above-mentioned settlement agreements, Idaho Power will not actively market the
A/C Cool Credit program to solicit new participants but will accept them upon request, regardless of
whether they previously participated. Attempts will continue to be made to recruit previous participants
who have moved, as well as new customers moving into homes that already have a load control
device installed.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Easy Savings: Low-Income Energy Efficiency Education
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 39
Easy Savings: Low-Income Energy Efficiency Education
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (coupons/kits)* 282 2,470
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $0 $0
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $0 $0
Idaho Power Funds $147,936 $149,813
Total Program Costs—All Sources $147,936 $149,813
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $1.37 $0.064
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
*In 2017–2018, the program transformed from energy-savings kits to electric heating system tune-up coupons.
Description
As a result of IPUC Case No. IPC-E-08-10 and Order Nos. 30722 and 30754, Idaho Power committed to
fund energy efficiency education for low-income customers and provide $125,000 to Community Action
Partnership (CAP) agencies in the Idaho Power service area annually, on a prorated basis. These orders
specified that Idaho Power provide educational information to Idaho customers who heat their homes
with electricity.
From 2009 to 2017, using CAP agency personnel, the program distributed energy-saving kits and
corresponding educational materials to participants of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP) who heat their homes with electricity. In 2017, with input from a planning
committee consisting of representatives from Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho
(CAPAI), CAP Agencies, and the IPUC, Idaho Power discontinued kit distribution and offered a pilot
incentive: a coupon for a free HVAC tune-up and one-on-one education with the goal of reducing the
energy costs for LIHEAP participants. Contractors were reimbursed up to $300 per redeemed coupon.
Though this report discusses other program activities based on the calendar year, the following program
information summarizes activities based on the federal fiscal year because CAP agencies use the fiscal
LIHEAP program cycle.
Program Activities
By November 1, 2018, 659 coupons were distributed and 282 were redeemed by customers for heating
system tune-ups. Of the $125,000 Idaho Power allotted to CAP Agencies for this pilot, $68,368 was paid
to HVAC contractors for their service. Since this was a pilot, the unused funds were designated to
provide additional coupons in 2018–2019 program year. Coupons expire at the end of the 2019 program
year; no other conditions apply.
Residential Sector—Easy Savings: Low-Income Energy Efficiency Education Idaho Power Company
Page 40 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
To participate, regional HVAC company owners were required to sign the Contractor Guidelines and
acknowledge the two-fold goal of the pilot: customer education and equipment tune-up. During the
customer visit, HVAC contractors performed the tune-up and taught residents how to change furnace
filters. They also explained how regular maintenance improves overall performance and answered
questions about the specific heating equipment and ways to save energy. The contractor left behind a
customer satisfaction survey that could be mailed to CAPAI or completed online; respondents were
entered into a drawing for a gift card.
The planning committee found that the $300-maximum per coupon was frequently inadequate to address
all of the costs associated with minor tuning and/or repairing the heating systems. Customers were then
referred to the CAP agencies to apply for additional assistance. These referrals caused an unintended
strain on weatherization budgets. The Planning Committee also found that limiting eligibility to
LIHEAP participants made it difficult to distribute the coupons because CAP agencies are busy assisting
people during energy assistance season. As a result, the maximum per-coupon amount was increased to
$600 in mid-2018.
Marketing Activities
The Easy Savings pilot is included under “Savings For Your Home” on the Idaho Power website in the
“Income Qualified Customers” section.
Cost-Effectiveness
Idaho Power started tracking cost-effectiveness ratios for the program in 2015 when the company began
claiming savings for the program. However, since the purpose of Easy Savings is primarily an
educational and marketing program, the company determined that, like the Home Energy Audit
program, the traditional cost-effectiveness tests should not apply. The cost-effectiveness goal of the
program is to find trackable energy savings opportunities while maintaining the educational
program mandate.
The Easy Savings HVAC coupon claimed 105 kWh of annual savings for each qualifying customer with
air conditioning. The savings value is sourced to the 2016 energy efficiency potential study.
Customer Satisfaction
Information and comments gathered from the 2017–2018 customer survey show that most of the
coupons were redeemed by customers during the month of September followed by March and January.
October, December, and May had the lowest redemption rate.
Of the 141 surveys returned to CAPAI, 111 customers reported that the contractor demonstrated how to
safely change filters. Ninety customers reported that the contractor recommended ways to save energy
such as changing furnace filters, properly programming the thermostat, using a ceiling fan instead of air
conditioning in the summer, and opening blinds during the day and closing them at night in the winter.
One hundred eighteen respondents pledged to change furnace filters as recommended and 71 described
other changes they made based on program recommendations.
One hundred seventeen participants reported they were very satisfied with the program and nine were
somewhat satisfied.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Easy Savings: Low-Income Energy Efficiency Education
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 41
2018–2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
The planning committee and participating regional HVAC contractors agreed to support Easy Savings a
second year as Pilot #2 with these improvements:
1. Increase the maximum dollar amount available to contractors per customer visit to $600.
This increase will allow the HVAC contractor to leave behind extra furnace filters and to
make minor repairs to furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps while providing
educational information.
2. Expand eligibility beyond LIHEAP recipients to all Idaho Power customers with electric
heat systems who have participated in other income-specific programs in the past four years
or to those on the waiting list for weatherization services. This will allow Easy Savings to
reach more customers, provide interim assistance while customers wait for weatherization,
and help extend the life of HVAC equipment previously installed with weatherization
program funding.
Idaho Power revised the coupon and mailed them to CAP agencies in November 2018 for the
2018–2019 program year. Funding came from a combination of unused 2017–2018 and current-year
2018–2019 sources.
Residential Sector—Educational Distributions Idaho Power Company
Page 42 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Educational Distributions
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (kits/lightbulbs) 94,717 84,399
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $3,307,782 $3,323,024
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $67,409 $141,860
Idaho Power Funds $0 $1,143
Total Program Costs—All Sources $3,375,192 $3,466,027
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.019 $0.016
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 2.68 3.02
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 4.51 6.33
*Program savings include Home Energy Report pilot program savings.
Description
Designated as a specific program in 2015, the Educational Distributions effort is administered through
the Residential Energy Efficiency Education Initiative and seeks to use low-cost and no-cost channels to
deliver energy efficiency items with energy savings directly to customers. As with the initiative, the goal
for these distributions is to drive behavior change and create awareness of and demand for energy
efficiency programs in Idaho Power’s service area.
Idaho Power selects items for distribution if the initial analysis indicates the measure is either currently
cost-effective or expected to be cost-effective. Typically, selected items have additional benefits beyond
traditional energy savings, such as educating customers about energy efficiency, expediting the
opportunity for customers to experience newer technology, or allowing Idaho Power to gather data or
validate potential energy savings resulting from behavior change.
Idaho Power recognizes the need to educate and guide customers to promote behavior change and
awareness and will plan program activities accordingly. Items may be distributed at events and
presentations, through direct-mail, or during home visits conducted by customer representatives.
Energy-Saving Kits
Idaho Power knows that managing household energy use can be a challenge. To help make it easier for
families, Idaho Power works with a kit vendor to offer two versions of its free ESKs: one for homes with
electric water heaters and one for homes with alternate-source water heaters. Customers enroll at
idahopower.com/save2day, by calling 800-465-6045, or by returning a postcard. A kit is sent directly to
the customer’s home.
Each ESK contains nine LED lightbulbs (six 800-lumen lightbulbs and three 480-lumen lightbulbs), a
digital thermometer (to check refrigerator, freezer, and water temperatures), a shower timer, a water
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Educational Distributions
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 43
flow-rate test bag, an LED night light, and educational materials. In addition, the kit for homes with
electric water heaters contains a high-efficiency showerhead with a thermostatic shower valve (TSV)
and three faucet aerators.
Figure 18. Idaho Power’s Energy-Saving Kit for homes with electric water heaters
Energy-Saving Kits as Giveaways
Idaho Power offers ESKs as giveaways, in limited quantities, at presentations and small events to garner
additional interest in energy efficiency and to encourage immediate action and behavior change. In these
circumstances, Idaho Power cannot confirm the source of water heating in the recipient’s home or
whether the recipient has already received a kit. Therefore, this version of ESK given away is the more
basic version for homes with alternate-source water heaters; energy savings is garnered from lighting
changes that are not dependent on the source of water heat.
Home Energy Report Pilot
In 2018, Idaho Power continued working with a third-party contractor, Aclara Technologies LLC
(Aclara), to pilot the HER program. The objective of the HER pilot is to encourage customer
engagement with electricity use in order to produce average annual behavioral savings of 1 to 3 percent.
Secondary objectives are to maintain or increase customer satisfaction and obtain information to inform
decisions around scalability, projected savings, best target audiences, and other possible program
activities in the future.
The periodic reports provide customers with information about how their home’s energy use compares
with similar homes. The Home Energy Reports also give a breakdown of household energy use and
Residential Sector—Educational Distributions Idaho Power Company
Page 44 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
offers suggestions to help customers change their energy-related behaviors. Aclara statistically estimates
energy savings that result from customers receiving the report by comparing the energy use of the report
recipients against the energy use of a similar control group.
LED Lightbulbs as Giveaways
Giving away LED lightbulbs is an effective way to connect Idaho Power with its customers and begin
productive conversations around energy efficiency. Idaho Power field staff and energy efficiency
program specialists seek opportunities to educate customers about LEDs, and to offer customers a free
lightbulb to use immediately in their own homes.
Student Energy Efficiency Kit Program
The SEEK program provides fourth- to sixth-grade students in schools in Idaho Power’s service area
with quality, age-appropriate instruction regarding the wise use of electricity. Each child who
participates receives an energy efficiency kit. The products in the kit are selected specifically to
encourage energy savings at home and engage families in activities that support and reinforce the
concepts taught at school.
Once a class enrolls in the program, teachers receive curriculum and supporting materials. Students
receive classroom study materials, a workbook, and a take-home kit containing the following:
• Three LED lightbulbs
• A high-efficiency showerhead
• An LED nightlight
• A furnace filter alarm
• A digital thermometer for measuring water and refrigerator/freezer temperatures
• A water flow-rate test bag
• A shower timer
At the conclusion of the program, students and teachers return feedback to Idaho Power’s vendor
indicating how the program was received and which measures were installed. The vendor uses this
feedback to provide a comprehensive program summary report showing program results and savings.
Unlike most residential programs offered by Idaho Power, SEEK results are reported on a school-year
basis, not by calendar year.
Welcome Kits
Idaho Power uses a vendor to mail Welcome Kits to brand new customers between 35 and 45 days after
electric service begins at their residence. Each kit contains four LED lightbulbs, a nightlight, a greeting
card and a small flip-book containing energy-saving tips and information about Idaho Power’s energy
efficiency programs. The kits are intended to encourage first-time customers to adopt energy-efficient
behaviors early in their new homes.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Educational Distributions
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 45
Program Activities
Energy-Saving Kits
In 2018, 44,691 kits were shipped to customer homes: 18,383 kits to homes with electric water heaters
and 26,308 to homes with alternate-source water heaters. The kits for homes with electric water heaters
continued to include an integrated high-efficiency showerhead with a TSV. TSVs reduce the behavioral
waste caused by letting the water run unchecked while it warms up. With a TSV, water flow is
automatically reduced to a trickle when the water reaches 95°F, sending a signal that the water is ready.
Once in the shower, the customer simply pulls a toggle string to resume normal water flow.
Kits were distributed to all geographic regions within Idaho Power’s service area: 43,849 to Idaho
residences and 842 to Oregon homes.
Energy-Saving Kits as Giveaways
Field staff across Idaho Power’s five regions distributed 700 giveaway kits at presentations, small
events, and customer visits. The kits were particularly popular and appreciated by senior homeowners
who had the opportunity to receive them at events sponsored by senior centers.
Home Energy Report Pilot
Idaho Power, in partnership with Aclara, completed its first full year of the HER pilot program on
July 31, 2018.
The pilot was designed based on standard randomized control trial (RCT) methodology with treatment
and control groups sized appropriately to detect statistically significant savings at or above 1.2 percent,
and allowing for approximately 10 percent attrition over the pilot period. Customers identified to receive
customized Home Energy Reports were divided into two distinct groups: the HER year-round group and
the HER winter-heating group.
The primary difference between reports was the tips and advice for the winter-heating group focused on
heating suggestions, whereas tips and suggestions for the year-round group contained a wide-range of
topics including air-conditioning.
To finish year one of the pilot, the HER year-round group (approximately 19,100 customers) continued
to receive bi-monthly reports in February, April and June, and the winter-heating group (approximately
7,900 customers) received reports in January and February.
The first-year results showed estimated energy savings for the treatment period to be statistically
significant for the winter-heating group with participants using an average of 207 fewer kWh per home
than their control group counterparts—a savings of 1.5 percent. For participants in the year-round group
estimated savings for the period appeared to be statistically significant at about 150 kWh per home
(between 1.3 and 1.7 percent below the control group), but only for those using more than 9,000 kWh
per year. Within the year-round group, the participants using more than 12,000 kWh annually saw the
greatest aggregate kWh savings, while the participants using between 9,000 and 12,000 kWh reduced
their use by a higher overall percentage.
Idaho Power’s customer solutions advisors responded to 411 HER pilot-related phone calls and inquiries
during the first year. The participant-driven opt-out rate was low at .64 percent. In spite of this, the
pilot experienced higher-than-expected attrition—15 percent (includes opt-outs, move-outs, etc.).
Residential Sector—Educational Distributions Idaho Power Company
Page 46 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
The customer satisfaction numbers, as collected through a small-sample telephone survey appeared to
be favorable.
At the conclusion of the pilot’s first year, the company decided to extend it for another year to gather
additional information prior to making final decisions regarding scalability. The year-round group was
optimized for savings using algorithms provided by the vendor. A new winter-heating group was added
to test the effectiveness of a bi-monthly delivery schedule compared to year one’s four-report schedule.
Additionally, remaining first-year participants were divided into two report-delivery schedules: one
receiving bi-monthly and one receiving quarterly reports.
LED Lightbulbs as Giveaways
In 2018, Idaho Power customer representatives delivered educational messages and lightbulbs to seniors
in Pocatello, Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, and Payette, Idaho and Nyssa, Ontario, and Vale, Oregon.
Participants at the Idaho Remodeling and Design Show, the Idaho Housing and Economic Development
Conference, Earth Day events, and employee sustainability and safety fairs in Meridian, Caldwell,
Nampa, and Pocatello received lightbulbs, too. Idaho Power was also present with an educational
message and LED lightbulbs at Boise’s Heart Walk, Meridian Business Days, American Falls Days,
Chubbuck Days, and several school district-sponsored events across the service area. Lightbulbs were
also distributed at the Smart Women, Smart Money Conference; The Incredible Age Expo; the FitOneSM
Expo; Idaho Power Shade Tree Project events; and at presentations for chambers of commerce, scout
groups, and other community and civic organizations.
By the end of the year, Idaho Power employees had personally delivered a brief energy efficiency
message and distributed 9,450 lightbulbs directly to customers.
Student Energy Efficiency Kit Program
During the 2017 to 2018 school year, Idaho Power community education representatives actively
recruited fourth- to sixth-grade teachers to participate in SEEK. As a result, Resource Action
Programs (RAP) delivered 9,439 kits to 332 classrooms in 122 schools within Idaho Power’s service
area. This resulted in 1,994 MWh of savings.
Welcome Kits
In January, Idaho Power partnered with a third-party vendor, Tinker Programs, to design, build, and
distribute a smaller energy efficiency kit. Kits began shipping in February and almost 31,000 kits had
been delivered by year-end. Feedback received to-date via social networks and email indicate the kits
are well-received.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Educational Distributions
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 47
Figure 19. Example of a customer’s social media response to Idaho Power’s Welcome Kit
Marketing Activities
Energy-Saving Kits
Marketing efforts included three direct-mail campaigns from the kit vendor: one to about 50,000
customers in January, a second to about 48,000 customers in April, and a third to about 88,000
customers in September. Direct-mail efforts continue to yield enrollments of approximately 18 to 20
percent. Kits continued to be showcased at trade shows throughout the service area and 6,250
bookmarks highlighting instructions on how to order the kit were distributed at events and presentations.
Numerous social media posts were used to bolster program awareness. The posts were shared by
customers, increasing word of mouth marketing and helping to further promote activity (Figure 20).
Residential Sector—Educational Distributions Idaho Power Company
Page 48 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Figure 20. Social media post from environmentally focused customer who received ESK
The kit was promoted to recipients of the Home Energy Reports in February/March (to those who hadn’t
already received a kit). It was also featured in two video segments: one Idaho Power representative
appearance on KMVT in the Magic Valley (March) and in an Idaho Power produced video on home
winter savings that ran on YouTube and Facebook.
The kit was prominently mentioned in the energy efficiency campaign TV and radio commercials that
aired during March/April and October/November. Email marketing was a new option for Idaho Power in
2018, so in July and August, 88,000 customers who hadn’t yet received a kit received an email
promoting it. 29,379 customers opened the email; 5,936 of those who opened the email clicked through
to the kit web page.
Energy-Saving Kits as Giveaways
Idaho Power field staff educated customers about energy efficiency by offering a free ESK with
educational items and LED lightbulbs to get them started and on their way to saving energy.
Home Energy Report Pilot
Because the HER pilot program is based on the RCT methodology, the reports cannot be requested by
customers, therefore the pilot is not marketed. The periodic reports were, however, used to cross-market
Idaho Power’s other energy efficiency programs.
LED Lightbulbs as Giveaways
In 2018, Idaho Power field staff and energy efficiency program specialists continued to seek
opportunities to educate customers about LEDs and offer customers a free LED lightbulb to use
immediately in their own homes.
Student Energy Efficiency Kit Program
At the onset of the 2017–2018 school year, Idaho Power community education representatives began
using emails in conjunction with flyers to recruit new fourth- to sixth-grade teachers to participate
in SEEK.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Educational Distributions
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 49
Welcome Kits
The Welcome Kits are not requested by customers; therefore, they are not marketed. Instead, each week
Idaho Power sends a list of new customers to the vendor who fulfills the order.
Cost-Effectiveness
In situations where Idaho Power managed the energy efficiency education and distribution through
existing channels, the cost-effectiveness calculations were based on the actual cost of the items.
Conversely, if outside vendors were used to assist with distribution, the cost-effectiveness calculations
included all vendor-related charges.
Energy-Saving Kits
The RTF provides mail-by-request deemed savings for LED lightbulbs, the integrated high-efficiency
showerheads with a TSV, and faucet aerators. The RTF mail-by-request deemed savings values are
discounted to reflect the potential that all of the kit items may not be installed. The LED lightbulbs each
have a deemed savings value of 8.2 kWh per year. The integrated 1.75 gallon per minute (gpm) low-
flow showerhead with TSV saves approximately 240 kWh annually. Because there were no deemed
savings from the RTF for faucet aerators, Idaho Power looked to the Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO)
which runs a similar kit program for residential customers in Oregon. However, the RTF met in July
2018 and deemed an energy savings value for faucet aerators. Those numbers will be used in 2019.
Based on installation rates from participant surveys, ETO claimed 134 kWh for kitchen faucet aerators
and 75 kWh for bathroom faucet aerators. Idaho Power reviewed the results of the three-month follow
up survey sent to ESK participants and found that the installations rates were similar to ETO’s.
The annual savings for an ESK for a home with an electric water heater is approximately 598 kWh.
The annual savings for a kit for a home with a non-electric water heater is approximately 74 kWh.
Energy-Saving Kits as Giveaways
The giveaway kits contain the same measures as the non-electric ESK. For the nine LED lightbulbs
included in the kit, Idaho Power used the RTF’s giveaway deemed savings value of 8.2 kWh per bulb.
The annual savings for each giveaway kit is approximately 74 kWh.
Home Energy Report Pilot
Before starting the pilot, the HER pilot program benefit cost-ratios were expected to be between 0.90
and 0.95 assuming 1.5 percent average savings across all treatment groups. The program is cost-
effective looking at program year savings (July 2017-July 2018) and 2018 calendar year expenses even
while only claiming a one-year savings life.
LED Lightbulbs as Giveaways
For the LED giveaways, Idaho Power used the giveaway deemed savings provided by the RTF. The
RTF-deemed annual savings of 8.2 kWh includes assumptions regarding the installation rate, efficiency
levels of the existing lightbulb, and the location of the installation.
Student Energy Efficiency Kit Program
The cost-effectiveness analysis for the SEEK offering was based on the savings reported by RAP during
the 2017 to 2018 school year. RAP calculated the annual savings based on information collected from
the participants’ home surveys and the installation rate of the kit items. Questions on the survey included
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Page 50 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
the number of individuals in each home, water-heater fuel type, flow rate of old showerheads, and the
wattage of any replaced lightbulbs. The response rate for the survey was approximately 56 percent. The
survey gathers information on the efficiency level of the existing measure within the home and which
measure was installed. The energy savings will vary for each household based on the measures offered
within the kit, the number of items installed, and the existing measure that was replaced. Based on the
feedback received from the 2017 to 2018 school year, RAP projects that each kit saved
approximately 211 kWh annually per household on average, and the program saved 1,993,950 kWh
annually. A copy of the report is included in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Welcome Kits
For the four LED lightbulbs included in the kit, Idaho Power used the RTF’s giveaway deemed savings
value of 8.2 kWh per bulb. The annual savings for each kit is approximately 33 kWh.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Energy-Saving Kits
Idaho Power will continue offering ESKs in 2019. Promotional materials will be readily available for all
customer-facing employees to use at their discretion. The company’s social media posts, website, and
other advertising will promote ESKs. Targeted direct-mail campaigns will also be employed.
Energy-Saving Kits as Giveaways
Idaho Power will continue to give away limited quantities of the basic kit for homes with alternate-
source water heaters at presentations and small events to garner interest in energy efficiency.
Home Energy Report Pilot
Estimated savings and customer satisfaction will continue to be closely monitored. An expanded
telephone survey will be conducted in the spring and a full review of customer satisfaction and estimated
savings results for year two of the pilot will take place in July/August of 2019. Based on results, the
company will finalize the design and decide whether to continue and/or scale the HER pilot.
LED Lightbulbs as Giveaways
Idaho Power plans to continue offering LED lightbulbs during customer visits and at a limited number
of community events and presentations.
Student Energy Efficiency Kit Program
Plans for the 2018 to 2019 school year include updating the marketing flyer and marketing email for
distribution to more remote schools and districts. The company will continue to leverage the positive
relationships Idaho Power’s community education representatives have within the schools to maintain
program participation levels. It will also work with the vendor to pilot an alternative recruiting strategy
in the Twin Falls area—with the vendor reaching out directly to eligible schools. Curriculum will be
reviewed for continued relevance to state standards.
Welcome Kits
In 2019, Idaho Power will continue to offer Welcome Kits to first-time customers. The Welcome Kit
will cross-promote other energy efficiency programs and encourage new customers to adopt energy-
efficient behaviors upon moving into their new homes.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Educational Distributions
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 51
Other Educational Distributions
Idaho Power will continue to look for opportunities to engage customers with new technologies that
stress the importance of energy-efficient behaviors at home. Idaho Power is also looking at alternative
measures that may sustain the kit programs as lighting savings mature.
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Page 52 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Energy Efficient Lighting
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (lightbulbs) 1,340,842 1,766,758
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $2,343,127 $4,787,259
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $92,003 $84,223
Idaho Power Funds $0 $1,406
Total Program Costs—All Sources $2,435,130 $4,872,888
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.011 $0.012
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 4.67 4.09
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 6.64 4.63
Description
Idaho Power and other regional utilities participate in the Simple Steps, Smart Savings™ program which
is managed by CLEAResult®. Idaho Power promotes Simple Steps, Smart Savings offerings to
customers in two areas: this lighting program and the appliance promotion program (see the Simple
Steps, Smart Savings section of this report).
Initiated in 2002, the Energy Efficient Lighting program follows a markdown model that provides
incentives directly to manufacturers or retailers, with discounted prices passed on to the customer at the
point of purchase. The benefits of this model are low administration costs, better availability of products
to the customer, and the ability to provide an incentive for specific products. The program goal is to help
Idaho Power’s Idaho and Oregon residential customers afford more efficient lighting technology.
ENERGY STAR® lightbulbs are a more efficient alternative to standard incandescent and halogen
incandescent lightbulbs. Lightbulbs come in a variety of wattages, colors, and styles, including
lightbulbs for three-way lights and dimmable fixtures. ENERGY STAR lightbulbs use 70 to 90 percent
less energy and last 10 to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent lightbulbs.
Idaho Power pays CLEAResult a fixed amount for each kWh of energy savings achieved. A portion of
the funding Idaho Power provides is used to buy down the price of the product, and a portion is applied
to program administration and marketing which varies and can be used for retailer promotions.
Promotions include special product placement, additional discounts, and other retail merchandising
tactics designed to increase sales.
In addition to managing the program’s promotions, CLEAResult is responsible for contracting with
retailers and manufacturers, providing marketing materials at the point of purchase, and supporting and
training retailers.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Energy Efficient Lighting
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 53
Program Activities
In 2018, LED lightbulbs comprised 92 percent of the program’s sales for the year, an increase from the
90 percent of lightbulb sales in 2017. LED fixtures comprised approximately 8 percent of program sales,
which was an increase from the 5 percent of program sales in 2017.
In 2018, through the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Simple Steps, Smart Savings program,
Idaho Power worked with 15 participating retailers, representing 99 individual store locations
throughout its service area. Of those participating retailers, 48 percent were smaller grocery, drug,
and hardware stores, and the remaining 52 percent were large retailers.
Marketing Activities
Several Simple Steps, Smart Savings promotions were conducted through CLEAResult at retail stores in
2018. These promotions generally involved special product placement and signs. CLEAResult staff
continued to conduct monthly store visits in 2018 to check stock, point-of-purchase signs, and displays.
Additionally, CLEAResult staffed 18 lighting events at Home Depot and Costco stores to educate
customers about the importance of using LED lightbulbs and the Simple Steps promotion.
Additional activities in 2018 involved education and marketing. During events where Idaho Power
sponsored a booth and distributed LED lightbulbs, customers were informed about the importance of
using energy-efficient lighting, the quality of LED lightbulbs, and the special pricing available for the
Simple Steps, Smart Savings qualified products.
The company continued to host an Energy Efficient Lighting program website to make available a
Change a Light program brochure, designed to help customers select the right lightbulb for their needs
and to discuss energy efficient lighting with customers at community events. Several #TipTuesday posts
on social media throughout the year focused on energy efficient lighting. Idaho Power recommended
using ENERGY STAR certified LED lightbulbs in its summer Energy Efficiency Guide, the January and
February issues of Connections, the January Home Energy Report to the winter-heating group, and the
March Home Energy Report to the year-round group participants who already received an ESK.
Cost-Effectiveness
In 2018, the Energy Efficient Lighting program provided 43 percent of all energy savings derived from
residential energy efficiency customer programs and 12 percent of Idaho Power’s direct program
savings. Between 2017 and 2018, bulb sales declined nearly 24 percent while savings declined nearly
50 percent.
In January 2017, the RTF updated and revisited the assumptions for LEDs to account for market
changes due to the federal standards compliance. Because LEDs are naturally becoming a larger share of
the market, the RTF updated the current market baseline for lightbulbs. Due to the timing of the RTF’s
update, BPA and CLEAResult implemented the new savings in 2018 in the Simple Steps, Smart Savings
promotion. The RTF LED workbook version 5.2 was the source of most lighting savings assumptions
throughout Idaho Power’s residential program offerings.
The annual saving for the most popular bulb type, the general-purpose lightbulb in the 250-1049 lumen
range, decreased from 13 kWh to 10 kWh. This bulb type made up 53 percent of the total bulbs sold in
the program and nearly 40 percent of the total savings. With the change in per-bulb savings and sales
Residential Sector—Energy Efficient Lighting Idaho Power Company
Page 54 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
declining just over 15 percent, the total savings for this bulb type declined by nearly 3 million kWh
between 2017 and 2018.
The second most popular bulb type is reflector lightbulb in the 250-1049 lumen range which is
commonly used in recessed canned light fixtures. The RTF reduced the per bulb savings for this bulb
type from 37 kWh to 24 kWh. These reflector bulbs made up just over 19 percent of the total lightbulbs
sold in the program and nearly 30 percent of the total savings. In 2018, the 250-1049 lumen reflector
lightbulb sales declined 50 percent compared to 2017. With the decline in both sales and deemed
savings, the total savings for this bulb type declined over 13 million kWh between 2017 and 2018.
The RTF reviewed and approved new savings for LEDs in December 2017. Based on the timing of
when BPA and CLEAResult adopt new savings from the RTF, these updates will be reflected in the
2019 program year. The annual savings for lightbulbs have continued to decline. The reflector lightbulbs
in the 250-1049 lumen range will go from 24 kWh to 8 kWh. The RTF met in November 2018 to update
the LED savings again. With the final phase of EISA going into effect in January 2020, Idaho Power is
monitoring how utilities in the region plan to incorporate the latest RTF numbers beyond January 1,
2020.
The UCT and TRC ratios for the program is 4.67 and 6.64 respectively. While an impact evaluation was
conducted for the program in 2018, a majority of the evaluations costs will be incurred in 2019.
However, if the amount incurred in 2018 was removed from the program’s cost-effectiveness, the UCT
and TRC ratios would be 4.68 and 6.65 respectively.
For detailed cost-effectiveness assumptions, metrics, and sources, see Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
Evaluations
Idaho Power retained Tetra Tech MA to conduct an impact evaluation of the Energy Efficient Lighting
program. Overall, the evaluation found that the Energy Efficient Lighting program calculations were
accurate with little variation by individual LED lightbulb or fixture type. As shown in Table 9,
realization rates for each RTF version used were both very close to 100 percent and became even more
accurate when RTF version 5.2 was adopted. Much of this increase in accuracy occurred when Idaho
Power discontinued rounding the unit savings to the nearest whole number after moving to RTF version
5.2 in October 2017.
Table 9. Savings and realization rate based on RTF version for Energy Efficient Lighting
RTF Applied to Savings Ex-Ante kWh Ex-Post kWh Realization Rate
RTF version 4.2 Applied (10/2016–9/2017) ........................... 33,238,504 33,506,134 101%
RTF version 5.2 Applied (10/2017–9/2018) ........................... 4,526,238 4,526,469 100%
Program Year 2017 ................................................................ 37,764,742 38,032,603 101%
Idaho Power will respond to any 2018 evaluation recommendations during the 2019 program year.
The complete report can be found in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Energy Efficient Lighting
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 55
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power will continue to participate in the Simple Steps, Smart Savings lighting program in 2019 by
contracting with CLEAResult, who was awarded the annual BPA implementation contract. New savings
will be calculated using the new RTF workbook, version 6.1.
Idaho Power will monitor the number of participating retailers and geographic spread of these retailers
and develop online promotions that allow customers to access promotional pricing regardless of
location. The company will continue to monitor how regional stakeholders respond to the Energy
Independence and Security Act (EISA) lighting standards that will go into effect on January 1, 2020.
CLEAResult will manage marketing at retailers, including point-of-purchase signs, special product
placement, and displays. Idaho Power program specialist and customer representatives will continue to
staff educational events to promote the importance of using energy-efficient lighting.
Residential Sector—Energy House Calls Idaho Power Company
Page 56 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Energy House Calls
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (homes) 280 335
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $146,712 $170,691
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $14,065 $12,008
Idaho Power Funds $0 $336
Total Program Costs—All Sources $160,777 $183,035
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.032 $0.032
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 1.37 1.26
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 1.74 1.65
Description
Initiated in 2002, the Energy House Calls program gives homeowners of electrically heated
manufactured homes an opportunity to reduce electricity use by improving the home’s efficiency.
Specifically, this program provides free duct-sealing and additional efficiency measures to Idaho Power
customers living in Idaho or Oregon who use an electric furnace or heat pump. Participation is limited to
one service call per residence for the lifetime of the program.
Services and products offered through the Energy House Calls program include duct testing and sealing
according to Performance Tested Comfort System (PTCS) standards set and maintained by the BPA;
installing up to eight LED lightbulbs; testing the temperature set on the water heater; installing water
heater pipe covers when applicable; installing up to two low-flow showerheads, one bathroom faucet
aerator, and one kitchen faucet aerator; and leaving two replacement furnace filters with installation
instructions and energy efficiency educational materials appropriate for manufactured-home occupants.
Idaho Power provides contractor contact information on its website and marketing materials.
The customer schedules an appointment directly with one of the certified contractors in their region.
The contractor verifies the customer’s initial eligibility by testing the home to determine if it qualifies
for duct-sealing. Additionally, contractors have been instructed to install LED lightbulbs only in
high-use areas of the home, to replace only incandescent lightbulbs, and to install bathroom aerators
and showerheads only if the upgrade can be performed without causing damage to a customer’s
existing fixtures.
The actual energy savings and benefits realized by each customer depend on the measures installed and
the repairs and/or adjustments made. Although participation in the program is free, a typical cost for a
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Energy House Calls
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 57
similar service call would be $400 to $600, depending on the complexity of the repair and the specific
measures installed.
Program Activities
In 2018, 280 homes received products and/or services through this program, resulting in 374,484 kWh
savings (Figure 21). The decrease in participation is likely due to the program nearing saturation.
The program was introduced in 2002 and is one of Idaho Power’s longest-running energy efficiency
programs. Since participation is limited to once per home for the life of the program and is only
available to electrically heated manufactured homes, there are a limited number of available homes that
meet the qualifications to participate.
Figure 21. Participation in the Energy House Calls program, 2012–2018
Of the total participating homes, 39 percent were located in the Canyon–West Region, 23 percent were
located in the Capital Region, and 38 percent were located in the South–East Region.
Figure 22. Energy House Calls participation by region
Duct-Sealing
Each year, a number of customers who apply for the Energy House Calls program cannot be served
because their ducts do not require duct-sealing or cannot be sealed, for various reasons. These jobs are
668
446
330 362 375 335 280
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Homes
Canyon-West39%
South-East
38%
Capital23%
Residential Sector—Energy House Calls Idaho Power Company
Page 58 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
billed as a test-only job. On some homes, it is too difficult to seal the ducts, or the initial duct blaster test
identifies the depressurization to be less than 150 cubic feet (ft) per minute (cfm) and duct-sealing is not
needed. Additionally, if after sealing the duct work the contractor is unable to reduce leakage by
50 percent, the contractor will bill the job as a test-only job. Prior to 2015, these test-only jobs were not
reported in the overall number of jobs completed for that year, because there was no kWh savings to
report. Because Idaho Power now offers direct-install measures in addition to the duct-sealing
component, all homes are reported. While some homes may not have been duct-sealed, all would have
had some of the direct-install measures included, which would allow Idaho Power to report kWh savings
for those homes. Of the 280 homes that participated in 2018, 38 homes were serviced as test-only.
If a home had a blower door and duct blaster test completed, and the contractor determined that only
duct-sealing is necessary, it will be billed as a test and seal. For a multisection home with an x-over duct
system (one that transfers heated or cooled air from one side to the other) that needs replaced in addition
to the duct-sealing, it will be charged as an x-over. When a home requires the existing belly-return
system to be decommissioned and have a new return installed along with the duct-sealing, it will be
billed as a complex system. A complex system that also requires the installation of a new x-over and
duct-sealing will be billed as a complex system and x-over job.
Figure 23. Energy House Calls participation by job type
Direct-Install Measures
In 2018, contractors installed 2,357 LED lightbulbs, 116 showerheads, 151 bathroom aerators, and
150 kitchen aerators. Contractors noted that they’ve seen a decrease in direct-install measures,
as customers have commented that they have already installed the provided products after receiving
their free ESKs from Idaho Power. In 2018, 31.4 percent of the Energy House Calls participants have
received an ESK, which is up from the 20.2 percent of participants who had received the ESK in 2017.
Marketing Activities
Idaho Power sent two bill inserts to all residential customers in Idaho and Oregon in 2018. The March
bill insert was shared with the Rebate Advantage program and sent to 345,506 customers, and the
December bill insert was sent to 327,964 customers. The company sent postcards in February and July
73%
13%
12%
1%1%
Test and Seal
Test Only (Not Leaky)
X-over
Complex System
Test Only (Sealed, Failed Post Test)
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Energy House Calls
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 59
to residents of electrically heated manufactured homes who had not yet participated in the program.
Written in English and Spanish, 9,495 postcards were delivered in February and 9,435 in July.
A Facebook ad ran in June and reached 43,728 people, resulting in 491 website clicks. Idaho Power also
ran digital ads in English and Spanish in December. The English ads received 680,274 impressions and
5,242 clicks. The Spanish ads garnered 176,433 impressions and 1,407 clicks. In addition, Idaho Power
customer representatives and customer service representatives knowledgeable about the program
continued to promote it to qualified customers.
Cost-Effectiveness
In 2018, Idaho Power used the same RTF savings for duct-sealing in manufactured homes as were used
in 2017. Savings and a cost-effectiveness analysis for the direct-install measures, including low-flow
showerheads and LED lightbulbs, were completed using deemed savings from the RTF. Because there
were no deemed savings from the RTF, Idaho Power used faucet aerators savings from the 2016
potential study for the 2018 program year. However, the RTF met in July 2018 and deemed an energy
savings value for faucet aerators. Those numbers will be used in 2019.
For more detailed information about the cost-effectiveness savings and assumptions, see Supplement 1:
Cost-Effectiveness.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power will continue to provide free duct-sealing and selected direct-install efficiency measures for
all-electric manufactured/mobile homes in its service area. As always, the company will continue to
explore additional cost-effective measures to add to the program.
Idaho Power will include program promotional materials in its bills, send direct-mail postcards, and use
social media and other proven marketing strategies. Contractors and customer representatives will also
distribute program literature at appropriate events and presentations. Idaho Power will continue to
provide Energy House Calls program postcards to CAP agencies for distribution to customers who need
assistance but do not qualify to receive weatherization assistance through these agencies.
Residential Sector—Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program Idaho Power Company
Page 60 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (projects) 712 654
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $565,780 $575,404
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $19,431 $18,920
Idaho Power Funds $0 $2,874
Total Program Costs—All Sources $585,211 $597,198
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.029 $0.041
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 1.65 1.48
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 0.83 0.85
Description
The H&CE Program provides incentives to residential customers in Idaho Power’s Idaho and Oregon
service area for the purchase and proper installation of qualified heating and cooling equipment
and services.
Initiated in 2007, the objective of the program is to provide customers with energy-efficient options for
electric space heating and cooling in an effort to save energy. Incentives are paid to participating
residential customers for all measures; incentives are paid to installing contractors for three measures.
To participate in this program, a contractor must first complete the required training regarding program
guidelines and technical information on HVAC equipment. Idaho Power requires licensed contractors to
perform the installation services related to all of these measures, except evaporative coolers and HPWH.
The H&CE Program’s list of measures and incentives includes the following:
• The customer incentive for replacing an existing ducted air-source heat pump with a new ducted
air-source heat pump is $250 for a minimum efficiency 8.5 Heating Seasonal Performance
Factor (HSPF).
• The customer incentive for replacing an existing oil or propane heating system with a new
ducted air-source heat pump is $400 for a minimum efficiency 8.5 HSPF. Participating homes
must be located in areas where natural gas is unavailable.
• The customer incentive for replacing an existing electric forced-air or zonal electric heating
system with a new ducted air-source heat pump is $800 for a minimum efficiency 8.5 HSPF.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 61
• The incentive for customers or builders of new construction installing a ducted air-source heat
pump in a new home is $400 for a minimum efficiency 8.5 HSPF. Participating homes must be
located in areas where natural gas is unavailable.
• The customer incentive for replacing an existing ducted air-source heat pump with a new ducted
open-loop water-source heat pump is $500 for a minimum efficiency 3.5 coefficient of
performance (COP).
• The customer incentive for replacing an existing electric forced-air or zonal electric, oil,
or propane heating system with a new ducted open-loop water-source heat pump is $1,000 for a
minimum efficiency 3.5 COP. Participating homes with oil or propane heating systems must be
located in areas where natural gas is unavailable.
• The incentive for customers or builders of new construction installing a ducted open-loop
water-source heat pump in a new home is $1,000 for a minimum efficiency 3.5 COP.
Participating homes must be located in areas where natural gas is unavailable.
• The customer incentive for displacing a zonal electric heating system with a new ductless
air-source heat pump is $750.
• The customer incentive for duct-sealing services performed in an existing home with an electric
forced-air heating system or a heat pump is $350.
• The customer incentive for a whole-house fan (WHF) installed in an existing home with central
A/C, zonal cooling, or a heat pump is $200.
• The customer incentive for replacing a Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) air handler motor with
an Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) in an existing home with oil or propane or natural
gas forced-air heat, electric forced-air heat, or a heat pump is $50.
• The customer incentive for installing an evaporative cooler is $150.
• The customer incentive for a smart thermostat installed in an existing home with an electric
forced-air furnace or a heat pump is $75.
• The customer incentive for installing a HPWH is $300.
Honeywell, Inc., a third-party contractor, reviews and submits incentive applications and submits
requests for payment using a program database portal developed by Idaho Power that is secure yet
accessible. Honeywell also provides on-site technical and program support to customers and contractors
and performs on-site verifications (OSV).
Program Activities
Idaho Power began offering a cash incentive to customers who installed a HPWH on January 1, 2018.
During the development stage of this measure, the company provided updates and requested input from
EEAG at quarterly meetings. EEAG’s feedback regarding the measure was positive overall.
The 2018 H&CE Program paid incentives are listed in Table 10.
Residential Sector—Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program Idaho Power Company
Page 62 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Table 10. H&CE Program incentives in 2018
Incentive Measure 2018 Project Quantity
Ducted Air-Source Heat Pump ............................................................................................ 172
Ductless Heat Pump ........................................................................................................... 211
Evaporative Cooler .............................................................................................................. 16
Whole-House Fan ............................................................................................................... 41
Electronically Commutated Motor ....................................................................................... 58
Duct-Sealing........................................................................................................................ 15
Smart Thermostat ............................................................................................................... 155
Heat Pump Water Heater .................................................................................................... 27
Honeywell performed random OSVs on 10 percent of the completed installations. These OSVs
confirmed the information submitted on the paperwork matched what was installed at customers’ sites.
Overall, the OSV results were favorable.
Supporting, retaining, and expanding Idaho Power’s contractor network remained a key growth strategy
for the program. In 2018, the company held meetings with many prospective contractors to support this
strategy; 16 contractors were added to the program. Idaho Power also provided 22 one-on-one training
sessions with contractors in 2018.
Idaho Power made changes to the program based on recommendations from a process and impact
evaluation conducted in 2017 by DNV GL. (A copy of the final report can be found in the Demand-Side
Management 2017 Annual Report, Supplement 2: Evaluation.) A risk and mitigation register was added
to the Program Handbook. A revision history was also added along with a list of program measures with
their incentive amounts. Though the evaluator suggested adding a logic model, organizational chart,
and process flow to the Program Handbook, Idaho Power determined a logic model and organization
chart would not provide value to the Program Handbook; therefore, they were not added. A process flow
already exists in the Program Handbook.
Additionally, on the submittal forms, fields labeled “homeowner house type” and “existing primary
cooling system type” were added to the air source and open loop water-source heat pump installation
worksheet forms. Though the evaluator suggested adding the word “primary” to the existing field
labeled “Previous/Existing System” on the Incentive Application form, Idaho Power determined that this
change would not add value, therefore it was not included.
As recommended, Idaho Power will continue monitoring market transformation related to this
program’s available measures with input from the RTF and NEEA.
Marketing Activities
In response to the DNV GL evaluation and as part of the company’s overall website redesign in early
2018, Idaho Power included a variety of visual content on the program web page. The company also
adopted the recommendation to include photos of people displaying positive emotions in its marketing
collateral and corrected strange font characters on the web page as recommended by the evaluator.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 63
Idaho Power used multiple marketing methods for its H&CE Program. The company mailed a bill
insert to 343,976 residential customers in April and 331,632 residential customers in September.
Information about the program was included in the January and July issues of Home Energy Reports.
Idaho Power sent a direct-mail postcard highlighting each incentive and customized for the season to
34,639 customers in March and 37,790 customers in August. A postcard highlighting whole house
fans was sent to 2,990 customers with central air conditioning in May in an effort to better target an
individual incentive to a group of customers that were not receiving other H&CE Program postcards.
Figure 24. Whole-house fan advertising postcard
Several social media and #TipTuesday posts throughout 2018 focused on heating- and cooling-related
tips. Digital ads ran in February, July and August to promote the H&CE Program. The February ads
used a new method called geofencing, which delivered ads to users that visit locations that serve
targeted customers such as recycling centers and natural food grocery stores. The February digital ads
received 1,456,373 impressions and 2,201 clicks. The July and August ads received 8,205,285
impressions and 7,026 clicks. Both ads resulted in a significant increase in web page visits.
The company also ran Facebook ads in February and July promoting the program during extreme
temperatures. The February ad reached 126,429 people and resulted in 346,791 impressions and
2,815 clicks to the H&CE web page. The July ad reached 96,192 people and earned 311,908 impressions
and 2,609 web page clicks.
Idaho Power created individual flyers for each program measure to use with interested customers and
contractors and at events. Additionally, smart thermostats were mentioned in the winter Energy
Efficiency Guide.
In 2018, Idaho Power continued using an ad promoting DHP as part of the company’s overall residential
energy efficiency campaign. The DHP ad was featured in a variety of mass-media locations. Full details
on where the campaign ads appeared can be found in the Residential Sector Overview.
Residential Sector—Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program Idaho Power Company
Page 64 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
With the launch of the HPWH incentive in early 2018, Idaho Power conducted a variety of promotions
specific to that incentive. The company announced the incentive to employees in News Scans and the
media in News Briefs in early January. In February, the company developed a sticker for customers to
place on their existing water heater as a reminder to consider a HPWH when it’s time for a replacement.
The sticker is included in all ESKs sent to customers with electric water heaters. That same month,
HPWHs were promoted during monthly TV segments on KTVB, KPVI, and KMVT. A Facebook ad
promoting the incentive ran in March and resulted in 2,279 link clicks, 85,815 people reached and
212,788 impressions. The first customer who received a HPWH incentive was featured on the cover of
the April issue of Connections. Additionally, letters were mailed to 267 wholesalers and plumbing
installers in June and to retailers with copies of the HPWH-specific flyer in July. A pull-up banner
displaying a full size HPWH and incentive information was created in February for use at trade shows
and events throughout the year. Several social media posts also focused on HPWHs and the incentive.
Figure 25. HPWH sticker
Cost-Effectiveness
The H&CE Program has a utility cost test of 1.65 and total resource cost test of 0.83. While the utility
cost test improved in 2018 and the total resource test stayed the same when compared to 2017, using the
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 65
2017 program load shape, the total resource cost test increased to just over 1.0. Calibrations to end-use
load shapes created for the 2016 energy efficiency potential study offset cost-effectiveness gains from
cost control efforts in 2018.
Throughout 2017 and into 2018, Idaho Power worked toward improving program cost-effectiveness.
These tactics included: 1) reassigning non-program labor, 2) reducing marketing spend while optimizing
campaigns, 3) reducing contractor incentives from $150 to $50, 4) and adding HPWHs to the program.
These efforts were successful in keeping cost-effectiveness ratios from falling in 2018 over 2017 levels.
DHPs continue to drag down cost-effectiveness of the program. The TRC is 0.96 when removing DHPs
from cost-effectiveness calculations while the TRC of ductless systems is 0.69. Market transformation
efforts, specifically the market transformation work provided by NEEA, in the region have failed to
drive prices down along with lower net savings in colder climates are the two primary problems
plaguing DHP cost-effectiveness.
Program savings were positively impacted for ECMs. Savings increased from 515 annual kWh to an
average of 2,098 per installation by estimating in-situ savings that are a function of actual customer fan
motor usage data collected on the incentive application forms. Customer specific behavior-based savings
estimation was recommended in the 2017 program evaluation.
The savings assumptions for most measures including air source heat pumps, open loop water source
heat pump, DHPs, and duct sealing remain unchanged from 2017. As a result, DHPs and open-loop
water source heat pumps remain not cost-effective. These measures have cost-effectiveness exceptions
with the OPUC under UM 1710. In addition to these measures, smart thermostats also remain not
cost-effective. Idaho Power received a cost-effectiveness exception with the OPUC under Advice
No. 17-09 due to the measure being a pilot. Other measures that are shown to not be cost-effective are
heat pumps water heaters and duct-sealing. However, these measures would be cost-effective if
administration costs were not included in the cost-effectiveness analysis.
An impact and process evaluation was conducted for the program in 2017 and a majority of the
evaluation costs were incurred in 2017. However, a small amount of the evaluation costs carried over
into 2018. If the amount incurred in 2018 was removed from the program’s cost-effectiveness, the UCT
and TRC ratios would be 1.66 and 0.84 respectively.
For detailed information about the cost-effectiveness savings, sources, calculations, and assumptions,
see Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
For 2018 savings calculations, Idaho Power updated climate references in the program’s databases to
match the current values posted on the RTF website based on the evaluator’s recommendation.
The evaluator recommended the continued use of the latest RTF data and to note other sources of
energy-savings data when used by the program. The company is in alignment with this. The evaluator
also recommended that Idaho Power add a variable to Idaho Power’s data tracking system to note when
its data for a particular incentive application is changed and no longer matches the information on the
incentive application forms received. As an alternative, Idaho Power decided to edit the forms to match
any changes made to the data, eliminating the need for a variable in the database.
Residential Sector—Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program Idaho Power Company
Page 66 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
For detailed information about the program evaluation, see the Demand-Side Management 2017 Annual
Report, Supplement 2: Evaluation.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power will continue to provide program training to existing and prospective contractors to assist
them in meeting program requirements and furthering their product knowledge. Sessions will be held at
contractor businesses. Training sessions remain an important part of the program because they create
opportunities to invite additional contractors into the program. The sessions also provide refresher
training for contractors already participating in the program and help them increase their customers’
participation while improving the contractors’ work quality.
Developing the existing network of contractors participating remains a key strategy for the program.
The performance of the program is substantially dependent on the contractors’ abilities to promote and
leverage the measures offered. Idaho Power’s primary goal in 2019 is to develop contractors currently in
the program while adding new contractors. To meet this objective, the program specialist will arrange
frequent individual meetings to discuss the program with contractors in 2019.
The 2019 marketing strategy will include bill inserts, direct-mail, social media, digital and search
advertising, and email marketing to promote individual measures and the program as a whole. As
recommended by the evaluator, Idaho Power will explore options for updating the marketing materials
to use visuals other than the house graphic, research ways to track the effectiveness of marketing
campaigns, and consider adding video content to the program web page.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Home Energy Audit
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 67
Home Energy Audit
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (homes) 466 520
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $264,394 $281,125
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $0 $0
Idaho Power Funds $0 $1,684
Total Program Costs—All Sources $264,394 $282,809
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.113 $0.146
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Description
The current Home Energy Audit program is based on the insights gained from the Boise City Home
Audit project conducted in 2011 and 2012, as described in the Demand-Side Management 2012 Annual
Report. In 2014, the audit project became Idaho Power’s Home Energy Audit program.
A certified, third-party home performance specialist conducts an in-home energy audit to identify areas
of concern, and to provide specific recommendations to improve the efficiency, comfort, and health of
the home. The audit includes a visual inspection of the crawlspace and attic, a health and safety
inspection, and a blower door test to identify and locate air leaks. The home performance specialist
collects information on types and quantities of appliances and lighting in each home, then determines
which available measures are appropriate for the home. Homeowners and/or landlords approve all
direct-install measures prior to installation, which could include the following:
• Up to 20 LED lightbulbs
• One high-efficiency showerhead
• Pipe insulation from the water heater to the home wall (approximately 3 ft)
• Tier 2 Advanced Power Strip
The home performance specialist collects energy-use data and records the quantity of measures installed
during the audit using specialized software. After the audit, the software creates a report of findings and
recommendations for the customer.
To qualify for the Home Energy Audit program, a participant must live in Idaho and be the Idaho Power
customer of record for the home. Renters must have prior written permission from the landlord.
Single-family site-built homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes qualify, though multi-family homes
Residential Sector—Home Energy Audit Idaho Power Company
Page 68 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
must have discrete heating units and meters for each unit. Manufactured homes, new construction, or
buildings with more than four units do not qualify.
Interested customers fill out an application online. If they do not have access to a computer, or prefer
talking directly to a person, Idaho Power accepts applications over the phone. Participants are assigned a
home performance specialist based on geographical location to save travel time and expense.
Participating customers pay $99 (all-electric homes) or $149 (other homes: gas, propane, or other fuel
sources) for the audit and installation of measures, with the remaining cost covered by the Home Energy
Audit program. The difference in cost covers the additional testing that is necessary for homes that are
not all-electric. These types of energy audits normally cost $300 or more, not including the select
energy-saving measures, materials, and labor. The retail cost of the materials installed in each home
averages $145.
Program Activities
Because the CAKE Systems audit software was discontinued at the end of 2017, in 2018 the home
performance specialists used an audit tool created by Idaho Power when the program was the Boise City
Home Audit project. To find a permanent software solution, various software vendors were invited to
submit bids through a competitive RFP. A cross-functional team selected the software (SnuggHome)
that would best fit the needs of this program, including enhancements to meet strict cyber security
requirements. Testing and training has been completed, and home energy audits completed in 2019 will
use the new software.
In the first quarter, Idaho Power added a new direct-install audio/visual smart strip to the list of available
measures. The smart strip is an eight-outlet power strip that provides constant power to two of the
outlets, and on-demand power to the other six. The constant power is for electronics, such as a cable box
or recorder, while the on-demand power is used for peripherals, such as a TV, an amplifier, a DVD
player, speakers, etc. The smart strip shuts off the on-demand power when a predetermined amount of
time has passed since the device was last used.
Three home performance specialist companies served the program in 2018 and completed 466 energy
audits. House size ranged from 625 square ft (ft2) to 9092 ft2, with 2383 ft2 being the average-sized
home. Houses were built from 1883 to 2018, with the average age of home being 35 years old.
Figure 26 depicts the program’s reach across Idaho Power’s service area, and Figure 27 depicts the
space and water heating fuel types. Figure 28 indicates the total quantity of direct-install measures.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Home Energy Audit
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 69
Figure 26. Home Energy Audit summary of participating homes, by county
Figure 27. Home Energy Audit summary of space and water heating fuel types
Residential Sector—Home Energy Audit Idaho Power Company
Page 70 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Figure 28. Home Energy Audit measures installed in participating homes
The QA goal for the program was inspection of 5 percent of all audits, translating into approximately
23 audits in 2018. Ultimately, 26 QAs were completed in 2018, with all audits passing inspection.
Marketing Activities
In 2018, the Home Energy Audit marketing collateral (including bill inserts, flyers, posters, print and
digital advertisements, etc.) continued the illustrated look and feel of the 2017 campaign. Idaho Power
recruited participants using small batches of direct-mail letters to ensure customers who sign up are
contacted within a short timeframe and to avoid a large backlog of work which could result in a poor
customer experience.
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
LED general
purpose
LED globe LED high
wattage
LED reflector Pipe
insulation
Power strip Showerhead
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Home Energy Audit
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 71
Figure 29. Home Energy Audit program bill insert
In November 2018, Idaho Power collaborated with the University of Idaho’s Valley County Extension
Office to host an energy efficiency workshop in Cascade, Idaho. Letters were sent to residents inviting
the community to attend the afternoon and evening workshops. The workshop was attended by
approximately 12 residents and was well received. Attendees learned how to check their homes for
efficiency, how to make improvements, what incentives are available through Idaho Power, and how a
professional energy assessment could help improve energy efficiency. Each participant received a
Giveaway ESK.
Program-related bill inserts were sent to 334,335 residential customers in March, 329,995 customers in
June, and 325,425 in December. The program was prominently featured in the overall energy efficiency
residential marketing campaign, including a specific call-out in the television, print, and digital
advertisements. The company also featured the Home Energy Audit in an article in the October issue of
Connections. The 2018 Summer Energy Efficiency Guide featured ways to save energy at home and
Residential Sector—Home Energy Audit Idaho Power Company
Page 72 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
referred customers to the Home Energy Audit web page. The guide appeared in regional newspapers in
July and August.
In September, digital display ads ran on a variety of websites based on user demographics, search
behavior, and other targeted factors (Figure 30). The ads generated 676,000 impressions and a
0.16 percent click-through rate. In February and June, digital ads ran on Facebook and generated
55,930 and 146,757 impressions, respectively. The February ad was boosted in March, generating an
additional 7,667 impressions. In June, another post about the program was boosted, resulting in
9,237 impressions. In March, KPVI in Pocatello interviewed an Idaho Power customer representative
who shared information about the Home Energy Audit program.
Figure 30. Home Energy Audit program digital ad
Customers who enrolled in the Home Energy Audit program throughout the year were asked where they
heard about the program. Responses included the following: information in the mail, 50 percent; other,
30 percent; family member or friend, 10 percent; Idaho Power employee, 9 percent; social media,
1 percent.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the goals of the Home Energy Audit program is to increase participants’ understanding of how
their home uses energy and to encourage their participation in Idaho Power’s energy efficiency
programs. Since the Home Energy Audit program is primarily an educational and marketing program,
the company does not apply the traditional cost-effectiveness tests to the program.
For the items installed directly in the homes, Idaho Power used RTF savings for direct-install lightbulbs,
which range from 16 to 61 kWh per year. This was a slight increase over the 2017 lightbulb savings
which ranged from 14 to 47 kWh per year. The savings attributed to the directly installed LEDs
increased nearly 40 MWh between 2017 and 2018. This increase is offset slightly by lower savings and
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Home Energy Audit
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 73
fewer installations of showerheads and pipe wraps. These changes account for the 36 MWh increase in
total reported savings between 2017 and 2018.
The RTF savings for 2.0 gpm showerheads directly installed in an electrically water heated home are
approximately 144 kWh per year. However, showerheads that were installed on non-electrically water
heated homes do have a small amount of electric savings. The RTF calculates the energy saved from the
water not processed at a wastewater treatment facility. The RTF estimates that a 2.0 gpm showerhead
installed on a non-electric water heater saves approximately 4 kWh per year. In Idaho Power’s Energy
Efficiency Potential Study, Applied Energy Group (AEG) estimates that pipe wraps save 130 kWh per
year. Savings for both showerheads and pipe wrap were counted for homes with electric water heaters.
Idaho Power contracted with DNV GL to perform an impact evaluation of the program in 2017. DNV
GL recommended that Idaho Power use the pipe wrap savings of 130 kWh for from the 2016 potential
study. Because of the timing of the result of that study, Idaho Power did not incorporate those savings
prior to the 2018 program year. However, the pipe wrap savings from the 2016 study were used in the
2018 program year. Additionally, AEG provided new estimates for pipe wrap savings with the 2018
potential study update. These new savings will be applied in 2019.
DNV GL also recommended claiming NEBs for pipe wrap insulation and showerheads in homes with
gas water heat. Idaho Power has calculated the gas and water savings for showerheads installed in gas
water heat homes. While Idaho Power does not calculate a cost-effectiveness ratio for the Home Energy
Audit program, those values have been included in the sector and portfolio cost-effectiveness.
Idaho Power has also converted the 130 kWh of pipe wrap savings to 4.43 therms and those gas savings
are included in the sector and portfolio cost-effectiveness.
Customer Satisfaction
Throughout 2018, a survey was sent to 456 customers who had participated in the program between
October 2017 and September 2018. The purpose of the survey was to assess customers’ satisfaction with
program enrollment, the scheduling, the auditor, the personalized report, and the information learned.
Participants who supplied an email address on the initial program enrollment form were sent an
electronic survey (301 participants); those without an email address were sent a hard copy of the
survey with a postage-paid envelope (155 participants). The response rate was about 34 percent,
with 156 participants responding.
When asked a series of questions about their experience with the program, about 90 percent of
respondents “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” they would recommend the program to a friend or
relative, and nearly 91 percent of respondents “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” they were satisfied
with their overall experience with the program. Nearly 97 percent of the respondents indicated it was
“very easy” or “somewhat easy” to apply for the program. Home performance specialists were rated on
a number of attributes, including courteousness, professionalism, explanation of work/measurement to
be performed, explanation of audit recommendations, and overall experience. Respondents rated their
home performance specialist as “good” or “excellent” 90 to 99 percent of the time.
When asked how strongly they agree or disagree with statements about what they learned during the
audit process, over 93 percent of respondents “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” they were more
informed about the energy use in their home. Over 77 percent reported they “strongly agree” or
Residential Sector—Home Energy Audit Idaho Power Company
Page 74 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
“somewhat agree” they were more informed about energy efficiency programs available through
Idaho Power. Over 84 percent indicated they “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” they learned what
additional no-cost to low-cost actions they could take.
A copy of the survey results can be found in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power will continue recruiting participants through small batches of targeted direct-mailings,
social media posts, advertising, and bill inserts. Additional digital advertising may be considered if the
program needs to be strategically promoted in specific regions.
Beginning January 2019, based on the results of the RFP, Idaho Power will use SnuggHome residential
auditing software from SnuggPro.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Multifamily Energy Savings Program
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 75
Multifamily Energy Savings Program
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (projects) 25 12
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $205,131 $167,342
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider* $0 $0
Idaho Power Funds $0 $874
Total Program Costs—All Sources $205,131 $168,216
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.030 $0.026
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 1.60 1.75
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 3.00 3.55
* Idaho Rider charges of $13,264 were reversed and charged to the Oregon Rider in March 2019. Oregon savings should have been 67,270 kWh.
Description
The Multifamily Energy Savings Program provides for the direct installation of energy-saving products
in multi-family dwellings with electrically heated water in Idaho and Oregon. These energy-saving
products are installed by an insured contractor hired by Idaho Power at no cost to the property owner,
manager, or tenant. Idaho Power defines a multi-family dwelling as a building consisting of five or more
rental units. The products installed are: ENERGY STAR® LED lightbulbs, high-efficiency TSV
showerheads, kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators, and water heater pipe insulation.
To ensure energy savings and eligibility, each building is pre-approved by Idaho Power and the
contractor who will install the energy efficiency measures. Upon approval, the no-cost, direct
installation is scheduled and completed. Tenants in participating apartment complexes receive a tailored
door hanger before the service date notifying them that contractors will be entering their home to install
energy-saving products.
Program Activities
Twenty-five projects across the Idaho and Oregon service area were completed as program participation
increased significantly in 2018. Between these 25 projects, a total of 810 apartment units received the
energy-saving products, compared to 687 apartment units in 2017.
Marketing Activities
To increase awareness and promote participation in the Multifamily Energy Savings Program, three
alternating, clickable ads were added to the Landlord/Property Manager Requests page of Idaho Power’s
website (Figure 31). Letters describing the program, its benefits, and eligibility requirements were
mailed to targeted audiences (landlords and property owners) to further increase awareness.
Residential Sector—Multifamily Energy Savings Program Idaho Power Company
Page 76 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Figure 31. Three Multifamily Energy Saving Program promotional ads on website
In mid-2018, a new marketing video was added to the Multifamily Energy Savings Program web page.
The video explains the eligibility requirements, the no-cost direct-install measures available to
landlords/tenants, the installation process, and the potential for residents to save on their monthly bills
and be more comfortable in their home. Contact information is provided at the end of the video.
As customers participated in the program throughout the year, Idaho Power communicated with them
before and after their installations. A pre-installation door hanger explained the schedule and the types
of products a contractor would install inside the customers’ homes (Figure 32). Once installation was
complete, Idaho Power left materials to explain the new energy efficiency measures and to provide
contact information should the tenant have any questions. Lastly, customers were asked to participate in
a survey, rating their satisfaction for installed measures and overall product and program satisfaction.
The responses will help Idaho Power improve marketing activities in the future.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Multifamily Energy Savings Program
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 77
Figure 32. Multifamily Energy Saving Program post-project customer survey
Cost-Effectiveness
The RTF provides deemed savings for direct-install LED lightbulbs and low-flow showerheads.
The LED lightbulbs have a deemed savings value of 16 to 61 kWh per year depending on the type
and lumens of the lightbulb and the location of the lightbulb installation. The integrated 1.75 gpm
showerheads with TSV were installed in most apartments. These showerheads save approximately
267 kWh per year. Some apartments had the 2.0 gpm showerhead installed which save approximately
102 kWh. For the faucet aerator and pipe wrap, the RTF does not provide a deemed savings estimate.
In Idaho Power’s Energy Efficiency Potential Study¸ AEG estimated the annual faucet aerator savings to
be 56 kWh and the annual pipe wrap savings to be 81 kWh.
Residential Sector—Multifamily Energy Savings Program Idaho Power Company
Page 78 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
In 2018, the RTF reviewed and updated the savings assumptions for LED lightbulbs and deemed savings
values for faucet aerators. These new savings will be applied in 2019.
The UCT and TRC ratios for the program is 1.60 and 3.00 respectively. Impact and process evaluations
were conducted for the program in 2018. If the evaluation costs incurred in 2018 were removed from the
program’s cost-effectiveness, the UCT and TRC ratios would be 1.96 and 3.66 respectively.
For detailed cost-effectiveness assumptions, metrics, and sources, see Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
Customer Satisfaction
Idaho Power included a satisfaction survey with the leave-behind materials in each apartment. Both an
online and mail-in option were offered. The response rate was low, with only 52 out of over 700
residents responding by mailing in the stamped survey cards; no online surveys were submitted.
Residents were asked to rate several attributes on a scale with 1 being very dissatisfied to 5 being very
satisfied. Overall, the residents that responded to the survey were satisfied with the project. Respondents
rated the quality of the products at 4.54 and rated the overall project at 4.67.
Evaluations
In 2018, Idaho Power retained Tetra Tech to conduct an impact evaluation of 2017 reported savings and
a process evaluation of current program processes. The results of the evaluations revealed a successful
first-year program.
The impact evaluation found that Idaho Power used the incorrect savings values from the 2016 potential
study which resulted in an overall realization rate of 84 percent. The transcribed error was corrected for
the 2018 program year.
The process evaluation found that the program specialist and installation contractors work well to
deliver the program. Contractors indicated that current processes effectively streamline program activity
and reduce additional visits that burden property managers and tenants. They also found the program
materials to be professional, informative, and educational.
Idaho Power will consider all recommendations from the process and impact evaluations; responses will
be reported in the Demand-Side Management 2019 Annual Report. See the complete process and impact
evaluation report in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power plans to increase energy-efficient direct-installation projects in multi-family dwellings
throughout its service area in 2019. Following a suggestion from EEAG, Idaho Power anticipates adding
attic insulation to the list of direct-install measures in 2019. To qualify, current insulation must be rated
R7 or below.
Idaho Power will continue to use informative notifications, pre-installation door hangers, and
post-installation informational marketing pieces as well as survey cards. Direct-mailings will be
continued to encourage engagement and participation from property owners/managers and to increase
program visibility.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Oregon Residential Weatherization
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 79
Oregon Residential Weatherization
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (audits/projects) 5 7
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $0 $0
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $5,507 $2,384
Idaho Power Funds $0 $0
Total Program Costs—All Sources $5,507 $2,384
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) n/a $0.063
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Description
Idaho Power offers free energy audits for electrically heated customer homes within the Oregon service
area. This is a program required by Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 469.633 and has been offered under
Oregon Tariff Schedule 78 since 1980. Upon request, an energy audit contractor hired by Idaho Power
visits the customer’s home to perform a basic energy audit and analyze it for energy efficiency
opportunities. An estimate of costs and savings for recommended energy efficient measures is given to
the customer. Customers may choose either a cash incentive or a 6.5-percent interest loan for a portion
of the costs for weatherization measures.
Program Activities
In 2018, five customers returned a card from the program brochure indicating interest in a home energy
audit, weatherization loan, or incentive payment. All five of these customers met the program
requirements and received audits, though none chose to move forward with the recommended energy
efficiency upgrades. Therefore, no loans or incentives were issued in 2018.
Marketing Activities
During May, as required, Idaho Power sent every Oregon residential customer an informational
brochure about energy audits and home weatherization financing.
Cost-Effectiveness
The Oregon Residential Weatherization program is a statutory program described in Oregon
Schedule 78, which includes a cost-effectiveness definition of this program. Pages three and four
of the schedule identify the measures determined to be cost-effective and the specified measure life
Residential Sector—Oregon Residential Weatherization Idaho Power Company
Page 80 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
cycles for each. This schedule also includes the cost-effective limit (CEL) for measure lives of seven,
15, 25, and 30 years.
No audits translated to efficiency projects in 2018.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power will complete requested audits, fulfill all incentives deemed cost-effective, and process
loan applications as required under Tariff Schedule 78. The company will market the program to
customers with a bill insert/brochure and add a program web page to the Savings For Your Home
section of the Idaho Power website in 2019.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Rebate Advantage
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 81
Rebate Advantage
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (participants) 107 66
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $105,770 $93,891
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $41,714 $10,861
Idaho Power Funds $0 $244
Total Program Costs—All Sources $147,483 $104,996
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.027 $0.025
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 1.93 1.88
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 1.08 1.19
Description
Initiated in 2003, the Rebate Advantage program helps Idaho Power customers in Idaho and Oregon
with the initial costs associated with purchasing a new, energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR® qualified
manufactured home. This enables the homebuyer to enjoy the long-term benefit of lower electric bills
and greater comfort provided by these homes. The program also provides an incentive to the sales
consultants to encourage more sales of ENERGY STAR qualified homes and more discussion of energy
efficiency with their customers during the sales process.
In addition to offering financial incentives, the Rebate Advantage program promotes and educates
buyers and retailers of manufactured homes about the benefits of owning energy-efficient models.
The Northwest Energy Efficient Manufactured (NEEM) housing program establishes quality control
(QC) and energy efficiency specifications for qualified homes. NEEM is a consortium of manufacturers
and state energy offices in the Northwest. In addition to specifications and quality, NEEM tracks the
production and on-site performance of ENERGY STAR qualified manufactured homes.
Program Activities
In 2018, the residential customer incentive for this program was $1,000; the sales staff incentive was
$200 for each qualified home they sold. Idaho Power paid 107 incentives on new manufactured homes,
which accounted for 284,559 annual kWh savings. This included a 32-home development in
Ontario, Oregon.
Marketing Activities
In March, Rebate Advantage was promoted through a bill insert (shared with the Energy House Calls
program) sent to 345,506 customers. The insert had information about the potential energy and dollar
savings to customers and referred customers to the program website.
Residential Sector—Rebate Advantage Idaho Power Company
Page 82 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
In May 2018, the company updated Rebate Advantage program collateral, including flyers and posters.
Idaho Power continued to support manufactured home dealerships by providing them with updated
Rebate Advantage collateral, as well as 10 vinyl banners (Figure 33).
Figure 33. Rebate Advantage dealership banner
A Facebook ad ran in September aimed at reaching Spanish- and English-speaking customers age 35-
65+ with at least a high school education and an interest in manufactured housing. The ad reached
11,836 people and resulted in 38,444 impressions.
Cost-Effectiveness
The Rebate Advantage program has a UCT of 1.93 and a TRC of 1.08. In February 2017, the RTF
updated savings for new construction manufactured homes. The RTF updated the heating system
measure identifier for these new manufactured homes. Previously, the savings for these homes differed
by heating system type: electric forced air furnace vs. heat pump. The RTF models savings for the new
home “shell.” When compared to an inefficiently built home, efficient homes with an electric forced-air
furnace technically save more energy than those built with a heat pump because the savings come from
the shell and not the heating source. The RTF was concerned that while manufactured homes would
leave the factory with an electric forced-air furnace; some of these homes would have a heat pump
installed within a year. If this would occur, savings could be double counted within Rebate Advantage
and H&CE Program. To address this, the RTF blended the heating system type to be split 75 percent
forced-air furnace and 25 percent heat pump. As a result, the average annual savings per home declined
by 18 percent between 2017 and 2018.
For detailed information for all measures within the Rebate Advantage program, see Supplement 1:
Cost-Effectiveness.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Rebate Advantage
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 83
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power will continue to support manufactured home dealers by providing them with program
materials. The company will also distribute a bill insert to Idaho and Oregon customers and will explore
digital advertising to promote the program to potential manufactured home buyers.
Residential Sector—Residential New Construction Pilot Program Idaho Power Company
Page 84 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Residential New Construction Pilot Program
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (participants) 307 277
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $400,910 $320,637
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $2 $2,232
Idaho Power Funds $0 $651
Total Program Costs—All Sources $400,912 $323,520
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.027 $0.028
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 2.51 2.36
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 1.23 1.47
Description
The Residential New Construction Pilot Program launched in March 2018, replacing the ENERGY
STAR® Homes Northwest Program. The Residential New Construction Pilot Program offers builders a
cash incentive to build energy-efficient, single-family homes that use heat pump technology in Idaho
Power’s Idaho service area. These homes must meet strict requirements that make them at least 20
percent more energy efficient than homes built to standard state energy code.
The RTF and NEEA have created specific modeling requirements and program guidelines to ensure the
program provides reliable energy savings for utilities across the Northwest. These homes feature
high-performance HVAC systems, high-efficiency windows, increased insulation values, and tighter
building shells to improve comfort and save energy. Idaho Power claims energy savings based on each
home’s individual modeled savings.
Builders must contract with a Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)-certified rater to ensure
the home design will meet program qualifications. The rater will work with the builder from the design
stages through project completion; perform the required energy modeling using REM/Rate modeling
software; perform site inspections and tests; and enter, maintain, and submit all required technical
documentation in the REM/Rate modeling software and the AXIS database. This data is used to
determine the energy savings and the percent above code information needed to certify the home. NEEA
maintains the regional AXIS database.
Program Activities
The ENERGY STAR® Homes Northwest Program was phased out in 2018, and only homes that were
started prior to January 31, 2018 and certified by December 31, 2018 could qualify for that incentive.
Two hundred ninety-two of these homes were certified and received the $1,000 incentive in 2018.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Residential New Construction Pilot Program
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 85
The incentive for homes certified under the Residential New Construction Pilot Program is $1,500. The
company paid incentives on 15 Residential New Construction Pilot Program homes, accounting for
savings of 64,889 kWh.
Marketing Activities
Idaho Power maintained a strong presence in the building industry by supporting the Idaho Building
Contractors Association (IBCA) and several of its local affiliates throughout Idaho Power’s service area
in 2018. The company participated in the IBCA Summer Board Meeting, the Building Contractors
Association of Southwestern Idaho (BCASWI) builder’s expo, and the Snake River Valley Building
Contractors Association (SRVBCA) builder’s expo.
Idaho Power supported Parade of Homes events with full-page ads in the Parade of Homes magazines of
the following BCAs: The Magic Valley Builders Association (MVBA), the BCASWI, and the
SRVBCA. A print ad was created for the Pocatello Parade of Homes and a poster for the Twin Falls
Home Show. Print and digital ads also appeared in the Idaho Business Review in June (Figure 34).
Figure 34. Residential New Construction Pilot Program ad
On the April and May billing statements, Idaho Power added messages informing residential customers
of Parade of Homes events in their area. A bill insert was sent to 342,687 Idaho customers in May to
promote the program.
New informational program brochures and a new program web page were created in March to educate
and inform program stakeholders and customers of the new program.
Cost-Effectiveness
Residential New Construction cost-effectiveness improved in 2018 because of increased savings and
decreased incremental costs. The RTF updated prescriptive deemed savings numbers for new
construction townhomes for Idaho and Montana in spring of 2017. The increase savings from 2,196 to
2,440 annual kWh better reflected Idaho building code baselines. The updated RTF savings were applied
to the 292 legacy ENERGY STAR® homes submitted by builders in 2018. Savings for the 15 energy-
Residential Sector—Residential New Construction Pilot Program Idaho Power Company
Page 86 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
modeled homes varied between 2,100 and 8,700 kWh per home depending on which efficiency upgrades
were included to meet the 20-percent over code program requirement.
Incremental costs of efficient measures dropped by over $400 per home for legacy homes contributing
to improved benefit-cost ratios. Incremental costs for the 15 modeled homes were calculated on a
project-by-project basis looking at the average upgrades in efficiency within the two communities. For
more detailed information about the cost-effectiveness savings and assumptions, see Supplement 1:
Cost-Effectiveness.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power plans to continue to promote this program to Idaho builders and new home buyers.
These marketing efforts include ads in Parade of Homes magazines for the BCASWI, SRVBCA,
MVBA, and the Building Contractors Association of Southeast Idaho (BCASEI). A bill insert is
planned for spring 2019. The company also plans to continue supporting the general events and
activities of the IBCA and its local affiliates. Social media and other advertising will be considered
based on past effectiveness.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Shade Tree Project
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 87
Shade Tree Project
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (trees) 2,093 2,711
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $162,995 $194,695
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $0 $0
Idaho Power Funds $0 $1,122
Total Program Costs—All Sources $162,995 $195,817
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.307 n/a
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 0.71 n/a
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 0.80 n/a
Description
The Shade Tree Project began as a pilot in 2013. According to the DOE, a well-placed shade tree can
reduce energy used for summer cooling by 15 percent or more. Utility programs throughout the country
report high customer satisfaction with shade tree programs and an enhanced public image for the utility
related to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Other utilities report energy savings between 40
kWh per year (coastal climate San Diego) and over 200 kWh per year (Phoenix) per tree planted.
To be successful, trees should be planted to maximize energy savings and ensure survivability.
Two technological developments in urban forestry—the state-sponsored Treasure Valley Urban Tree
Canopy Assessment and the Arbor Day Foundation’s Energy-Saving Trees tool—provided Idaho Power
with the information to facilitate a shade tree project.
The Shade Tree Project operates in a small geographic area each spring and fall, offering no-cost shade
trees to residential customers. Participants enroll using the online Energy-Saving Trees tool and pick up
their tree at specific events. Unclaimed trees are donated to cities and schools.
Using the online enrollment tool, participants locate their home on a map, select from a list of available
trees, and evaluate the potential energy savings associated with planting in different locations.
During enrollment, participants learn how trees planted to the west and east save more energy over time
than trees planted to the south and north.
Ensuring the tree is planted properly helps it grow to provide maximum energy savings. At the tree
pickup events, participants receive additional education on where to plant trees for maximum energy
savings and other tree care guidance from experts. Local specialists include city arborists from
participating municipalities; Idaho Power utility arborists; county master gardeners; and College of
Southern Idaho horticulture students.
Residential Sector—Shade Tree Project Idaho Power Company
Page 88 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Each fall, Idaho Power sends participants from the previous two offerings a newsletter filled with
reminders on proper tree care and links to resources, such as tree care classes and educational
opportunities in the region. This newsletter was developed after the 2015 field audits identified common
customer tree care questions and concerns.
Program Activities
In 2018, Idaho Power expanded the Shade Tree Project to include additional counties. In the spring, the
project was open to customers in Twin Falls, Jerome, Gooding, Camas, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Cassia
counties. In the fall, the project was open to customers in Ada, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Payette, Owyhee,
and Washington counties. Overall, Idaho Power distributed 2,093 trees to residential customers through
the Shade Tree Project. Because the best time to plant shade trees is in the spring and fall, Idaho Power
held offerings in April and October, with 954 trees and 1,139 trees distributed, respectively.
Idaho Power purchased the trees from a local wholesale nursery in advance of each event. The species
offered for each event depended on the trees available at the time of purchase. Idaho Power worked with
city and state arborists to select a variety of large-growing, deciduous trees that traditionally grow well
in the climate and soils of the participating counties.
Participants picked up the trees at events throughout the project area—two in the spring and four in the
fall. Staging several pickup days, locations, and times helps maximize the number of trees picked up.
In 2018, 85 percent of all trees were distributed to homeowners.
Idaho Power continues to track the program data in the DSM database. The database is also used to
screen applicants during enrollment to determine whether participants meet the eligibility requirements
for the project, such as residential status within the eligible counties (customer type and location).
Marketing Activities
For both spring and fall offerings, Idaho Power developed a direct-mailing list using Idaho Power
customer information to identify customers who lived in a house that had been constructed within the
last 10 years. Approximately 8,330 direct-mailers were sent to targeted customers in the spring and
9,501 in the fall.
For both offerings, Idaho Power also sent emails to customers who had requested information about the
project through Idaho Power’s website. The cities of Nampa, Meridian, Boise, and Payette shared
information through their networks. Idaho Power announced its Shade Tree Project to the Treasure
Valley Canopy Network. The company also distributed program flyers at local events, where
appropriate, and created a vinyl banner for the first event held in Twin Falls.
A cloth poster was available in 2018 to showcase what each tree would look like at full maturity and
was a useful reference for customers who had questions. In June, the program was featured in
Connections, citing the recent visit to Twin Falls and directing customers to the program website to sign
up to be notified of future events.
Each recipient of a shade tree received a packet containing planting directions, tips, illustrations, and
other useful information. In September 2018, a newsletter was sent to the last season’s program
participants. Articles discussed the expansion of the program to new locations and tips on how to keep
trees healthy. The company also ran a social media post in April thanking the participants and host who
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Shade Tree Project
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 89
made the Twin Falls event a success (Figure 35). The program was also promoted in the Home Energy
Reports.
Figure 35. Thank-you post from Idaho Power after Twin Falls Shade Tree Project event
Cost-Effectiveness
For the Shade Tree Project, Idaho Power utilizes the Arbor Day Foundation’s software which calculates
energy savings and other NEBs based on tree species and orientation and distance from the home. This
tool, i-Tree software, estimates these benefits for years 5, 10, 15, and 20 after the tree planting year.
However, the savings from the tool assumes that each tree is planted as planned. In 2018, Idaho Power
contracted with DNV GL to evaluate the program to determine a realization rate based on the survival
rate for these trees and to develop a model to calculate average values per tree.
The cost-effectiveness for the program is based on the modeled savings for the tree distributed in 2018
and the costs incurred during 2018. As shown in Table 11, it is estimated these trees will begin saving
35,425 kWh in 2022 and 116,197 kWh by year 2038. Based on the model, the project has as UCT ratio
of 0.71 and a TRC ratio of 0.80.
For the calculator, DNV GL assumed a measure life of 20 years. This is because i-Tree software only
estimates saving at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. In 2018, the bur oak, northern red oak, Greenspire® littleleaf
linden, and tulip tree were the most common species distributed in the project. According to the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a bur oak can live 300 to 400 years, and a northern red oak
can live up to 500 years. The Urban Forest Ecosystem Institute estimates the littleleaf linden can live
50 to 150 years, and the tulip trees can live beyond 150 years. Idaho Power acknowledges the potential
energy savings for a tree may continue to increase beyond year 20, but the savings will be capped at
some point regardless of how large the tree grows. For the trees distributed in 2018, data around the
survivorship beyond 2038 is also unknown. While the energy savings in 2038 is estimated to be
116,197 kWh, the savings may continue to increase at a diminishing rate before eventually declining due
to increased mortality. However, if energy savings were to stay constant beyond year 20, it can be
Residential Sector—Shade Tree Project Idaho Power Company
Page 90 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
assumed that the program would be cost-effective from both the UCT and RTC perspective if the
program life was revised to 30 years.
For non-energy impacts, i-Tree software estimates a monetary benefit value for improved air quality and
avoided runoff from stormwater. However, these benefits are largely offset by the heating detriment
caused by the winter shade from the tree that requires extra heating for the home. Also, while the tree
does remove carbon dioxide from the air, there is also an increase in carbon dioxide from the increased
winter home heating.
While an evaluation was conducted for the program in 2018, the evaluations costs will be incurred in
2019. At that time, Idaho Power will calculate the cost-effectiveness ratios with and without evaluation
costs.
For more detailed information about the cost-effectiveness savings and assumptions, see Supplement 1:
Cost-Effectiveness.
Customer Satisfaction
After each offering, a survey was emailed to participants. The survey asked questions related to program
marketing, tree-planting education, and participant experience with the enrollment and tree pickup
processes. Results are compared, offering to offering, to look for trends to ensure the program processes
are still working, and to identify opportunities for improvement. Data are also collected about where and
when the participant planted the tree. These data will be used by Idaho Power to refine energy-savings
estimates.
In total, the survey was sent to 1,170 Shade Tree Project participants. The company received 696
responses for a response rate of over 59 percent. Participants were asked how much they would agree or
disagree that they would recommend the project to a friend; nearly 96 percent of respondents said they
“strongly agree,” and nearly 3 percent said they “somewhat agree.” Participants were asked how much
they would agree or disagree that they were satisfied with the overall experience with the Shade Tree
Project; over 92 percent of respondents indicated they “strongly agree,” and nearly 7 percent “somewhat
agree” they were satisfied. View the complete survey results in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Evaluations
In 2018, DNV GL was retained to estimate kWh savings for trees planted during program years 2013
through 2018. DNV GL reconciled program enrollment data with data obtained during Idaho Power
audits of a random selection of the trees planted in 2013 to 2016. The audits recorded actual orientation
and distance from the home and recalculated savings based on those actual values. The audits also
provided mortality data.
DNV GL used estimated kWh savings from i-Trees software to calculate average realization rates and
benefits for each planting year, by audited tree species for years 5, 10, 15, and 20 after planting. They
assigned these average realization rate assumptions to the unaudited trees and calculated the evaluated
savings rates. DNV GL then averaged all values per planting year to calculate the average per-tree
benefits and interpolated annual per-tree average benefits for all years.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Shade Tree Project
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 91
The total savings and benefits were calculated by multiplying the per-tree average savings by the
number of trees planted each year and the estimated survival rate for that year. DNV GL recommends
Idaho Power claim future benefits and energy savings as noted in Table 11.
Table 11. Suggested energy savings from DNV GL for the Shade Tree Project
Incremental Annual Savings (kWh)
2013 ................................................................... 3,724 860 783 756 729 703
2014 ................................................................... 34,511 7,974 7,253 7,006 6,759
2015 ................................................................... 32,361 7,477 6,802 6,570
2016 ................................................................... 34,883 8,060 7,332
2017 ................................................................... 45,884 10,602
2018 ................................................................... 35,425
Incremental Claimable Annual Savings* ............. 3,724 35,371 41,118 50,370 68,482 67,390
Total Current Year Savings** .............................. 3,724 39,095 303,848 277,729 254,723 203,262
Cumulative Savings*** ......................................... 3,724 42,818 346,666 624,395 879,119 1,082,381
*Incremental savings over previously claimed annual savings.
**Total annual savings for trees from all planting years.
***Cumulative savings since program inception.
Idaho Power will respond to any 2018 evaluation recommendations during the 2019 program year. The
complete report, including additional calendar-year savings recommendations, can be found in
Supplement 2: Evaluation.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power plans to continue the Shade Tree Project in 2019, returning it to the Twin Falls area in the
spring and expanding it to the Pocatello area for the first time in the fall. The project will use the Arbor
Day enrollment tool, and trees will be distributed at multiple events.
Idaho Power will continue to market the program through direct-mail, focusing on customers identified
using the Urban Tree-Canopy Assessment tool in the Treasure Valley and customer information to
identify those customers who live in newly constructed homes. The program will be promoted in the
April 2019 Home Energy Report. In addition, Idaho Power maintains a waiting list of customers who
were unable to enroll because previous offerings filled. Idaho Power will reach out to these customers
through direct-mail or email for the 2019 offerings. Idaho Power will continue to leverage allied interest
groups and use social media and boosted Facebook posts if enrollment response rates decline.
Residential Sector—Simple Steps, Smart Savings™ Idaho Power Company
Page 92 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Simple Steps, Smart Savings™
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (products) 7,377 12,556
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $86,721 $185,354
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $3,762 $5,811
Idaho Power Funds $0 $456
Total Program Costs—All Sources $90,484 $191,621
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.034 $0.020
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 1.44 2.38
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 4.68 5.05
Description
Initiated in 2015, the Simple Steps, Smart Savings™ program is designed to increase sales of qualified
energy-efficient appliances through promotion-based incentives. Incentives are shared by the retailer,
manufacturer, and the customer, though they may differ among promotions and among retailers and
manufacturers.
Idaho Power may provide incentives to the retailer or manufacturer as co-marketing dollars to fund
activities such as promotional events, special product placement, point-of-purchase signage, retailer
activities, event kits, sales associate training, training material, and other marketing activities during the
promotional periods.
Customer rewards may include, but are not limited to, retailer gift cards, free related products, or
reduced pricing. Each promotion is available in Idaho and Oregon.
Idaho Power also participates in the BPA-sponsored, Simple Steps, Smart Savings energy-efficient
lighting program, which is discussed further in the Energy Efficient Lighting program section of
this report. All Simple Steps, Smart Savings promotions are administered by the BPA and coordinated
by a third-party contractor, CLEAResult.
Program Activities
In 2018, the qualified products included select ENERGY STAR® rated clothes washers and
high-efficiency showerheads. The incentive provided by Idaho Power through this program for clothes
washers was applied during special promotions, which aligned with holidays or events throughout the
year at retail stores. The promotion for showerheads ran the entire year.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Simple Steps, Smart Savings™
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 93
Appliances
In 2018, Idaho Power participated in five major Simple Steps, Smart Savings appliance promotions with
these retailers: Sears, Sears Hometown, and RC Willey.
At each event, CLEAResult personnel staffed a table and answered customer questions about the
appliance promotion. To further educate customers about the promotions, CLEAResult created an
Idaho Power-branded promotional landing page that highlights promotion details and participating
retailers.
The five promotions took place as follows: 1) the 2017 Black Friday promotion took place in November
through the first week of December—because invoice of sales for this promotion is not received until
the following month, they are included with the remaining four 2018 promotions; 2) the President’s Day
promotion ran for two weeks in February; 3) the Memorial Day promotion ran the last week in May
through the first week in June; 4) the Independence Day promotion ran the last week in June through the
first two weeks in July; and 5) the Labor Day promotion ran the last week in August through the first
week in September. In-store events were held at all participating retailers in Idaho Power’s service area
during the promotions.
Incentives for the purchase of a qualified ENERGY STAR clothes washer included a $25 gift card at
Sears, a $25 instant markdown at Sears Hometown, and a $25 gift card at RC Willey. RC Willey added
$10 to the $25 provided to allow them to offer a $35 gift card to customers for the first three promotions.
The additional $10 was not included in the incentive for the Independence Day and Labor Day
promotions.
Showerheads
In 2018, Idaho Power worked with seven participating retailers on the high-efficiency showerhead
promotion. There were 6,558 qualified showerhead sales, as compared to 11,528 in 2017. Of those sales,
14 percent were 1.50 gpm, 8 percent were 1.75 gpm, and 78 percent were 2.0 gpm showerheads. One
possible reason for the large decrease in showerhead sales may be a result of the reduction in incentive
amount from 2017 to 2018. In 2017, customers received a $7 instant markdown for the purchase of a
qualified showerhead. In 2018, the instant markdown incentive was decreased to $6 for 1.75 and 1.50
gpm showerheads and $2 for 2.0 gpm showerheads.
Marketing Activities
To help support the appliance promotions, table tents and static clings were displayed on all qualifying
appliances. These pieces informed customers about the promotion and the incentive they would receive.
In-store gift cards were placed in gift card holders that displayed the Idaho Power logo. For purchases
from Sears Hometown, where the customer received an instant markdown, customers also received a
thank-you card with the Idaho Power logo. Additionally, CLEAResult field support staffed a table at
15 appliance promotion events to educate customers and sales staff of the Idaho Power incentives.
Several Simple Steps, Smart Savings promotions were conducted through CLEAResult at retail stores in
2018. These promotions generally involved special product placement and signs. CLEAResult staff
continued to conduct monthly store visits in 2018 to check on stock, point-of-purchase signs, and
displays.
Residential Sector—Simple Steps, Smart Savings™ Idaho Power Company
Page 94 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
During the promotions, Idaho Power placed Facebook and Twitter posts to notify customers of
the details. Idaho Power posted information about the appliance promotions on its Appliances web page
and promoted ENERGY STAR washers in its winter Energy Efficiency Guide.
Cost-Effectiveness
In late 2016, the RTF reviewed and updated the savings assumptions for showerheads. Due to the timing
of the RTF update, BPA and CLEAResult implemented the new savings in 2018. Previously, the annual
savings for showerheads ranged between 65 to 111 kWh. Based on the new workbook, showerhead
annual savings are now between 15 and 64 kWh. The parameters that impacted the savings for
showerheads include assumptions regarding the baseline showerhead, installation rate, and shower
duration. As with past RTF workbooks, Idaho Power adjusts the assumptions regarding electric water
heating saturation from the regional average of 60 percent to the company’s average of 49 percent from
the 2016 residential end-use study.
Despite the reduction in savings, showerheads remain cost-effective because there is no incremental cost
between the efficient showerhead and the baseline showerhead. The RTF researched the pricing for
showerheads and found that the cost did not differ significantly between similar models with varying
flow rates.
The clothes washer assumptions did not change between 2017 and 2018. Idaho Power applied the per-
unit savings from the approved BPA unit energy savings (UES) Measure List. While BPA applies the
annual generator busbar savings of 109 kWh per unit, Idaho Power applies the annual site savings of
101 kWh per unit. This difference is due to the different line losses applied by Idaho Power and BPA.
For the NEBs, Idaho Power used RTF’s clothes washer workbook to determine the water and
wastewater savings for the ENERGY STAR clothes washers.
For detailed information for all measures within the Simple Steps, Smart Savings program,
see Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power has committed to participate in the 2019 Simple Steps, Smart Savings appliance
promotions, providing incentives only for products that meet Idaho Power’s cost-effectiveness
requirements. In 2019, the appliance promotion will work on becoming a year-round promotion.
Beginning in February, RC Willey plans to begin offering incentives on qualified products throughout
the year. CLEAResult will work with Sears Hometown and Lowe’s to finalize contracts to begin
offering the promotion year-round at their stores. Idaho Power and CLEAResult are in the process of
contacting additional retailers to determine interest levels.
Idaho Power will also continue participation in the Simple Steps, Smart Savings energy-efficient
showerheads buy-down program in 2019.
CLEAResult will continue to manage marketing at retailers, including point-of-purchase signs,
Idaho Power-branded gift card holders, and thank-you cards. Idaho Power will notify customers of the
promotions on its website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 95
Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (homes/non-profits) 193 203
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $0 $0
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $0 $0
Idaho Power Funds $1,272,973 $1,307,485
Total Program Costs—All Sources $1,272,973 $1,307,485
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.111 $0.111
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 0.43 0.37
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 0.52 0.48
Description
The WAQC program provides financial assistance to regional CAP agencies in Idaho Power’s service
area. This assistance helps fund weatherization costs of electrically heated homes occupied by qualified
customers who have limited incomes. Weatherization improvements enable residents to maintain a more
comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient home while reducing their monthly electricity consumption.
Improvements are available at no cost to qualified customers who own or rent their homes.
These customers also receive educational materials and ideas on using energy wisely in their homes.
Local CAP agencies determine participant eligibility according to federal and state guidelines. The
WAQC program also provides limited funds to weatherize buildings occupied by non-profit
organizations that serve primarily special-needs populations, regardless of heating source, with priority
given to the electrically heated.
In 1989, Idaho Power began offering weatherization assistance in conjunction with the State of Idaho
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). In Oregon, Idaho Power offers weatherization assistance in
conjunction with the State of Oregon WAP. This allows CAP agencies to combine Idaho Power funds
with federal LIHEAP weatherization funds to serve more customers with special needs in electrically
heated homes.
Idaho Power has an agreement with each CAP agency in the service area for the WAQC program that
specifies the funding allotment, billing requirements, and program guidelines. Currently, Idaho Power
oversees the program in Idaho through five regional CAP agencies: Eastern Idaho Community Action
Partnership (EICAP), El Ada Community Action Partnership (EL ADA), Metro Community Services
(Metro Community), South Central Community Action Partnership (SCCAP), and Southeastern Idaho
Community Action Agency (SEICAA). In Oregon, Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc.
(CCNO), and Community in Action (CINA) provide weatherization services for qualified customers.
Residential Sector—Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers Idaho Power Company
Page 96 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) uses the DOE-approved energy audit program
(EA5) for the Idaho WAP and, therefore, the Idaho CAP agencies use the EA5. The EA5 is energy audit
software approved for use by the DOE.
Annually, Idaho Power requires physical verification of approximately 10 percent of the homes
weatherized under the WAQC program. This is done through two methods. The first method uses
Idaho’s and Oregon’s state monitoring process that reviews weatherized homes. Utility representatives;
weatherization personnel from the CAP agencies; CAPAI; and a Building Performance Institute
(BPI)-certified quality control inspector review homes weatherized by each of the CAP agencies.
The quality control inspector is hired by the state to ensure measures were installed to DOE and state
WAP specifications.
For the second method, Idaho Power contracts with two companies—Kent Kearns Enterprises and
Momentum, LLC (Momentum)—that employ building performance specialists to verify installed
measures in customer homes. Kent Kearns Enterprises verifies homes weatherized for the WAQC
program in Idaho Power’s eastern and southern Idaho regions. Momentum verifies weatherization
services provided through the WAQC program in the Capital and Canyon–West regions of Idaho and in
the company’s Oregon service area. After these companies verify installed measures, any required
follow-up is done by CAP agency personnel.
Idaho Power reports the activities related to the WAQC program in compliance with IPUC Order
No. 29505, as updated in Case No. IPC-E-16-30, Order No. 33702. This order approved Idaho Power’s
request to modify Order No. 29505 to consolidate the WAQC Annual Report with the DSM Annual
Report each year.
This report includes the following required topics:
• Review of weatherized homes and non-profit buildings by county
• Review of measures installed
• Overall cost-effectiveness
• Customer education and satisfaction
• Plans for 2019
Program Activities
Weatherized Homes and Non-Profit Buildings by County
In 2018, Idaho Power made $1,315,372 available to Idaho CAP agencies. Of the funds provided,
$1,184,987 were paid to Idaho CAP agencies in 2018, while $130,384 were accrued for future funding.
Of the funds paid in 2018, $1,041,175 directly funded audits, energy efficiency measures, and health and
safety measures for qualified customers’ homes (production costs) in Idaho, and $104,117 funded
administration costs to Idaho CAP agencies for those homes weatherized.
These funds provided for the weatherization of 188 Idaho homes and two Idaho non-profit buildings.
The production cost of the non-profit building weatherization measures was $36,085, while $3,609 in
administrative costs were paid for the Idaho non-profit building weatherization jobs. In Oregon,
Idaho Power paid $11,805 in production costs for three qualified homes and $1,181 in CAP agency
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 97
administrative costs for homes in Malheur County. Table 12 shows each CAP agency, the number of
homes weatherized, production costs, the average cost per home, administration payments, and total
payments per county made by Idaho Power.
Table 12. WAQC activities and Idaho Power expenditures by agency and county in 2018
Agency/County Number of Homes Production Cost Average Cost Administration Payment to Agency Total Payment
EICAP
Lemhi 3 $ 11,625 $ 3,875 $ 1,163 $ 12,788
Agency Total 3 $ 11,625 $ 3,875 $ 1,163 $ 12,788
EL ADA
Ada 58 331,742 5,720 33,174 364,917
Elmore 20 120,555 6,028 12,056 132,611
Owyhee 13 64,501 4,962 6,450 70,951
Agency Total 91 $ 516,799 $ 5,679 $ 51,680 $ 568,479
Metro Community Services
Boise 2 7,240 3,620 724 7,964
Canyon 24 137,944 5,748 13,794 151,738
Gem 3 19,446 6,482 1,944 21,391
Payette 3 12,559 4,186 1,255 13,815
Valley 16 95,987 5,999 9,598 105,586
Agency Total 48 $ 273,177 $ 5,691 $ 27,318 $ 300,494
SCCAP
Blaine 2 11,016 5,508 1,101 12,118
Gooding 6 33,819 5,636 3,382 37,200
Jerome 4 36,046 9,011 3,604 39,650
Twin Falls 15 88,071 5,871 8,807 96,878
Agency Total 27 $ 168,952 $ 6,257 $ 16,895 $ 185,847
SEICAA
Bannock 9 29,767 3,307 2,977 32,744
Bingham 8 30,559 3,820 3,056 33,615
Power 2 10,296 5,148 1,030 11,325
Agency Total 19 $ 70,622 $ 3,717 $ 7,062 $ 77,685
Non-Profit Buildings
Twin Falls 1 24,042 24,042 2,404 26,446
Power 1 12,043 12,043 1,204 13,248
Total Non-Profit Buildings 2 $ 36,085 $ 18,043 $ 3,609 $ 39,694
Oregon Homes
CCNO
Baker 0 0 0 0 0
Agency Total 0 $ 0 0 $ 0 $ 0
CINA
Malheur 3 11,805 3,935 1,181 12,986
Agency Total 3 $ 11,805 $ 3,935 $ 1,181 $ 12,986
Residential Sector—Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers Idaho Power Company
Page 98 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Agency/County Number of Homes Production Cost Average Cost Administration Payment to Agency Total Payment
3 $ 11,805 $ 3,935 $ 1,181 $ 12,986
Total Program 193 $ 1,089,066 $ 5,643 $ 108,907 $ 1,197,972
Note: Dollars are rounded.
The base funding for Idaho CAP agencies is $1,212,534 annually, which does not include carryover
from the previous year. Idaho Power’s agreements with CAP agencies include a provision that identifies
a maximum annual average cost per home up to a dollar amount specified in the agreement between the
CAP agency and Idaho Power. The intent of the maximum annual average cost allows the CAP agency
flexibility to service some homes with greater or fewer weatherization needs. It also provides a
monitoring tool for Idaho Power to forecast year-end outcomes. The average cost per home weatherized
is calculated by dividing the total annual Idaho Power production cost of homes weatherized by the total
number of homes weatherized that the CAP agencies billed to Idaho Power during the year.
The maximum annual average cost per home the CAP agencies were allowed under the 2018 agreement
was $6,000. In 2018, Idaho CAP agencies had a combined average cost per home weatherized of
$5,538. In Oregon, the average was $3,935 per home weatherized.
There is no maximum annual average cost for the weatherization of buildings occupied by
non-profit agencies.
CAP agency administration fees are equal to 10 percent of Idaho Power’s per-job production costs.
The average administration cost paid to agencies per Idaho home weatherized in 2018 was $554, and the
average administration cost paid to Oregon agencies per Oregon home weatherized during the same
period was $394. Not included in this report’s tables are additional Idaho Power staff labor, marketing,
home verification, and support costs for the WAQC program totaling $49,218 for 2018. These expenses
were in addition to the WAQC program funding requirements in Idaho specified in IPUC Order No.
29505.
In compliance with IPUC Order No. 29505, WAQC program funds are tracked separately, with unspent
funds carried over and made available to Idaho CAP agencies in the following year. In 2018, $102,838
in unspent funds from 2017 were made available for expenditures in Idaho. Table 13 details the funding
base and available funds from 2017 and the total amount of 2018 spending.
Table 13. WAQC base funding and funds made available in 2018
Agency
2018 Base
Available Funds from 2017
Total 2018 Allotment
2018 Spending
EICAP $ 12,788 $ 0 $ 12,788 $ 12,788
EL ADA 568,479 0 568,479 568,479
Metro Community Services* 302,259 -1,765 300,494 300,494
SCCAP 167,405 70,397 237,802 185,847
SEICAA 111,603 7,871 119,474 77,685
Idaho Total $ 1,212,534 $ $102,838 $ $1,315,372 $ $1,184,987
Note: Dollars are rounded.
*Overspending of Metro Community Services in 2017 was deducted from 2018 MCS base funding.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 99
Weatherization Measures Installed
Table 14 details home and non-profit building counts for which Idaho Power paid all or a portion of
each measure cost during 2018. The home counts column shows the number of times any percentage of
that measure was billed to Idaho Power during the year. If totaled, measure counts would be higher than
total homes weatherized because the number of measures installed in each home varies.
WAQC and other state Weatherization Assistance Programs nationwide are whole-house programs that
offer several measures that have costs but do not necessarily save energy, or for which the savings
cannot be measured. Included in this category, as required by DOE, are health and safety measures and
home energy audits. Health and safety measures are necessary to ensure weatherization activities do not
cause unsafe situations in a customer’s home or compromise a home’s existing indoor air quality. Idaho
Power contributes funding for the installation of items that do not save energy such as smoke and carbon
monoxide detectors, vapor barrier, electric panel upgrades, floor registers, boots, kitchen range fans, and
venting of bath and laundry areas. While these items increase health, safety, and comfort and are
required for certain energy-saving measures to work properly, they increase costs of the job.
Table 14. WAQC review of measures installed in 2018
Home Counts Production Costs
Idaho Homes
Audit 133 $ 17,052
Ceiling Insulation 79 68,597
CFLs 46 1,639
Doors 94 69,497
Ducts 39 24,205
Floor Insulation 46 55,500
Furnace Repair 4 626
Furnace Replacement 139 571,223
Infiltration 111 38,714
Other 24 26,898
Pipes 18 1,640
Refrigerator Replacement 2 1,920
Vents 11 1,031
Wall Insulation 5 1,229
Water Heater 4 5,284
Windows 91 148,817
Total Idaho Homes $ 1,041,175
Oregon Homes
Ceiling Insulation 1 1,577
CFLs 1 51
Ducts 2 774
Floor Insulation 3 8,065
Health and Safety 1 561
Infiltration 3 778
Windows 0 0
Total Oregon Homes $ 11,805
Residential Sector—Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers Idaho Power Company
Page 100 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Home Counts Production Costs
Idaho Non-Profits
Audit 2 1,033
Ceiling Insulation 2 3,553
CFLs 0 0
Doors 1 1,718
Ducts 2 4,868
Floor Insulation 1 222
Furnace Replacement 1 4,082
Health and Safety 1 483
Infiltration 2 2,720
Other 2 9,064
Vents 1 41
Wall Insulation 1 1,725
Windows 2 5,761
Total Idaho Non-Profit Measures $ 36,085
Note: Dollars are rounded.
Marketing Activities
Idaho Power developed and distributed a brochure that provided information about both the WAQC
program and Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers program. This was meant to help
customers realize the company offers more than one way to qualify for weatherization services.
Idaho Power actively informed customers about WAQC through energy and resource fairs and other
customer contacts, including communication from its Customer Service Center. Information about
WAQC is located on the Income Qualified Customers page of Idaho Power’s website.
Cost-Effectiveness
Program cost-effectiveness increased in 2018 from both the utility cost and total resource cost
perspective. The utility cost ratio ticked up to 0.43 from 0.37, and the TRC B/C ratio increased to 0.52
from 0.48. Cost-effectiveness ratios will decline slightly again in 2019 with full adoption of the 2017
IRP DSM alternate cost assumptions.
Table 15 shows the updated results that identify the difference between homes that received
weatherization only vs. homes that were weatherized and upgraded with an efficient heat pump.
Table 15. 2018 savings values for WAQC program
Weatherization only Weatherization and heating system change
2 2
Single-family Homes ............................................ 1,797 1.16 4,154 2.48
Manufactured Homes ........................................... 1,734 1.36 4,418 4.30
Multi-family Homes ............................................... n/a 1.16 n/a 2.48
Non-profit Buildings .............................................. n/a 1.16 n/a 2.48
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 101
There were no changes to the values used for reporting between 2016 to 2018. The savings values were
updated in 2016 to better align savings by home type and measures installed with the associated
installation costs. Per-home savings were updated in late 2018 using 2015 through 2017 weatherization
project energy consumption data to keep savings in line with home size, measure bundles, and furnace
replacements occurring in the field.
While final cost-effectiveness is calculated based on measured consumption data, cost-effectiveness
screening begins during the initial contacts between CAP agency weatherization staff and the customer.
In customer homes, the agency weatherization auditor uses the EA5 to conduct the initial audit of
potential energy savings for a home. The EA5 compares the efficiency of the home prior to
weatherization to the efficiency after the proposed improvements and calculates the value of the
efficiency change into a savings-to-investment ratio (SIR). The output of the SIR is similar to the PCT
ratio. If the EA5 computes an SIR of 1.0 or higher, the CAP agency is authorized to complete the
proposed measures. The weatherization manager can split individual measure costs between Idaho
Power and other funding sources with a maximum charge of 85 percent of total production costs to
Idaho Power. Using the audit form to pre-screen projects ensures each weatherization project will result
in energy savings. The use of the audit tool drives consistent and predictable results from billing analysis
of weatherization projects.
The 2018 cost-effectiveness analysis continues to incorporate the following directives from IPUC Order
No. 32788:
• Applying a 100-percent net-to-gross (NTG) value to reflect the likelihood that WAQC
weatherization projects would not be initiated without the presence of a program
• Claiming 100 percent of project savings
• Including an allocated portion of the indirect overhead costs
• Applying the 10-percent conservation preference adder
• Claiming $1 of benefits for each dollar invested in health, safety, and repair measures
• Amortizing evaluation expenses over a three-year period
Customer Education and Satisfaction
The CAP agency weatherization auditor explains to the customer which measures are analyzed and why.
Further education is done as the crew demonstrates the upgrades and how they will help save energy and
provide an increase in comfort. Idaho Power provides each CAP agency with energy efficiency guides
and energy-savings tips for distribution during home visits. Any customers whose homes are selected for
post-weatherization home verification receive additional information and have the opportunity to ask the
home verifiers more questions.
Idaho Power used independent, third-party verification companies to ensure the stated measures were
installed in the homes and to discuss the program with these customers. In 2018, home verifiers
randomly selected and visited 24 homes, requesting feedback about the program. When asked how
much customers learned about saving electricity, 18 customers answered they learned “a lot” or “some.”
Residential Sector—Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers Idaho Power Company
Page 102 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
When asked how many ways they tried to save electricity, 20 customers responded “a lot” or “some.”
Three customers did not answer.
A customer survey was used to assess major indicators of customer satisfaction throughout the service
area. All program participants in all regions were asked to complete a survey after their homes were
weatherized. Survey questions gathered information about how customers learned of the program,
reasons for participating, how much customers learned about saving energy in their homes, and the
likelihood of household members changing behaviors to use energy wisely.
Idaho Power received survey results from 155 of 191 households weatherized by the program in 2018.
Of the 155 completed surveys, 152 were from Idaho customers and three were from Oregon customers.
Some highlights include the following:
• Over 35 percent of respondents learned of the program from a friend or relative, and another
almost 19 percent learned of the program from an agency flyer. Nearly 5 percent learned about
the weatherization program from direct-mail.
• Over 79 percent of the respondents reported that their primary reason for participating in the
weatherization program was to reduce utility bills, and over 39 percent wanted to improve the
comfort of their home.
• Over 76 percent reported they learned how air leaks affect energy usage, and just over 66 percent
indicated they learned how insulation affects energy usage during the weatherization process.
• Over 60 percent of respondents said they learned how to use energy wisely. Eighty-five percent
reported they were very likely to change habits to save energy, and almost 69 percent reported
they have shared all of the information about energy use with members of their household.
• Over 91 percent of the respondents reported they think the weatherization they received will
significantly affect the comfort of their home, and almost 97 percent said they were very satisfied
with the program.
• Over 84 percent of the respondents reported the habit they were most likely to change was
turning off lights when not in use, and 67 percent said that washing full loads of clothes was a
habit they were likely to adopt to save energy. Turning the thermostat up in the summer was
reported by over 54 percent of the respondents and turning the thermostat down in the winter was
reported by 58 percent as a habit they and members of the household were most likely to adopt to
save energy.
A summary of the survey is included in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
As in previous years, unless directed otherwise, Idaho Power will continue to provide financial
assistance to CAP agencies while exploring changes to improve program delivery. The company will
continue to provide the most benefit possible to special-needs customers while working with Idaho and
Oregon WAP personnel.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 103
Idaho Power will continue to participate in the Idaho and Oregon state monitoring process of
weatherized homes and will continue to verify approximately 10 percent of the homes weatherized
under the WAQC program via home-verification companies.
In 2019, Idaho Power will support the whole-house philosophy of the WAQC program and Idaho and
Oregon WAP by continuing to allow a $6,000 annual maximum average per-home cost.
In Idaho during 2019, Idaho Power expects to contribute the base amount plus available funds from
2018 to total approximately $1,342,900 in weatherization measures and agency administration fees.
Of this amount, approximately $86,600 will be provided to the non-profit pooled fund to weatherize
buildings housing non-profit agencies that primarily serve qualified customers in Idaho.
Idaho Power will continue to maintain the program on its website and other marketing collateral.
Residential Sector—Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers Idaho Power Company
Page 104 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (homes) 141 164
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $998,233 $1,137,209
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $0 $(56,571)*
Idaho Power Funds $24,237 $28,224
Total Program Costs—All Sources $1,022,471 $1,108,862
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.112 $0.115
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 0.37 0.34
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 0.51 0.45
*Oregon Rider charges were reversed and charged to the Idaho Rider in February 2017
Description
Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers is an energy efficiency program designed to serve
Idaho Power residential customers in Idaho whose income falls between 175 percent and 250 percent of
the current federal poverty level. Initiated in 2008, the program is designed to mirror the WAQC
program. These customers often do not have disposable income to invest in energy efficiency upgrades,
and they typically live in housing similar to WAQC customers.
The Weatherization Solutions program also benefits certain customers on the WAQC waiting list. When
customer income overlaps both programs, this program may offer an earlier weatherization date than
WAQC, resulting in less wait time for the customer and quicker energy savings.
Potential participants are interviewed by a participating contractor to determine household occupant
income eligibility, as well as to confirm the home is electrically heated. If the home is a rental, the
landlord must agree to maintain the unit’s current rent for a minimum of one year, and to help fund a
portion of the cost of weatherization. If the customer is eligible, an auditor inspects the home to
determine which upgrades will save energy, improve indoor air quality, and/or provide health and safety
for the residents. To be approved, energy efficiency measures and repairs must have an SIR of 1.0 or
higher, interact with an energy-saving measure, or be necessary for the health and safety of the
occupants.
The Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers program uses a home audit tool called the
HAT14.1 which is similar to the EA5 audit tool used in WAQC. The home is audited for energy
efficiency measures, and the auditor proposes upgrades based on the SIR ratio calculated by HAT14.1.
As in WAQC, if the SIR is 1.0 or greater, the contractor is authorized to upgrade that measure. Measures
considered for improvement are window and door replacement; ceiling, floor, and wall insulation;
HVAC repair and replacement; water heater repair and replacement; and pipe wrap. Also included is the
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 105
potential to replace lightbulbs and refrigerators. Contractors invoice Idaho Power for the project costs,
and if the home is a rental, a minimum landlord payment of 10 percent of the cost is required.
Idaho Power’s agreement with contractors includes a provision that identifies a maximum annual
average cost per home. The intent of the maximum annual average cost is to allow contractors the
flexibility to service homes with greater or fewer weatherization needs. It also provides a monitoring
tool for Idaho Power to forecast year-end outcomes.
Program Activities
In 2018, contractors weatherized 141 Idaho homes for the program: nine in eastern Idaho by Savings
Around Power and Energy Solutions; 60 in Idaho Power’s Canyon–West Region by Metro
Contractors Services, LLC.; 50 in south-central Idaho by Home Energy Management, LLC (HEM-
LLC); and 22 in the company’s Capital Region by Power Savers. Of those 141 homes weatherized, 95
were single-family, 42 were manufactured homes, and four were multi-family units.
Marketing Activities
The company used several strategies to reach customers in income-eligible electrically heated homes.
In February, a bill insert was sent to 346,672 customers in Idaho and another was mailed to 330,390 in
October. The program was promoted at events targeting customers with limited incomes, including
seniors. Ads and articles promoted the program in the Senior BlueBook in both spring and fall. Letters
were mailed to targeted customers in the South-East Region in September (6,156 customers) and to
customers in the Capital Region in October (4,938). The program was also highlighted in Idaho Power’s
November Connections newsletter, which is sent to all customers. A News Scans article highlighted a
Weatherization Solutions customer in July.
Idaho Power ran Facebook ads in March and July 2018 and regular Facebook and Twitter posts in June
(Figure 36). The regular posts reached 2,500 people on Facebook, with 21 likes and 4 shares. The March
paid ad reached 107,000 people with 357,225 impressions. The July ad reached 95,376 people and had
334,810 impressions. Weatherization tips were also mentioned in various social media posts.
Residential Sector—Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers Idaho Power Company
Page 106 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Figure 36. Social media post and paid ad for Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers program
Idaho Power’s community relations representatives, education representatives, and customer
representatives promoted the program at meetings and events in their communities such as American
Falls Days. The program specialist and customer representatives promoted the program to home
healthcare provider groups, senior groups, and members of the Idaho Nonprofit Center. CAP Agency
personnel also promoted the program at community events such as the National Alliance on Mental
Illness (NAMI) resource fair and the Treasure Valley Community Resource Fair. Updated brochures (in
English and Spanish) that included current income qualifications and location-specific contractor
information were used by all. The program was also cross-marketed with other residential energy
efficiency programs, such as Home Energy Audit.
Cost-Effectiveness
Benefit-cost ratios increased slightly in 2017. The 2018 utility cost B/C ratio is 0.37, up from 0.34,
and the TRC B/C ratio is 0.51 compared with 0.45 in 2017.
Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers projects, similar to WAQC program guidelines, benefit
from a pre-screening of measures through a home audit process. The home audit process ensures there is
an adequate number of kWh savings to justify the project and provides more consistent savings for
billing analysis. See WAQC cost-effectiveness for a discussion of the audit and prescreening process,
which is similar for both programs. Weatherization solutions savings will be updated in 2019 from the
2015 to 2017 billing analysis as the nearly 1,000 projects will be analyzed jointly to increase sample
sizes and provide more robust model estimates.
For further details on the overall program cost-effectiveness assumptions, see Supplement 1:
Cost-Effectiveness.
Idaho Power Company Residential Sector—Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 107
Customer Satisfaction
A customer survey was used to assess major indicators of customer satisfaction with the program
throughout the service area. All program participants in all regions were asked to complete a survey
after their homes were weatherized. Survey questions gathered the following information: how
customers learned of the program, reasons for participating, how much customers learned about saving
energy in their homes, and the likelihood of household members changing behaviors to use energy
wisely.
Idaho Power received survey results from 109 of 141 households weatherized by the program in 2018.
Some highlights include the following:
• Over 24 percent of respondents learned of the program from a friend or relative, and another
almost 18 percent learned of the program from an agency flyer. Over 37 percent learned about
the weatherization program from direct-mail.
• Over 80 percent of the respondents reported that their primary reason for participating in the
weatherization program was to reduce utility bills, and over 29 percent wanted to improve the
comfort of their home.
• Over 88 percent reported they learned how air leaks affect energy usage, and nearly 78 percent
indicated they learned how insulation affects energy usage.
• Over 65 percent of respondents said they learned how to use energy wisely. Seventy-four percent
reported they were very likely to change habits to save energy, and almost 69 percent reported
they have shared all of the information about energy use with members of their household.
• Over 84 percent of the respondents reported they think the weatherization they received will
significantly affect the comfort of their home, and almost 95 percent said they were very satisfied
with the program.
• Over 73 percent of the respondents reported the habit they were most likely to change was
turning off lights when not in use, and over 59 percent said that washing full loads of clothes was
a habit they were likely to adopt to save energy. Turning the thermostat up in the summer was
reported by over 57 percent of the respondents and turning the thermostat down in the winter was
reported by nearly 72 percent as a habit they and members of the household were most likely to
adopt to save energy.
A summary of the survey is included in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Two independent companies performed random verifications of weatherized homes and visited with
customers about the program. In 2018, 22 homes were verified, and 17 (77 percent) of those customers
reported they learned “a lot” or “some” about saving electricity in their home. Twenty-one customers
(95 percent) reported they had tried “a lot” or “some” different ways to save electricity in their home.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power does not anticipate any program operating changes in 2019. Idaho Power will update
brochures as necessary to help spread the word about the program in all communities. Additional
marketing for the program will include bill inserts and advertisements in various regional publications,
Residential Sector—Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers Idaho Power Company
Page 108 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
particularly those with a senior and low-income focus. Social media ads and boosts will be considered to
target specific regions to increase and maintain program awareness. Regional marketing will also be
based on need as evidenced by any regional contractor’s waiting list for Weatherization Solutions
services. The program will again be promoted at county fairs, home shows, and resource fairs, as
needed.
Idaho Power Company Commercial/Industrial Sector Overview
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 109
Commercial/Industrial Sector Overview
Idaho Power’s commercial sector consists of over 71,104 commercial, governmental, school, and
small-business customers. In 2018, the number of commercial sector customers increased by 1,254 or
1.8 percent from 2017. The energy usage of commercial customers varies from a few kWh each month
to several hundred thousand kWh per month. The commercial sector represents 26 percent of
Idaho Power’s total electricity sales.
The industrial and special contract customers are Idaho Power’s largest individual energy consumers.
There are 118 Rate 19 and special contract industrial customers. These customers account for
approximately 23 percent of Idaho Power’s total electricity sales.
The three C&I Energy Efficiency Program options are available to all commercial, industrial,
governmental, schools, and small-business customers. DVL GL conducted a process evaluation for the
program in 2017, and the company responded to recommendations in 2018. Also in 2018, the company
distributed industry-specific, no-cost ESKs to small commercial customers.
The 2018 season was the fourth year of the internally managed Flex Peak Program, a demand response
program designed to reduce the demand on Idaho Power’s system during periods of extreme peak
electricity use. Program results were slightly reduced from the 2017 season, with a maximum achieved
reduction of 33 MW. The program included 65 participants at 140 sites.
Idaho Power also offers the statutory-required Oregon Commercial Audits program to medium and
small commercial customers.
Table 16. Commercial/industrial sector program summary, 2018
Total Cost Savings
Annual Peak Demand
Demand Response
Flex Peak Program ............................... 140 $ 433,313 $ 433,313 32.9
Total ........................................................................................... $ 433,313 $ 433,313 32.9
Energy Efficiency
Commercial Energy-Saving Kit ................1,652 $ 146,174 $ 146,174 442,170
Custom Projects ......................................248 8,808,512 16,112,540 46,963,690
Green Motors—Industrial .....................25 64,167
New Construction .....................................104 2,069,645 5,054,215 13,378,315
Retrofits ...................................................1,358 5,990,179 16,253,716 34,910,707
Total ........................................................................................... $ 17,014,509 $ 37,566,644 95,759,049
Note:
Marketing
In 2018, Idaho Power continued to market the C&I Energy Efficiency Program as a single entity with
incentives for New Construction, Retrofits, Custom Projects, and the new Commercial Energy-Saving
Kits, in addition to the company’s demand response program, Flex Peak. Marketing activities were
Commercial/Industrial Sector Overview Idaho Power Company
Page 110 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
targeted toward the following customers: commercial, industrial, governmental, schools, small
businesses, architects, engineers, and other design professionals.
Bill Inserts
In March, a bill insert highlighting how Idaho Power’s incentives can save customers money was
included in 36,782 business customers’ bills. A similar bill insert was sent in 36,097 business customers’
bills in August to promote the program.
Print Advertising
Idaho Power expanded its ad campaign (Figure 37) for the C&I Energy Efficiency Program, featuring
former program participants and iconic local landscapes to capture the readers’ attention. The ads
targeted small to large businesses and showed that saving energy and money is for everyone.
The ads ran in the Idaho Business Review in April, May, August, September, October, and November;
the Business Insider in January, February, April, May, June, and September; the BOC Bulletin in
February and August; Alaska Airline’s Horizon Air Magazine in October; and the East Idaho Business
Journal in May, September, and November. Ads also ran in the BOMA membership directory and
symposium program, Grow Smart Awards event program, Idaho Business Review Top Projects Awards
publication, and the Idaho Association of General Contractors membership directory. Additionally,
Idaho Power sponsored the Construction section in the Idaho Business Review’s Book of Lists, which
included an ad, company logo in the table of contents, and an article highlighting Idaho Power and the
company’s energy efficiency programs.
Figure 37. Example of C&I Energy Efficiency Program ad
Idaho Power Company Commercial/Industrial Sector Overview
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 111
Direct Mail
Idaho Power sent a direct-mailer to 4,335 small-business customers in November informing them of
energy-saving programs and encouraging them to contact their customer representative to order a free
Commercial ESK for their business. In response to the recommendation for the program’s evaluation,
Idaho Power tracked the number of calls to customer solutions advisors as a result of the mailing. The
letter resulted in 25 customer calls, 12 of which led to a visit by a customer representative.
Newsletters
Idaho Power promotes energy efficiency and its programs through the company’s Energy@Work
newsletter. Written for small- and medium-sized business customers, Idaho Power mailed this newsletter
to 23,916 customers in April and 24,140 customers in November 2018. Content included customer
success stories and information on the company’s training opportunities, energy efficiency tools and
programs, energy portfolio, rates, energy advisors, environmental stewardship, customer satisfaction
surveys, system reliability, and more.
Idaho Power also sent a quarterly email newsletter, Energy Insights, to its large-commercial and
industrial customers. Topics included customer success stories, power quality, improving building
performance, the benefits of electric forklifts, training opportunities, rate changes, Idaho Power’s energy
portfolio, how to improve chiller performance, energy-saving maintenance strategies for cooling towers,
energy trends, energy management systems, and more.
Print Materials
In 2018, Idaho Power began updating its industry-specific tip brochure to incorporate recommendations
from the program’s process evaluation to start with the energy-use breakdown for the facility type, focus
on the most energy intense systems and how to make them more efficient, and mention NEBs. The
company also created a new tip brochure for retail facilities.
Airport Advertising
In 2018, approximately 3.8 million people traveled through the Boise Airport; according to airport
officials, half of them are traveling for business. To reach the business customer, Idaho Power placed
two backlit display ads throughout the airport in 2018. An ad featuring program participants was located
in the baggage claim area, while an ad on alternating airport display boards highlighted that all
customers want to save money.
Success Stories
The company released success story videos on YouTube featuring Alpine Automotive, Roaring Springs
and Wahooz (Figure 38) and the Pocatello School District. The videos were shared on Idaho Power’s
social media pages and provided a more in-depth look into the companies’ experiences working with
Idaho Power, the incentives earned, and the energy savings achieved.
Commercial/Industrial Sector Overview Idaho Power Company
Page 112 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Figure 38. Example of success story videos on Idaho Power’s YouTube channel
The Connections newsletter shared the energy-saving success story of Holt Arena in January and Alpine
Automotive in April.
Digital
New in 2018, Idaho Power ran digital display ads targeting business customers. The ads ran on the
Idaho Statesman business news pages, blogs, and Business Insider web pages from March through May.
The ads received 985,065 impressions and 1,343 clicks. The company also used search-engine
marketing ads—paid ads that appear in online keyword search results—which received 6,506
impressions and 417 clicks.
The company ran digital ads on the Idaho Business Review website, and in their weekly and daily email
newsletters throughout the year. These ads received 85,378 impressions and 80 clicks to the Idaho
Power Savings For Your Business web page. Idaho Power also placed sponsored content articles on the
Idaho Business Review website in February and March. These articles are written by Idaho Power and
appear as online news stories. The sponsored content articles received 148,514 impressions and 139
clicks. In December, Idaho Power began sponsoring the online Business News section of the Idaho
Business Review which the company plans to continue in 2019.
Social Media
Idaho Power continued using weekly LinkedIn posts focused on energy-saving tips, program details,
incentives, and event information. These posts also highlighted companies who used the program and
included photos of large-format check presentations and success story videos. When appropriate, these
messages were also shared on Idaho Power’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
The company continued using paid LinkedIn ads to promote the C&I Energy Efficiency Program. Idaho
Power placed several ads targeted toward a variety of job titles that typically have an interest in or input
about energy efficiency projects including C-suite executives; engineers; architects; and sustainability,
Idaho Power Company Commercial/Industrial Sector Overview
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 113
maintenance, and facilities contacts. Targeting was only available to LinkedIn users in the Boise and
Pocatello areas—approximately 93,000 individuals. The ads resulted in 237,402 impressions and
389 website clicks.
Public Relations
Idaho Power provides public relations support to customers who want to publicize the work they have
done to become more energy efficient. Upon request, Idaho Power creates large-format checks that are
used for media events and/or board meetings. Idaho Power will continue to assist customers with public
relations opportunities by creating certificates for display within their buildings and speaking at press
events, if requested.
In 2018, Idaho Power produced checks and/or sent news releases for several companies and
organizations, including the City of Fruitland, the Nampa School District, the City of Pocatello and
Pocatello School District, and SUEZ Water in Boise. SUEZ received an incentive check for $422,083
that will help pay for energy efficiency measures that are saving the water utility more than 2.3 million
kWh—enough energy to power about 202 average-sized homes for a year.
Figure 39. Check presentation to SUEZ Water in Boise
As outlined in the Success Stories section above, the public relations team also helped produce a
variety of high-quality videos used to promote C&I Energy Efficiency Program across a variety
of media.
Association and Event Sponsorships
Idaho Power’s C&I Energy Efficiency Program sponsors a number of associations and events, including
the Grow Smart awards; Top Projects Awards; BOMA symposium; American Society of Heating,
Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Technical Conference: American Institute of
Architects (AIA) Idaho Chapter Design Awards and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
Commercial/Industrial Sector Overview Idaho Power Company
Page 114 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Idaho Power sponsored the BOMA Commercial Real Estate Symposium February 13, in Boise. The
Idaho Power vice president of customer operations and business development spoke about how the
company is positioned to support commercial activity with low rates, renewable energy portfolio, high
customer satisfaction and reliability, and energy efficiency programs. The company was acknowledged
on the AIA Design Awards web page and displayed table tents and brochures throughout the event.
Outreach
Idaho Power reached out to the Idaho Retailers Association and Idaho Restaurant & Lodging
Association to inquire about opportunities to share information about the company’s C&I Energy
Efficiency Program, provide members with industry-specific tip sheets, and promote the Commercial
ESKs for Businesses. The company has not received a response from either association.
Customer Satisfaction
Idaho Power conducts the Burke Customer Relationship Survey each year. In 2018, 59 percent of small
business survey respondents indicated Idaho Power is meeting or exceeding their needs with information
on how to use energy wisely and efficiently.
Sixty-four percent of small business respondents indicated Idaho Power is meeting or exceeding their
needs by encouraging energy efficiency with its customers. Fifty-one percent of Idaho Power
small-business customers surveyed in 2018 indicated the company is meeting or exceeding their needs
in offering energy efficiency programs, and 28 percent of the small business survey respondents
indicated they have participated in at least one Idaho Power energy efficiency program. Of the small
business survey respondents who have participated in at least one Idaho Power energy efficiency
program, 94 percent are “very” or “somewhat” satisfied with the program.
In 2018, 62 percent of large commercial and industrial survey respondents indicated Idaho Power is
meeting or exceeding their needs with information on how to use energy wisely and efficiently.
Seventy-six percent of large commercial and industrial respondents indicated Idaho Power is meeting or
exceeding their needs by encouraging energy efficiency with its customers. Seventy-two percent of
Idaho Power large commercial and industrial customers surveyed in 2018 indicated the company is
meeting or exceeding their needs in offering energy efficiency programs, and 78 percent of the large
commercial and industrial survey respondents indicated they have participated in at least one
Idaho Power energy efficiency program. Of the large commercial and industrial survey respondents who
have participated in at least one Idaho Power energy efficiency program, 93 percent are “very” or
“somewhat” satisfied with the program.
Training and Education
In 2018, Idaho Power engineers, program staff, field representatives, and hired consultants continued to
provide technical training and education to help customers learn how to identify opportunities to
improve energy efficiency in their facilities. The company has found that these activities increase
awareness and participation in its energy efficiency and demand response programs and enhance
customer satisfaction. To market this service and distribute the training schedule and resources, Idaho
Power used its website and Energy@Work and Energy Insights newsletters. Also, major customer
Idaho Power Company Commercial/Industrial Sector Overview
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 115
representatives and program energy efficiency engineers emailed training announcements to existing
customers.
During each training session, a major customer representative gave an overview of the commercial and
industrial programs available to customers. Idaho Power posted prior years’ webinar recordings and
related files on its Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency training web page.
As part of this outreach activity, Idaho Power collaborated with and supported stakeholders and
organizations such as: IDL, BOMA, USGBC, ASHRAE, and International Building Operators
Association (IBOA). Using Idaho Power funding, the IDL performed several tasks aimed at increasing
the energy efficiency knowledge of architects, engineers, trade allies, and customers. Specific activities
included sponsoring a Building Simulation Users Group (BSUG), conducting Lunch & Learn sessions
held at various design and engineering firms, and offering a Tool Loan Library (TLL).
Idaho Power delivered 10 technical classroom-based training sessions and two industrial DSM program
workshops in 2018 at no cost to the Idaho Power customers. Of the 10 technical sessions, three were
two-day classes (one class was presented twice in Boise and Pocatello) and the others were one-day
classes. Topics included the following:
• Commercial/Industrial Motor Efficiency (Pocatello)
• Commercial/Industrial Adjustable Speed Drives (Pocatello)
• Compressed Air Challenge Level II—Advanced Management of Compressed Air Systems
(Boise)
• Energy Efficiency of Chilled Water Systems (Twin Falls)
• Energy Efficiency of Cooling Towers (Twin Falls)
• Advanced Lighting Control Systems (Boise and Pocatello)
• Energy Efficient Data Center (held live in Boise and video conferenced to Pocatello)
• Industrial Refrigeration Systems Energy Management (Twin Falls)
• HVAC Controls Training (Nampa)
• Optimizing Pumping Systems: A Measurement-Based Approach (Nampa)
The level of participation in 2018 remained high, with 337 attendees for the technical sessions and
almost 90 for the program workshops. Customer feedback indicated the average satisfaction level was
94 percent. Idaho Power’s average cost to deliver the technical trainings in 2018 was approximately
$5,002 per class.
Idaho Power paid at least 50 percent of the cost for Idaho Power customers to take part in IBOA
educational classes including the Building Operator Certification (BOC) Level 1 (consisting of eight,
day-long classes) and Level 2 (consisting of seven, day-long classes). In 2018, 15 Idaho Power
customers attended the Level 1 classes and 10 attended the Level 2 classes.
Commercial/Industrial Sector Overview Idaho Power Company
Page 116 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Field Staff Activities
Idaho Power field staff are on site with customers each day. The field staff uses a variety of
Idaho Power-developed programs, tools, and services to help customers with their energy-related
questions and challenges. The company sets activity goals for its customer representatives designed to
engage customers in the energy efficiency programs such as a specific number of site visits or projects.
Additionally, program specialists and engineers work closely with residential and commercial customer
representatives to leverage established customer relationships. For example, residential and commercial
customer representatives distribute informational materials to trade allies and other market participants
who, in turn, support and promote Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs.
Customers regularly ask how to get the most out of their energy dollar. Idaho Power staff has been
trained to properly advise customers in the wise use of energy-specific energy efficiency measures and,
when needed, can recommend where to find answers. Idaho Power is equipped with experienced
engineers, technically proficient personnel, and an extensive network of nationally recognized
organizations, contacts at neighboring western electrical utilities, and energy efficiency clearing houses
to handle energy-related questions.
Idaho Power Company Commercial Sector—C&I Energy Efficiency Program
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 117
Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Program
2018*
Participants (projects/kits) 3,387 1,441
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source***
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $16,281,639 $14,732,314
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $720,714 $701,336
Idaho Power Funds $12,156 $23,701
Total Program Costs—All Sources $17,014,509 $15,457,351
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.015 $0.015
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 3.75 3.42
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 1.87 1.81
*Metrics for each option (New Construction, Custom Projects, Retrofits, and Commercial ESKs) are reported separately in appendices and in Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
**2018 total includes 64,167 kWh of energy savings from 25 Green Motors projects.
***Dollars include totals for New Construction, Custom Projects, Retrofits, and Commercial ESKs
Description
Three major program options targeting different energy efficiency projects are available to commercial,
industrial, governmental, schools, and small-business customers in the company’s Idaho and Oregon
service areas: Custom Projects, New Construction, and Retrofits. Idaho Power also offers no-cost,
industry-specific ESKs filled with items intended to target smaller commercial customers and introduce
them to energy-saving measures.
Custom Projects
The Custom Projects option incentivizes energy efficiency modifications for new and existing facilities.
The goal is to encourage energy savings in Idaho and Oregon service areas by helping customers
implement energy efficiency upgrades. Incentives reduce customers’ payback periods for custom
modifications that might not be completed otherwise. The Custom Projects option offers an incentive
level of 70 percent of the project cost or $0.18 per kWh for first-year estimated savings, whichever is
less. The Custom Projects option also offers energy auditing services to help identify and evaluate
potential energy-saving modifications or projects.
Interested customers submit a pre-approval application to Idaho Power for potential modifications that
have been identified by the customers, Idaho Power, or by a third-party consultant. Idaho Power reviews
each application and works with the customer and vendors to gather sufficient information to support the
energy-savings calculations.
Once the project is completed, customers submit a payment request; in some cases, large, complex
projects may take as long as two years or more to complete. Every payment application is verified by
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Idaho Power staff or an Idaho Power contractor. All lighting projects use the Idaho Power Lighting Tool
to calculate the annual energy savings and to determine the incentive.
Each project is reviewed to ensure energy savings are achieved. Idaho Power engineering staff or a
third-party consultant verifies the energy savings methods and calculations. Through the verification
process, end-use measure information, project photographs, and project costs are collected.
On many projects, especially the larger and more complex projects, Idaho Power or a third-party
consultant conducts on-site power monitoring and data collection before and after project
implementation. The measurement and verification (M&V) process helps ensure the achievement of
projected energy savings. Verifying applicants’ information confirms energy savings are obtained and
are within program guidelines. If changes in scope take place in a project, Idaho Power will recalculate
energy savings and incentive amounts based on the actual installed equipment and performance.
New Construction
The New Construction option enables customers in Idaho Power’s Idaho and Oregon service areas to
apply energy-efficient design features and technologies to new construction, expansion, or major
remodeling projects. New construction and major renovation project design and construction life is
much longer than small retrofits and often encompasses multiple calendar years. Originated in 2004, the
option currently offers a menu of measures and incentives for efficient lighting, cooling, building shell,
controls, appliances, refrigeration, office equipment, and compressed air options. The customer may
otherwise lose savings opportunities for these types of projects.
Thirty-three prescriptive measures are offered for: lighting, HVAC, building shell, controls, appliances
with electric water heating, refrigeration, office equipment, and compressed air equipment.
Retrofits
The Retrofits option is Idaho Power’s prescriptive measure option for existing facilities. This part of the
program encourages customers in Idaho and Oregon to implement energy efficiency upgrades by
offering incentives on a defined list of measures. Eligible measures cover a variety of energy-saving
opportunities in lighting, HVAC, building shell, food-service equipment, and other commercial
measures. Customers can also apply for non-standard lighting incentives. A complete list of the
measures offered through Retrofits is included in Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
Commercial Energy-Saving Kits
In 2018, Idaho Power began offering industry-specific Commercial ESKs to its commercial customers in
Idaho and Oregon as a means to talk about the benefits of each kit item and other energy efficiency
program offerings. Each kit contains installation instructions and a variety of items intended to help save
energy related to lighting, hot water use, and intermittently used electrical devices. After talking with
customers, the company sends the kits through the mail or an energy advisor delivers the kits to area
businesses.
Idaho Power Company Commercial Sector—C&I Energy Efficiency Program
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 119
Table 17. Commercial Energy-Saving Kit contents by industry
Restaurant Retail Office
(3) 9-watt LED Lightbulbs (2) 9-watt LED Lightbulbs (2) 9-watt LED Lightbulbs
(2) Kitchen Aerator 1.5 gpm (1) Bathroom Aerator 1.0 gpm (1) Kitchen Aerator 1.5 gpm
(2) Exit Sign Retrofit (2) Exit Sign Retrofit (2) Exit Sign Retrofit
(1) Pre-rinse Spray Valve (1) Advanced Power Strip
Program Activities
In 2018, Idaho Power made several improvements to the C&I Energy Efficiency Program in response to
recommendations from the 2017 process evaluation by DNV GL. Program-level changes are detailed
below; option-level changes are detailed in the subsequent subsections. The complete evaluation report
is available in the Demand-Side Management 2017 Annual Report: Supplement 2, Evaluation.
After the evaluation, Idaho Power contracted with Tetra Tech to create a formal, written logic model to
better understand how specific program activities produce results; this will be incorporated into internal
program information.
Idaho Power understands the risks related to program operation and example risk registers identified by
the evaluator. Idaho Power plans for these risks by utilizing the Energy Efficiency Potential Study which
is forward looking and measures the future energy efficiency that can be targeted. Idaho Power utilizes a
third party to create a TRM to evaluate an energy efficiency measure’s savings and costs. Idaho Power
also utilizes EEAG to help plan future program changes. Through these methods Idaho Power believes
future risks will be identified and addressed as they arise.
Each year Idaho Power evaluates and moves measures from the Custom Projects option to the Retrofits
or New Construction option for better visibility and customer participation when the average savings has
been determined by the RTF or through Idaho Power’s TRM. Idaho Power also continues to add new
measures as appropriate. The evaluator recommended changing the program design to one that
intervened at a different level in the market. Idaho Power feels that changing the design to an upstream
model (at the manufacturer’s level) or midstream model (at the distributor and installer level) is an
entirely different program approach that would be considered if the current approach proves inadequate.
To promote the adoption of efficient technologies to standard practice, as recommended by the
evaluator, Idaho Power continued to support the work being done by both the RTF and NEEA in the
area of market transformation. New measures are evaluated by Idaho Power annually for program
applicability and for cost-effectiveness. Idaho Power also uses a third party to create a TRM that
evaluates energy savings and equipment costs. On Custom Projects, Idaho Power determines if measures
are standard practice before it calculates savings.
Idaho Power has considered the recommendation to consolidate the internal program manuals.
The company determined that the program options require different processes and integrating each
of the processes into one program manual has limited benefit to program administration.
Idaho Power has considered consolidating the program tracking files, as recommended, and has
determined that the program options require different processes and data; integrating to one program
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database would require significant effort with limited benefit to program administration and would not
lead to any additional actual kWh savings for the program.
Custom Projects
Incentive levels for the non-lighting projects remained the same in 2018, at 18 cents per kWh of first-
year savings. Idaho Power reimburses customers up to 70 percent of the project cost.
The Custom Projects option had another successful year with a total of 248 completed projects, 10 of
which were in Oregon. Custom Projects achieved energy savings of 46,964 MWh. Energy savings
increased in 2018 by nearly 5 percent over 2017. Idaho Power also received 329 new applications
representing a potential of 61,251 MWh of savings on future projects.
Over 90 percent of large commercial and industrial customers have participated in the Custom Projects
option. With the high percentage of customers who have taken advantage of the program, achieving
deeper energy savings continues to be challenging. The company is addressing this ongoing challenge
by continuing to use multiple channels to reach customers and to encourage new energy-saving
modifications. Table 18 indicates the program’s 2018 annual energy savings by primary option
measures.
Table 18. Custom Projects annual energy savings by primary option measure, 2018
Option Summary by Measure Number of Projects kWh Saved
Retro-commissioning ..................................................................... 12 1,062,168
Compressed Air ............................................................................. 32 10,468,627
Controls ......................................................................................... 3 2,663,614
HVAC ............................................................................................. 3 156,094
Other .............................................................................................. 4 339,252
Pump ............................................................................................. 3 567,331
Refrigeration .................................................................................. 10 6,351,813
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) .................................................... 30 8,223,499
Total* ............................................................................................. 248 46,963,690
*Does not include Green Motor Initiative project counts and savings.
Idaho Power has found providing facility energy auditing, customer technical training, and education
services are key to encouraging customers to consider energy efficiency modifications. The 2018
activities not already described in the Commercial and Industrial Sector Overview are below.
Custom Projects engineers and the major customer representatives visited large-commercial and
industrial customers to conduct initial facility walk-throughs, commercial/industrial efficiency program
informational sessions, and training on specific technical energy-saving opportunities. Idaho Power also
hosted a booth at the 2018 Idaho Rural Water Conference. Custom Projects engineers gave presentations
on Idaho Power programs and offerings at the 2018 Association of Idaho Cities Annual Conference, the
ASHRAE and USGBC Combined Chapter Meeting, the Boise School District Sustainability Summit,
the 2018 Idaho Green Building and Energy Conference, and the 2018 Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) Engineers meeting.
Idaho Power funds the cost of engineering services, up to $4,500, for conducting energy scoping audits
to encourage its larger customers to adopt energy efficiency improvements. This was increased from
Idaho Power Company Commercial Sector—C&I Energy Efficiency Program
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 121
$3,500 in 2018. Eleven firms contracted to provide scoping audits and general energy efficiency
engineering support services. In 2018, an RFP was announced to select a new set of consultants; five
firms were selected to provide these services in to 2019.
In 2018, Idaho Power consultants initiated 36 scoping audits and four detailed audits on behalf of
Idaho Power customers. These audits identified over 16,300 MWh of savings potential. These audits
will be used to promote future projects and will potentially result in energy efficiency projects in the
future.
Cohorts and Offerings
The Municipal Water Supply Optimization Cohort (MWSOC), Wastewater Energy Efficiency Cohort
(WWEEC), and CEI Cohort for Schools program offerings are also driving a significant number of new
projects in addition to increasing vendor engagement from the Streamlined Custom Efficiency (SCE)
offering. The company continues to expand the cohort offerings to new customers. In 2018, Custom
Projects continued four offerings in an effort to increase the total program savings—WWEEC
Continuation, MWSOC, SCE, and the CEI Cohort for Schools—and launched the Eastern Idaho Water
Cohort in a joint effort with BPA and Rocky Mountain Power.
Wastewater Energy Efficiency Cohort
In January 2014, Custom Projects launched WWEEC, a cohort training approach for low-cost or no-cost
energy improvements for municipal wastewater facilities. WWEEC was a two-year engagement with
11 Idaho Power service area municipalities which continued until 2016. Idaho Power decided to extend
the WWEEC to further engaged customers. Seven of the 11 original participants are engaged in the
WWEEC Continuation.
Year-three incentives and savings totaled $1,349 and 895,492 kWh/yr. In all cases, the incentive did not
exceed 70 percent of the eligible costs. Year-three incentives and savings were processed in 2018.
Additionally, some WWEEC participants completed capital projects that were encouraged and discussed
in the workshops and energy audits. These capital projects’ savings are significant; they are captured
separately and recorded as custom projects—not included as WWEEC savings number. In the third year,
the consultant contacted participants to check on progress, to discuss opportunities, and to address
energy model data updates.
Municipal Water Supply Optimization Cohort
The MWSOC officially launched in January 2016. The goal of the cohort was to equip water
professionals with the skills necessary to independently identify and implement energy efficiency
opportunities and to ensure that these energy and cost savings are maintained long term.
A final workshop was held in 2018. Participants presented their challenges, successes, and future plans
for energy efficiency. Year-one incentives and savings totaled $11,027 and 743,744 kWh/yr with most
incentives paid at 70 percent of the eligible cost. Year-one incentives were processed, and savings were
reported in 2018. Additionally, some Water Supply Cohort participants completed capital projects that
were encouraged and discussed in the workshops and energy audits. These capital projects’ savings are
significant and recorded as custom projects. The savings are not included as MWSOC savings.
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In year-two of the offering, Idaho Power’s contractor contacted participants to check on project progress
and opportunities and to address energy model data updates. A draft year-two report was created in late
2018 and savings and incentives will be processed in 2019. Due to involvement with the water and
wastewater cohort offerings, Custom Projects engineers delivered multiple informational meetings with
area civil engineers who specialize in water and wastewater designs to educate them on the C&IE
Energy Efficiency Program, the audit process, energy efficiency opportunities, and available tools
and resources.
Eastern Idaho Water Cohort
The Eastern Idaho Water Cohort launched in January 2018. The goal of the cohort was to offer the
Municipal Water Optimization Supply Cohort to the eastern part of Idaho Power service area. This was
accomplished in collaboration with Rocky Mountain Power and BPA to deliver joint workshops for
customers located in eastern Idaho. Two Idaho Power customers participated. The first-year savings
report is anticipated in 2019.
Continuous Energy Improvement Cohort for Schools
The goal of this cohort is to equip school district personnel with hands-on training and guidance to help
them get the most out of their systems while reducing energy consumption. Year-one of The Cohort for
Schools ran through the 2017 calendar year. Nine school districts were represented and introduced to the
Continuous Energy Improvement (CEI) concepts and planned activities for the cohort. The cohort is
implemented by a third-party consultant that provided final M&V reports in early 2018, which resulted
in a total energy savings of 1,131,697 kWh/yr for year-one participants.
After year-one reports were reviewed by Idaho Power and incentives paid to the participants, activities
were suspended until year-two activities commenced over the summer of 2018. Six participants from
year-one continued into the year-two program. Of those six, one district added four new facilities and
another district added five new facilities to the program.
Activities in 2018 included opportunity register management for each facility detailing low-cost and no-
cost opportunities to reduce energy consumption based on site visits. The consultant worked with each
participant to complete as many opportunity register items as possible. The consultant conducted a
monthly check-in and coaching call for each school district to review opportunity register items and to
discuss their current activities. Scoping audits were initiated by Idaho Power for each new facility that
was added to the program, which will identify capital project opportunities, in addition to the low-cost
measures being implemented via the cohort, to help aid in the strategic capital planning process. Idaho
Power provided program and incentive information, along with numerous other energy-saving resources
pertinent to school facilities, in hard copy and on flash drive to each school district.
Year-two activities will continue until May 31, 2019. Then, Idaho Power will review final M&V reports
to establish energy savings and eligible costs for year two and to distribute the corresponding incentives
to participating school districts.
Streamlined Custom Efficiency
Started in 2013, the SCE offering continues to keep vendor engagement high. The SCE offering
provides custom incentives for small compressed-air system improvements, fast-acting doors in
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Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 123
cold-storage spaces, refrigeration controllers for walk-in coolers, and process-related VFDs.
This offering targets projects that may have typically been too small to participate in the Custom
Projects option due to the resources required to adequately determine measure savings. Idaho Power
contracted with a third party to manage SCE data collection and analysis for each project. In 2018, the
SCE offering processed 48 projects, totaling 4,193,931 kWh of savings and $562,745 in incentives.
In August 2018, the fast-acting doors and small compressed air measures were moved out of SCE to
prescriptive Retrofits and New Construction offerings because Idaho Power had developed a good
understanding of the appropriate energy savings, projects costs, and incentives for these types of projects
based on SCE experience. The consultant managing SCE will continue to support vendors and
customers working with these measures to ensure the correct incentive paperwork and supporting
information is submitted to the prescriptive programs.
Custom Efficiency Process Improvements
In 2018, Idaho Power responded to the three recommendations for the Custom Projects option from the
2017 evaluation; all were related to the database where Idaho Power enters customer information. Idaho
Power chose not to implement the evaluator’s suggestion to store one type of information in each
column/variable or to create new variables. It is common for Idaho Power to have the customer’s pre-
and post-kWh usage for a project, but when that data is unavailable, the company populates the kWh
savings in the “kWh before variable” and a zero in the “kWh after variable.” The kWh savings are the
data that the company is interested in for reporting and recording the data this way provides the same
results. The company revised the publicly available option manual to clarify this practice.
The company did adopt the other two recommendations to adjust the database output report. Idaho
Power renamed the column/variable titles to clarify the measure and began filling in measure data in
chronological order to ensure information is populated in the correct columns.
New Construction
In 2018, 104 projects were completed, resulting in 13,378,315 kWh in energy savings in Idaho and
Oregon.
Maintaining a consistent offering is important for large projects with long construction periods,
however, changes are made to enhance customers’ choices or to meet new code changes. Idaho Power
tries to keep the New Construction option consistent by making changes approximately every other
year. Idaho Power performed a review of the New Construction measures in 2018 based on the 2015
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) information updated in the TRM. This review resulted
in the addition or modification of several measures and the removal of the evaporative pre-coolers on air
cooled condenser measure because it was not cost-effective.
These measures were continued in 2018:
• Exterior lighting
• Daylight photo controls
• Occupancy sensors
• Direct evaporative coolers
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• Reflective roof treatment
• HVAC variable-speed drives
• Kitchen hood variable-speed drives
• Onion/potato shed ventilation variable-speed drives
• Efficient laundry machines
• ENERGY STAR® under-counter dishwashers
• ENERGY STAR® commercial dishwashers
• Refrigeration head-pressure controls
• Refrigeration floating-suction controls
• Efficient condensers
• Smart power strips
These measures were added:
• High-volume low-speed fans
• Diary vacuum pump variable speed drives
• Wall/engine block heater controls
• Refrigerator/freezer strip curtains
• Automatic high-speed doors
• Air compressor variable speed drives
• No-loss condensate drain
• Low-pressure drop filters
• Cycling refrigerated compressed air dryers
• Efficiency compressed air nozzles
The following measures were modified due to small clarification issues or changes in measure cost,
cost-effectiveness, or code baseline updates:
• Interior lighting
• High-efficiency exit signs
• Efficient A/C and heat pump units
• Efficient variable refrigerant flow units
• Efficient chillers
• Air side economizers
Idaho Power Company Commercial Sector—C&I Energy Efficiency Program
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 125
• Energy-management HVAC control systems
• Guest room energy-management HVAC systems
The Professional Assistance Incentive is an incentive given to architects and/or engineers for supporting
technical aspects and documentation of the project. It is equal to 10 percent of the participant’s total
incentive, up to a maximum amount of $2,500. In 2018, 44 projects received this incentive compared to
39 projects in 2017, and 30 projects in 2016.
Idaho Power representatives visited nine architectural and engineering firms in Boise and Pocatello, and
four organizations and municipalities in Boise in 2018. Representatives visited with 134 professionals to
build relationships with the local design community, and to discuss Idaho Power’s C&I Energy
Efficiency program.
The New Construction option continued random installation verification on 10 percent of projects in
2018. The purpose of the verifications is to confirm program guidelines and requirements are adequate
and to ensure participants are able to provide accurate and precise information with regard to energy
efficiency measure installations. The IDL completed on-site field verifications on 12 of the 104 projects,
which encompass over 11.5 percent of the total completed projects in the program. Out of the
12 projects verified, only one project verification identified a discrepancy. Idaho Power will review the
discrepancy to determine if clarification of program requirements is needed or additional information is
required from participants.
In 2018, Idaho Power responded to the two recommendations for the New Construction option from the
2017 evaluation. The company did not adopt the recommendation to eliminate empty cells in the
database because the data provided in the application is transferred electronically into a tracking system.
The placement of each value is specific to a field in the tracking system. Empty cells are common for
measures the participant is not applying for and are required for the proper transfer of data from the
application to the tracking system. Idaho Power updated the online application with instructional text
based on the evaluator’s second recommendation. For example, Idaho Power added mouse-over text to
entry cells on the HVAC tab to inform participants of the acceptable size range of units that are eligible
for a specific incentive. Idaho Power will continue to make improvements as the applications are
updated and modified.
Retrofits
The Retrofits option experienced high participation and energy savings in 2018. Once again, lighting
retrofits comprised the majority of the projects.
Idaho Power performed a review of the Retrofits lighting and non-lighting measures. This review
resulted in removing some measures from the program due to cost-effectiveness, modifying some
measures, and adding new measures to the incentive menu.
Idaho Power facilitated seven program update workshops across its service area targeting electrical
contractors, electrical suppliers and large customers, with 143 in attendance. To help contractors
understand advanced lighting controls, and in preparation for rolling out Retrofits program changes
mid-year, Idaho Power hosted two hands-on technical Advanced Lighting Controls classes with
43 electricians and large customers in attendance. The class was an updated version of the pilot
course Idaho Power hosted in 2017. The courses were offered by the DesignLights Consortium (DLC),
Commercial Sector—C&I Energy Efficiency Program Idaho Power Company
Page 126 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
and NEEA contributed funds through its Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLC) Initiative.
Attendees provided positive feedback and indicated they would like additional training in the area of
advanced lighting controls.
Idaho Power staff and contractors continued to work with electrical contractors and electrical equipment
suppliers across its service area to respond to inquiries, strengthen relationships, encourage participation,
increase knowledge of the incentives, and receive feedback about the market and individual experiences.
As Idaho Power staff developed program changes, they contacted various contractors and suppliers for
their opinions and feedback to aid in program design.
Idaho Power continued its contracts with Evergreen Consulting Group, LLC; Honeywell, Inc.; and RM
Energy Consulting to provide ongoing program support for lighting and non-lighting reviews and
inspections, as well as contractor outreach. The Honeywell contract expired at the end of 2018, and
Idaho Power retained KW Engineering to replace Honeywell in support of the Retrofits non-lighting
project reviews and inspections.
In 2018, Idaho Power responded to the two recommendations for the Retrofits option from the 2017
evaluation. The company is investigating the first recommendation to minimize manual data entry
when transferring information from non-lighting project application forms to the program’s database,
similar to the process used for lighting projects where the data is electronically uploaded to the
program database.
To address the second recommendation to improve the application forms, Idaho Power added text to the
Lighting Tool Welcome tab to direct the applicant to complete the information in the white cells and to
notify them that the blue cells would automatically populate. The company also added written
instruction for entering information in the Lighting Operation Schedule section. To eliminate confusion,
the company spelled out acronyms throughout the Lighting Tool.
Commercial Energy-Saving Kits
Idaho Power distributed more than 1,600 kits to its commercial customers. Nearly 80 percent of the kit
distribution was initiated after a customer spoke with a company representative over the phone.
Table 19. Kit distribution and savings by kit type and state, 2018.
State Kit Type Total Distributed kWh Savings
Idaho Restaurant 264 187,477
Retail 155 37,288
Office 1,202 209,196
Oregon Restaurant 5 3,550
Retail 2 481
Office 24 4,177
Marketing Activities
Since combining the separate commercial and industrial programs into this larger, simplified program,
Idaho Power has continued to market the C&I Energy Efficiency Program options to contractors,
customers, and professional consultants. See the Sector Overview for the company’s efforts to market
the C&I Energy Efficiency Program as a single offering.
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Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 127
In response to the 2017 program process evaluation, the company is continuing to update its materials to
add more appealing content. The company made the success story videos available on the C&I Energy
Efficiency Program web pages and increased its use of customer testimonials and stories in its
advertising campaign and elsewhere, when appropriate. Idaho Power also updated its C&I Energy
Efficiency slide deck to outline the incentives available and incorporate customer stories. The company
continues to use energy efficiency program marketing to enhance Idaho Power’s image by informing
customers of the programs during high bill calls, explaining why the company encourages energy
efficiency and what some of the NEBs are, sharing tips and program information in the Connections
newsletter, participating in community events when relevant, and more.
Below are the option-specific marketing efforts for 2018.
Custom Projects
In addition to promotion activities mentioned above, Idaho Power produced large-format checks and
sent news releases for media events, city council meetings, and/or board meetings.
New Construction
In September, Idaho Power updated its New Construction brochure to incorporate the program changes
implemented in August. The company mailed out the brochure along with a letter promoting the New
Construction offering to 243 architects and engineers in October.
Idaho Power also began placing banners (Figure 40) on select construction sites highlighting that the
facility is being built or enhanced with energy efficiency in mind. Banners were placed at Wilson
Elementary in Caldwell and Peace Valley Charter School in Boise.
Figure 40. Idaho Power banner displayed at Wilson Elementary, Caldwell
Retrofits
Idaho Power sent a direct-mail to 23,700 business customers in February highlighting the Retrofits
option and informing customers of the New Construction and Custom Project incentives. The
direct-mail makes customers aware of the company’s energy-saving opportunities and encourages
them to contact their customer representative to learn more.
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Page 128 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Commercial Energy-Saving Kits
When Idaho Power launched the Commercial ESKs, it intended to use them as a tool for customer
representatives to communicate with small businesses. Idaho Power ran a small commercial customer
campaign offering direct-mailed kits, created a promotional flyer and web page, sent a press release to
media, and mailed a letter to small-business customers.
Cost-Effectiveness
Custom Projects
All projects submitted through the Custom Projects option must meet cost-effectiveness requirements,
which include TRC, UCT, and PCT tests from a project perspective. The program requires all costs
related to the energy efficiency implementation and energy-savings calculations are gathered and
submitted with the program application. Payback is calculated with and without incentives, along with
the estimated dollar savings for installing energy efficiency measures. As a project progresses,
any changes to the project are used to recalculate energy savings and incentives before the incentives are
paid to the participant. To aid in gathering or verifying the data required to conduct cost-effectiveness
and energy-savings calculations, third-party engineering firms are sometimes used to provide a scoping
audit, a detailed audit, or engineering measurement and verification services available under the Custom
Projects option.
The UCT and TRC ratios for the program are 3.85 and 2.32 respectively. An impact evaluation was
conducted for the program in 2018. If the amount incurred for the 2018 evaluation was removed from
the program’s cost-effectiveness, the UCT would be 3.87 while the TRC would remain unchanged
at 2.32.
Details for cost-effectiveness are in Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
New Construction
To calculate energy savings for the New Construction option, Idaho Power verifies the incremental
efficiency of each measure over a code or standard practice installation baseline. Savings are calculated
through two main methods. When available, savings are calculated using actual measurement
parameters, including the efficiency of the installed measure compared to code-related efficiency.
Another method for calculating savings is based on industry standard assumptions, when precise
measurements are unavailable. Since the New Construction option is prescriptive and the measures are
installed in new buildings, there are no baselines of previous measurable kWh usage in the building.
Therefore, Idaho Power uses industry standard assumptions from the IECC to calculate the savings
achieved over how the building would have used energy absent of efficiency measures.
New Construction incentives are based on a variety of methods depending on the measure type.
Incentives are calculated mainly through a dollar-per-unit equation using square footage, tonnage,
operating hours, or kW reduction.
Based on the current deemed savings value from the TRM, nearly all measures were cost-effective, with
the exception of some A/C units and heat pump units. Idaho Power determined these measures met at
least one of the cost-effectiveness exceptions outlined in OPUC Order No. 94-590. Idaho Power had
received a cost-effectiveness exception on these measures when it filed changes to the program in 2018
under Advice No. 18-08.
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Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 129
To prepare for 2018 program changes, ADM, under contract with Idaho Power, updated the TRM for
the New Construction option in 2018. The TRM, which provides savings and costs related to existing
and new measures for the New Construction option, will be updated to include the IECC 2015 baseline.
The new savings will be reflected on all applications initiated after the August 2018 program update.
Complete updated measure-level details for cost-effectiveness can be found in the 2018 Supplement 1:
Cost-Effectiveness. Assumptions for measures prior to the mid-year update can be found in the
Demand-Side Management 2017 Annual Report, Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
Retrofits
For the majority of 2018, Idaho Power used most of the same savings and assumptions as were used in
2017 for the Retrofits option. For all lighting measures, Idaho Power uses a Lighting Tool developed by
Evergreen Consulting, Group LLC. An initial analysis was conducted to see if the lighting measures
shown in the tool were cost-effective based on the average input of watts and hours of operation,
while the actual savings for each project are calculated based on specific information regarding the
existing and replacement fixture. For most non-lighting measures, deemed savings from the TRM or
RTF are used to calculate the cost-effectiveness. To prepare for 2018 program changes, ADM,
under contract with Idaho Power, updated the TRM for the Retrofits option. The TRM provides savings
and costs related to existing and new measures for the Retrofits option. The new savings will be
reflected on all applications submitted after the August 2018 program update.
Several measures that are not cost-effective remain in the program. These measures include high-
efficiency A/C units and heat pump units. After reviewing these measures, Idaho Power determined the
measures met at least one of the cost-effectiveness exceptions outlined in OPUC Order No. 94-590.
These cost-effectiveness exceptions were approved by the OPUC in Advice No. 18-08.
Complete updated measure-level details for cost-effectiveness can be found in Supplement 1:
Cost-Effectiveness. Assumptions for measures prior to the mid-year update can be found in the Demand-
Side Management 2017 Annual Report, Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
Evaluations
In 2018, Tetra Tech MA (Tetra Tech) was retained to conduct an impact evaluation for the Custom
Projects option of the C&I Energy Efficiency Program and found an overall realization rate of
100.4 percent.
The results revealed a successfully run program with only minor savings adjustments made mainly due
to changes to customer operation after equipment installation. Overall, findings from the impact
evaluation show the program savings calculations were reasonable, had accurate equipment descriptions,
well substantiated and conservative assumptions, and technically correct calculations for most of the
evaluated projects.
Idaho Power will consider any recommendations from this evaluation in 2019. See the complete impact
evaluation report in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
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Page 130 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power will expand its promotion of the C&I Energy Efficiency Program to additional online and
print business publications. The three options will continue to be marketed as part of Idaho Power’s C&I
Energy Efficiency Program. Below are specific strategies that apply to the individual components of
the program for 2019.
Custom Projects
Over the years, the Custom Projects option has achieved a high service-area penetration rate. As stated
previously, more than 90 percent of the large-power service customers have participated in the Custom
Projects option. The company is actively working to support these customers in new ways and find
additional opportunities for cost-effective energy-saving projects.
Additional program offerings are currently under consideration for implementation in 2019, including an
SEM Continuation of Services offering for MWSOC participants who are interested in continuing their
success, or have improved their readiness for SEM engagement.
Activities and coaching will continue for the WWEEC continuation participants and the Eastern Idaho
Water Cohort. Idaho Power is also investigating details related to continuation and/or expansion of the
CEI Cohort for Schools offering beyond the year-two completion scheduled for summer of 2019.
Idaho Power will continue to provide site visits by Custom Projects engineers and energy scoping audits
for project identification and energy-savings opportunities; M&V of larger, complex projects; technical
training for customers; and funding for detailed energy audits for larger, complex projects.
New Construction
Idaho Power will continue to perform random post-project verifications on a minimum of 10 percent of
completed projects, sponsor technical training through the IDL to address the energy efficiency
education needs of design professionals throughout the Idaho Power service area, and build relationships
with local design professionals and organizations.
Retrofits
Idaho Power will coordinate with NEEA and the Lighting Design Lab (LDL) to offer an advanced
lighting controls class to lighting contractors.
Commercial Energy-Saving Kits
In 2019, Idaho Power will continue sending these kits to commercial customers upon request. The
company will consider more actively marketing the kits to customers through various methods including
social media and direct-mail.
Idaho Power Company Commercial Sector—Flex Peak Program
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 131
Flex Peak Program
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (sites) 140 141
Demand Reduction (MW) 33 36
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $58,727 $86,861
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $64,316 $231,285
Idaho Power Funds $310,270 $340,010
Total Program Costs—All Sources $433,313 $658,156
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) n/a n/a
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Description
The Flex Peak Program is a voluntary program where participants are eligible to earn a financial
incentive for reducing load. The program is available to Idaho and Oregon commercial and industrial
customers with the objective to reduce the demand on Idaho Power’s system during periods of extreme
peak electricity use.
These are the program event guidelines:
• June 15 to August 15 (excluding weekends and July 4)
• Up to four hours per day between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Up to 15 hours per week
• No more than 60 hours per season
• At least three events per season
Customers with the ability to offer load reduction of at least 20 kW are eligible to enroll in the program.
The 20-kW threshold allows a broad range of customers to participate in the program. Participants
receive notification of a load reduction event two hours prior to the start of the event.
The program originated in 2009 as the FlexPeak Management program managed by a third-party
contractor. In 2015, Idaho Power took over full administration, and changed the name to Flex Peak
Program. The IPUC issued Order No. 33292 on May 7, 2015, while the OPUC approved Advice No.
15-03 on May 1, 2015, authorizing Idaho Power to implement an internally managed Flex Peak Program
(Schedule No. 82 in Idaho and Schedule No. 76 in Oregon) and to continue recovering its demand
response program costs in the previous manner.
Commercial Sector—Flex Peak Program Idaho Power Company
Page 132 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Program Activities
In 2018, 65 participants enrolled 140 sites in the program—five of those sites were new. Existing
customers were automatically re-enrolled in the program. Participants had a committed load reduction of
29.4 MW in the first week of the program and ended the season with an amount of 29.6 MW. This
weekly commitment, or nomination, was comprised of all 140 sites. The maximum realization rate
during the season was 108 percent, and the average for the three events was 89 percent. This is an
overall increase from 81 percent in 2017. The realization rate is the percentage of load reduction
achieved versus the amount of load reduction committed for an event. The highest hourly load reduction
achieved was 33 MW (at generation level) during the July 31 event (Table 20).
Table 20. Flex Peak Program demand response event details
Event Details Monday, July 16 Wednesday, July 25 Tuesday, July 31
Event time .................................................... 4–8 p.m. 4–8 p.m. 4–8 p.m.
Average temperature ................................... 93°F 98°F 96°F
Marketing Activities
The Flex Peak Program continued to be included along with the C&I Energy Efficiency Program
collateral. Additional details can be found in the Commercial/Industrial Sector Overview.
Customer representatives conducted field visits with 2017 participants in the offseason and early spring
to ensure re-enrollment was successful; verify load size, load traits, and type of operation; and to
communicate available incentive amounts based on customer load size.
Cost-Effectiveness
Idaho Power determines cost-effectiveness for its demand response program under the terms of IPUC
Order No. 32923 and OPUC Order No. 13-482. Under the terms of the orders and the settlement, all of
Idaho Power’s demand response programs were cost-effective for 2017.
The Flex Peak Program was dispatched for 12 event hours and achieved a maximum reduction of
29.1 MW. The total cost of the program in 2018 was $433,313. Had the Flex Peak Program been used
for the full 60 hours, the cost would have been approximately $703,000.
A complete description of Idaho Power cost-effectiveness of its demand response programs is included
in Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
Evaluations
As required each year by IPUC and OPUC, Idaho Power conducted an internal evaluation of the
program’s potential load reduction impacts. The goal of the review was to calculate the load reduction in
MW for the program. The analysis also verified load reduction per site and per event. A copy of the
results of this study is in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Idaho Power Company Commercial Sector—Flex Peak Program
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 133
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
The company will continue to communicate the value proposition with enrolled customers and the
importance of active participation when events are called. Idaho Power will meet with existing
participants during the off-season to discuss past-season performance and upcoming season details.
For the upcoming season, Idaho Power will update the program brochure to match the look and feel of
other C&I Energy Efficiency Program materials. Though the terms of IPUC Order No. 32923 and
OPUC Order No. 13-482 do not require program marketing, Idaho Power customer representatives
regularly communicate with current participants and encourage them to enroll new sites. Idaho Power
will promote the program along with Idaho Power’s C&I Energy Efficiency Program, when applicable.
Commercial Sector—Oregon Commercial Audits Idaho Power Company
Page 134 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Oregon Commercial Audits
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (audits) 0 13
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $0 $0
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $1,473 $8,102
Idaho Power Funds $0 $0
Total Program Costs—All Sources $1,473 $8,102
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) n/a n/a
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Description
Oregon Commercial Audits identifies opportunities for all commercial and industrial building owners,
governmental agencies, schools, and small businesses to achieve energy savings. Initiated in 1983, this
statutory required program (ORS 469.865) is offered under Oregon Tariff Schedule No. 82.
Through this program, Idaho Power provides free energy audits, evaluations, and educational products
to customers through a third-party contractor. During the audits, the contractor inspects the building
shell, HVAC equipment, lighting systems, and operating schedules, if available, and reviews past billing
data. These visits provide a venue for contractor to discuss available incentives and specific business
operating practices for energy savings. The contractor may also distribute energy efficiency program
information and remind customers that Idaho Power personnel can offer additional energy-savings tips
and information. Business owners can decide to change operating practices or make capital
improvements designed to use energy wisely.
Program Activities
During 2018, no customers requested audits through this program. As in 2017, EnerTech Services was
available to conduct the audits, and Idaho Power personnel were available to assist customers.
The 2018 program costs were lower than 2017 because the contractor did not perform any audits.
Marketing Activities
Idaho Power sent its annual direct-mailing to 1,520 Oregon commercial customers in September to
explain the program’s no-cost or low-cost energy audits and the available incentives and resources.
Idaho Power Company Commercial Sector—Oregon Commercial Audits
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 135
Cost-Effectiveness
As previously stated, the Oregon Commercial Audits program is a statutory program offered under
Oregon Schedule 82, the Commercial Energy Conservation Services Program. Because the required
parameters of the Oregon Commercial Audit program are specified in Oregon Schedule 82 and the
company abides by these specifications, this program is deemed to be cost-effective. Idaho Power claims
no energy savings from this program.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power does not expect to make any operational changes to the program in 2019.
Idaho Power will continue to market the program through the annual customer notification and will
consider additional opportunities to promote the program to eligible customers.
Irrigation Sector Overview Idaho Power Company
Page 136 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Irrigation Sector Overview
The irrigation sector is comprised of agricultural customers operating water-pumping or water-delivery
systems to irrigate agricultural crops or pasturage. End-use electrical equipment primarily consists of
agricultural irrigation pumps and center pivots. The irrigation sector does not include water pumping for
non-agricultural purposes, such as the irrigation of lawns, parks, cemeteries, golf courses, or domestic
water supply.
In December 2018, the active and inactive irrigation service locations totaled 20,077 system-wide.
This was an increase of 1.5 percent compared to 2017, primarily due to the addition of service
locations for pumps and pivots to convert land previously furrow or surface irrigated to sprinkler
irrigation. Irrigation customers accounted for 1,976,587 MWh of energy usage in 2018, which was an
increase from 2017 of approximately 12 percent, primarily due to variations in weather. This sector
represented nearly 14 percent of Idaho Power’s total electricity sales, and approximately 29 percent of
July sales. Energy usage for this sector has not changed significantly in many years; however, there is
substantial yearly variation in usage due primarily to the impact of weather on customer irrigation needs.
Idaho Power offers two programs to the irrigation sector:
1. Irrigation Efficiency Rewards, an energy efficiency program designed to encourage the
replacement or improvement of inefficient systems and components.
2. Irrigation Peak Rewards, a demand response program designed to provide a system
peak resource.
The Irrigation Efficiency Rewards program, including the Green Motor Initiative, experienced increased
annual savings, from 16,888 MWh in 2017 to 19,002 MWh in 2018.
Idaho Power recruited the majority of 2017 Irrigation Peak Rewards participants in 2018, with an
increase of 1.7 percent in eligible service points.
Table 21 summarizes the overall expenses and program performance for both the energy efficiency and
demand response programs provided to irrigation customers.
Table 21. Irrigation sector program summary, 2018
Total Cost Savings
Annual Energy Peak Demand
Demand Response
Irrigation Peak Rewards ...................... 2,335 $ 6,891,737 $ 6,891,737 297
Total $6,891,737 $6,891,737 297
Energy Efficiency
Irrigation Efficiency Rewards ............... 1,022 $ 2,953,706 $11,948,469 18,933,831
Green Motors—Irrigation ............... 26 67,676
Total ................................................................................................ $ 2,953,706 $ 11,948,469 19,001,507
Note:
Idaho Power Company Irrigation Sector Overview
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 137
Marketing
In 2018, the company mailed a spring and fall edition of Irrigation News to all irrigation customers in its
service area. The spring edition focused on Idaho Power’s efforts to improve irrigation customer
satisfaction, rate changes, rewards for custom projects, and contact information for regional agriculture
representatives. Two versions of the spring newsletter were created to cater to the differences in rate
changes for Oregon and Idaho customers. The fall edition again noted customer satisfaction efforts and
featured information on online tools for account management and outages, a 2019 calendar of events for
agriculture shows, energy efficiency incentives, and Idaho Power’s overhead power line safety video
specifically made for the irrigation community. This newsletter provides an opportunity to increase
transparency and trust and to promote the Irrigation Efficiency Rewards program.
Throughout 2018, changes to program brochures, project applications, and other marketing collateral
made the materials more consistent with each other and other Idaho Power publications.
The company also placed numerous ads in print agricultural publications to reach the target market in
smaller farming communities. Publications included: Capital Press, Gem State Producer, Times–News,
Owyhee Avalanche, Idaho Press, Power County Press, Potato Grower Magazine, Idaho Cattle
Association Guide, Malheur Enterprise, and Post Register. Idaho Power utilized radio advertising to
promote its presence at the Agri-Action show and to show support of Future Farmers of America and Ag
Week conferences.
In spring 2018, Idaho Power partnered once again with the Twin Falls County Pest Abatement District
to promote irrigation equipment efficiency while educating the public on mosquito abatement—
preventing large pools of water where mosquitoes breed. The promotion ran as a commercial on KMVT
and through digital ads in the Twin Falls area March through April. Digital advertising was used to drive
traffic to the Irrigation Efficiency web page; the click-through rate was 0.14 percent—well above the
industry average of 0.08 percent.
Customer Satisfaction
Idaho Power conducts the Burke Customer Relationship Survey each year. In 2018, 61 percent of
irrigation survey respondents indicated Idaho Power is meeting or exceeding their needs with
information on how to use energy wisely and efficiently.
Seventy percent of irrigation respondents indicated Idaho Power is meeting or exceeding their needs by
encouraging energy efficiency with its customers. Fifty-six percent of Idaho Power irrigation customers
surveyed in 2018 indicated the company is meeting or exceeding their needs in offering energy
efficiency programs, and 37 percent of the irrigation survey respondents indicated they have participated
in at least one Idaho Power energy efficiency program. Of the irrigation survey respondents who have
participated in at least one Idaho Power energy efficiency program, 91 percent are “very” or
“somewhat” satisfied with the program.
Training and Education
Idaho Power continued to market its irrigation programs by varying the location of workshops and
offering new presentations to irrigation customers. In 2018, Idaho Power provided eight workshops
promoting the Irrigation Efficiency Rewards program. Approximately 200 customers attended
Irrigation Sector Overview Idaho Power Company
Page 138 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
workshops in Vale, Oregon and Aberdeen, Mountain Home, Nampa, Eagle, Burley, Leadore, and
Emmett, Idaho. The company displayed exhibits at regional agricultural trade shows, including the
Idaho Irrigation Equipment Association Winter Show, Eastern Idaho Agriculture Expo, Western Idaho
Agriculture Expo, the Agri-Action Ag show, and the Treasure Valley Irrigation Conference.
Field Staff Activities
Idaho Power’s agricultural representatives offer customer education, training, and irrigation-system
assessments and audits across the service area. Agricultural representatives also engage agricultural
irrigation equipment dealers in training sessions with the goal of sharing expertise about energy-efficient
system designs and increasing awareness about the program. Agricultural representatives and the
irrigation segment coordinator, a licensed agricultural engineer, participate in annual training to maintain
or obtain their Certified Irrigation Designer and Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist accreditation.
This training allows Idaho Power to maintain its high level of expertise in the irrigation industry and is
sponsored by the nationally based Irrigation Association.
Idaho Power Company Irrigation Sector—Irrigation Efficiency Rewards
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 139
Irrigation Efficiency Rewards
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (projects) 1,048 801
*
Demand Reduction (MW) n/a n/a
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $2,681,664 $2,230,798
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $233,916 $192,416
Idaho Power Funds $38,126 $52,463
Total Program Costs—All Sources $2,953,706 $2,475,677
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) $0.019 $0.018
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio 4.57 4.75
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio 3.03 3.64
*2018 total includes 67,676 kWh of energy savings from 26 Green Motors projects
Description
Initiated in 2003, the Irrigation Efficiency Rewards program encourages energy-efficient equipment
use and design in irrigation systems. Qualified irrigators in Idaho Power’s service areas can receive
financial incentives and reduce their electricity usage through participation in the program. Two options
help meet the needs for major or minor changes to new or existing systems: Custom Incentive and
Menu Incentive.
Custom Incentive Option
The Custom Incentive Option is offered for extensive retrofits to existing systems or the installation of
an efficient, new irrigation system.
For a new system, Idaho Power determines whether the equipment is more energy efficient than
standard before approving the incentive. If an existing irrigation system is changed to a new water
source, this program considers it a new irrigation system. The incentive for a new system is 25 cents per
annual kWh saved, not to exceed 10 percent of the project cost.
For existing system upgrades, the incentive is 25 cents per annual kWh saved or $450 per kW demand
reduction, whichever is greater. The incentive is limited to 75 percent of the total project cost.
The qualifying energy efficiency measures include any hardware changes that result in a reduction of the
potential kWh use of an irrigation system or that result in a potential demand reduction. Idaho Power
reviews, analyzes, and makes recommendations on each project after considering prior usage history,
invoices, and, in most situations, post-installation demand data to verify savings and incentives.
Irrigation Sector—Irrigation Efficiency Rewards Idaho Power Company
Page 140 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Menu Incentive Option
The Menu Incentive Option covers a portion of the costs of repairing and replacing specific components
that help the irrigation system use less energy. This option is designed for systems where small
maintenance upgrades provide energy savings from these 11 separate measures:
• New flow-control type nozzles
• New nozzles for impact, rotating, or fixed-head sprinklers
• New or rebuilt impact or rotating type sprinklers
• New or rebuilt wheel-line levelers
• New complete low-pressure pivot package
• New drains for pivots or wheel-lines
• New riser caps and gaskets for hand-lines, wheel-lines, and portable mainlines
• New wheel-line hubs
• New pivot gooseneck and drop tube
• Leaky pipe repair
• New center pivot base boot gasket
Payments are calculated on a predetermined kWh savings per component.
Program Activities
In 2018, 1,022 irrigation efficiency projects were completed as follows: 843 utilized the Menu Incentive
Option and provided an estimated 12,170 MWh of energy savings and 23.8 MW of demand reduction;
179 utilized the Custom Incentive Option (82 were new systems and 97 were on existing systems) and
provided 6,987 MWh of energy savings.
Marketing Activities
In addition to training and education activities mentioned in the Irrigation Sector Overview,
Idaho Power targeted a select number of nonparticipants to increase program awareness. Idaho Power
maintained a database of irrigation dealers and vendors for direct-mail communication, as they are key
to the successful marketing of the program.
Cost-Effectiveness
Idaho Power calculates cost-effectiveness using different savings and benefits assumptions and
measurements under the Custom Incentive Option and the Menu Incentive Option of Irrigation
Efficiency Rewards.
Each application under the Custom Incentive Option received by Idaho Power undergoes an assessment
to estimate the energy savings that will be achieved through a customer’s participation in the program.
On existing system upgrades, Idaho Power calculates the savings of a project by determining what
changes are made and comparing it to the service point’s previous five years of electricity usage history
on a case-by-case basis. On new system installations, the company uses standard practices as the
Idaho Power Company Irrigation Sector—Irrigation Efficiency Rewards
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 141
baseline and determines the efficiency of the applicant’s proposed project. Based on the specific
equipment to be installed, the company calculates the estimated post-installation energy consumption of
the system. The company verifies the completion of the system design through aerial photographs,
maps, and field visits to ensure the irrigation system is installed and used in the manner the applicant’s
documentation describes.
Each application under the Menu Incentive Option received by Idaho Power also undergoes an
assessment to ensure deemed savings are appropriate and reasonable. Payments are calculated on a
prescribed basis by measure. In some cases, the energy-savings estimates in the Menu Incentive Option
are adjusted downward from deemed RTF savings to better reflect known information on how the
components are actually being used. For example, a half-circle rotation center pivot will only save half
as much energy per sprinkler head as a full-circle rotation center pivot. All deemed savings are based on
seasonal operating hour assumptions by region. If a system’s usage history indicates it has lower
operating hours than the assumptions, like the example above, the deemed savings are adjusted.
In March 2018, the RTF updated the irrigation hardware measure analysis, which resulted in a reduction
of savings between 34 to 94 percent from the previous workbook. The major assumption driving the
measure savings change in the program involves the calculation of the leakage per hardware item, which
caused savings to decrease nearly 80 percent on average for several irrigation hardware types. Idaho
Power has requested the RTF reconvene the irrigation subcommittee in 2019 and re-examine the
assumptions such as leakage and flow rate, as well as the calculation methodology behind these
irrigation measure. In the meantime, the company plans to use the current workbook for 2019. However,
if the RTF approves a new workbook in 2019, Idaho Power will reevaluate and may retroactively apply
those updated savings for 2019.
Complete measure-level details for cost-effectiveness can be found in Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power does not expect to make any changes to the Custom Incentive Option in 2019. However,
the company will be adjusting Menu Option savings due to new savings numbers being created by the
RTF. Idaho Power will also initiate work with the RTF and regional irrigation experts to review the RTF
savings adjustments to determine if additional research or information is needed to improve accuracy of
savings calculations.
Marketing plans include conducting at least six customer-based irrigation workshops to promote energy
efficiency technical education as well as program specifics. Idaho Power will continue to participate in
three regional agricultural trade shows, in addition to sponsoring the Idaho Irrigation Equipment
Association Show & Conference and the Soil Health Symposium. Marketing the program to irrigation
vendors will continue to be a priority. Idaho Power will continue to promote the program in
agriculturally focused editions of newspapers and magazines, and to provide valuable information in its
Irrigation News newsletter.
Irrigation Sector—Irrigation Peak Rewards Idaho Power Company
Page 142 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Irrigation Peak Rewards
2018 2017
Participation and Savings
Participants (participants) 2,335 2,307
Demand Reduction (MW) 297 318
Program Costs by Funding Source
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider $230,953 $743,948
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider $180,865 $205,528
Idaho Power Funds $6,479,919 $6,273,625
Total Program Costs—All Sources $6,891,737 $7,223,101
Program Levelized Costs
Utility Levelized Cost ($/kWh) n/a n/a
Benefit/Cost Ratios
Utility Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Total Resource Benefit/Cost Ratio n/a n/a
Description
Idaho Power’s Irrigation Peak Rewards program is a voluntary, demand response program available to
agricultural irrigation customers with metered service locations who have participated in the past.
Initiated in 2004, the purpose of the program is to minimize or delay the need to build new supply-side
resources.
The program pays irrigation customers a financial incentive to interrupt the operation of specific
irrigation pumps using of one or more control devices. Historically, the Irrigation Peak Rewards
program provides approximately 320 MW, or nearly 9 percent of Idaho Power’s all-time system peak of
load reduction.
The program offers two interruption options: Automatic Dispatch Option and Manual Dispatch Option.
Automatic Dispatch Option pumps are controlled by an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) or a
cellular device that remotely turns off the pump(s). Manual Dispatch Option pumps can participate if
they have 1,000 cumulative horsepower (hp) or the AMI or cellular technology has been determined to
not function properly. These customers nominate a kW reduction and are compensated based on the
actual load reduction during the event.
For either interruption option, these are the program event guidelines:
• June 15 to August 15 (excluding Sundays and July 4)
• Up to four hours per day between 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
• Up to 15 hours per week
Idaho Power Company Irrigation Sector—Irrigation Peak Rewards
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 143
• No more than 60 hours per season
• At least three events per season
The incentive structure consists of fixed and variable payments. The fixed incentive is $5.00/kW with an
energy credit of $0.0076/kWh. The demand (kW) credit is calculated by multiplying the monthly billing
kW by the demand-related incentive amount. The energy (kWh) credit is calculated by multiplying the
monthly billing kWh usage by the energy-related incentive amount. The incentive is applied to monthly
bills, and credits are prorated for periods when reading/billing cycles do not align with the program
season dates. An additional variable credit of $0.148/kWh applies to the fourth and subsequent events
that occur between 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and is increased to $0.198/kWh when customers allow Idaho
Power to interrupt their pumps until 9:00 p.m.
Program rules allow customers the ability to opt out of dispatch events up to five times per service point.
The first three opt outs each incur a penalty of $5 per kW, while the remaining two incur a penalty of $1
per kW based on the current month’s billing kW. The opt-out penalties may be prorated to correspond
with the dates of program operation and are accomplished through manual bill adjustments. The
penalties will never exceed the amount of the incentive that would have been paid with full
participation.
Program Activities
Idaho Power enrolled 2,335 service points in 2018, an increase of 1.7 percent over 2017. The enrolled
service points accounted for 85.2 percent of the eligible service points. The total nominated kW
increased to 416.8 MW from 411.2 MW in 2017.The company utilized two electrical contractors during
the spring of 2018 to maintain and troubleshoot the AMI devices and cellular devices for dispatching.
Identification and correction of device failures is an ongoing effort before the season begins and
throughout the season.
Table 22. Irrigation Peak Rewards demand response event details
Event Details Friday, July 13 Tuesday, July 17 Wednesday, August 1
Event time .................................................... 2–9 p.m. 2–9 p.m. 2–9 p.m.
Maximum load reduction (MW) .................... 296.7 256.6 263.8
The program administration expenses were less in 2018 because the company completed the upgrade of
load control communication devices located on participating customers’ pump electrical panels in 2017.
Third-party load control devices were exchanged from cellular communication to Idaho Power’s AMI
communication. Third-party device management discontinued in December 2016. The lower 2018
expenses reflect the program in a maintenance mode with the devices being managed internally.
Marketing Activities
Idaho Power used workshops, trade shows, and direct-mailings to encourage past participants to
re-enroll in the program. The company updated a program brochure to improve readability and answer
common questions. The brochure, sign-up worksheet, and contract agreement were mailed to all eligible
Irrigation Sector—Irrigation Peak Rewards Idaho Power Company
Page 144 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
participants in March 2018. See the Irrigation Sector Overview section for additional marketing
activities.
Cost-Effectiveness
Idaho Power determines cost-effectiveness for the demand response programs under the terms of IPUC
Order No. 32923 and OPUC Order No. 13-482. Under the terms of the orders and the settlement, all of
Idaho Power’s demand response programs were cost-effective for 2018.
The Irrigation Peak Rewards program was dispatched for 12 event hours and achieved a maximum
demand reduction of 296.7 MW. The total expense for 2018 was $6.9 million and would have been
approximately $9.8 million if the program was operated for the full 60 hours.
A complete description of cost-effectiveness results for Idaho Power’s demand response programs is
included in Supplement 1: Cost-Effectiveness.
Evaluations
Each year, Idaho Power produces an internal report of the Irrigation Peak Rewards program. This report
includes a load-reduction analysis, cost-effectiveness information, and program changes. A breakdown
of the load reduction for each event day and each event hour including line losses is shown in Table 23.
A copy of the 2018 Irrigation Peak Rewards program report is included in Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Table 23. Irrigation Peak Rewards program MW load reduction for events
Event Date 2:00–3:00 p.m. 3:00–4:00 p.m.4:00–5:00 p.m. 5:00–6:00 p.m.6:00–7:00 p.m. 7:00–8:00 p.m.8:00–9:00 p.m.
July 13 75.9 149.3 231.8 296.7 218.0 139.3 58.3
July 17 71.3 125.9 206.8 256.6 180.9 121.5 43.6
August 1 54.3 117.3 206.8 263.8 208.5 142.7 54.6
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
Idaho Power will continue to recruit past participants in this program for the 2019 irrigation season; no
program changes are expected. The company will include information on the program at its irrigation
workshops in conjunction with the Irrigation Efficiency Program. Each eligible customer will be sent a
comprehensive packet containing an informational brochure, sign-up worksheet, and contract agreement
encouraging their participation. Idaho Power agricultural representatives will continue one-on-one
customer contact to inform and encourage program participation.
Idaho Power Company Other Programs and Activities
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 145
Other Programs and Activities
Green Motors Initiative
Idaho Power participates in the Green Motors Practices Group’s (GMPG) Green Motors Initiative
(GMI). Under the GMI, service center personnel are trained and certified to repair and rewind motors in
an effort to improve reliability and efficiency. If a rewind returns a motor to its original efficiency,
the process is called a “Green Rewind.” By rewinding a motor under this initiative, customers may save
up to 40 percent when compared to buying a new motor. The GMI is available to Idaho Power’s
agricultural, commercial, and industrial customers.
Twenty-four service centers in Idaho have the training and equipment to participate in the GMI and
perform an estimated 1,200 Green Rewinds annually. Of the 24 service centers, currently nine have
signed on as GMPG members in Idaho Power’s service area. The GMPG will work to expand the
number of service centers participating in the GMI, leading to market transformation and an expected
kWh savings in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon.
Under the initiative, Idaho Power pays service centers $2 per hp for each National Electrical
Manufacturers Association (NEMA)-rated motor up to 5,000 hp that received a verified Green Rewind.
Half of that incentive is passed on to customers as a credit on their rewind invoice. The GMPG requires
all member service centers to sign and adhere to the GMPG Annual Member Commitment Quality
Assurance agreement. The GMPG is responsible for verifying quality assurance.
In 2018, a total of 51 motors were rewound under the GMI. Table 24 provides a breakdown of energy
savings and the number of motors by customer segment.
Table 24. Green Motor Initiative savings, by sector and state
Sector State Number of Motors Sum of kWh Savings
Irrigation ID 26 67,676
OR 0 0
Irrigation Total 26 67,676
Commercial and Industrial ID 25 64,167
OR 0 0
Commercial and Industrial Total 25 64,167
Grand Total 51 131,843
Local Energy Efficiency Funds
The purpose of Local Energy Efficiency Funds (LEEF) is to provide modest funding for short-term
projects that do not fit within Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs but provide a direct benefit to
the promotion or adoption of beneficial energy efficiency behaviors or activities. Idaho Power received
four LEEF applications in 2018: two from residential customers and two from commercial customers.
None were funded.
The residential applications were reviewed and deemed not appropriate for LEEF because the products
referenced in the submittal were found to be standard and widely available. For example, one applicant
was seeking funds to replace an older door and windows. An Idaho Power residential program specialist
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and/or a customer representative followed up with the applicants to discuss other available incentives
and to address other needs.
The two commercial customers requested assistance with LED lighting retrofits. In these cases, a
program specialist directed applicants to program incentive information currently available from Idaho
Power to support their projects.
Idaho Power’s Internal Energy Efficiency Commitment
Idaho Power continues to upgrade the company’s substation buildings across its service area. The
existing grass and low-level evergreen shrub landscaping at the Fremont substation in Pocatello was
removed and replaced with gravel. The irrigation system was greatly reduced to promote water
conservation and reduced O&M expenses related to watering, mowing, and disposal of landscaping
debris. This xeriscape approach will be considered for other substations. Efforts in 2018 also focused on
providing energy-efficient heating and cooling. In 2018, Idaho Power replaced the make-up air handlers
in the corporate headquarters (CHQ). The inefficient single-fan/single-speed units were replaced with
state-of-the-art FANWALL® technology. Each unit consists of 12 VFD fans and will reduce energy
consumption at the CHQ building while delivering a more consistent air flow for employees.
Renovation projects continued at the CHQ in downtown Boise, with a project to exchange the old T-12
parabolic lighting fixtures with LED lighting throughout 2019. Remodels continued to incorporate
energy efficiency measures, such as lower partitions, other lighting retrofits, and automated
lighting controls.
In Blackfoot, Pocatello, Twin Falls, and many other areas within Idaho Power’s service area, the
company continued to replace existing high bay lighting in truck bays and shops with more efficient
LED lighting and to install smart thermostats throughout the enterprise.
In 2018, the design was completed for the new HVAC system at the Maintenance and Electrical Shops;
construction on these projects is scheduled for 2019. These improvements to the shops will reduce
energy consumption in coming years.
The Idaho Power CHQ building participated in the Flex Peak Program again in 2018 and committed to
reduce up to 200 kW of electrical demand during events. Unlike other program participants, Idaho
Power does not receive any financial incentives for its participation. Idaho Power’s CHQ participated in
all three demand response events in 2018. Idaho Power’s other internal energy efficiency projects and
initiatives are funded by non-rider funds.
Idaho Power continued a major sustainability initiative to educate employees about the purchase and use
of electric vehicles (EV). A 2018 Chevy Bolt, with a range of 238 miles per charge, was purchased for
use as a CHQ employee fleet car. Additionally, the company purchased and upfitted eight Ford F-150s
with XLP™ Plug-in Hybrid systems designed to improve gas mileage and decrease emissions before
placing them in service. These hybrid trucks are the first step in a transition to an all-electric truck fleet
in the future. EV charging stations were installed to charge these vehicles.
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Figure 41. Vehicles wrapped with graphics to promote Idaho Power’s use of EVs
Market Transformation: NEEA
Market transformation is an effort to permanently change the existing market for energy efficiency
goods and services by engaging and influencing large national companies to manufacture or supply
more energy-efficient equipment. Through market transformation activities, participants promote the
adoption of energy-efficient materials and practices before they are integrated into building codes.
Idaho Power achieves market transformation savings primarily through its participation in the NEEA.
Idaho Power has funded NEEA since its inception in 1997. NEEA’s role is to look to the future to find
emerging opportunities for energy efficiency and to create a path forward to make those opportunities a
reality in the region.
NEEA’s current, five-year funding cycle began 2015. In this cycle, the NEEA business plan is forecast
to obtain 145 average megawatts (aMW) of regional energy savings at a cost of about $13.5 million or
approximately $2.7 million per year for Idaho Power customers. The NEEA plan also offered some
optional programs and activities to prevent overlapping activities when local utilities have the capability
to provide the same services at a lower cost or more effectively.
In 2018, NEEA and its funders began planning the next five-year cycle which will be from 2020–2024.
The estimated cost for Idaho Power’s customers in this funding cycle is $14.7 million, or $3 million
per year.
Idaho Power participates in all of NEEA’s committees and workgroups, including representation on the
Regional Portfolio Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors. Idaho Power representatives
participate in the Regional Portfolio Advisory Committee, Cost-Effectiveness and Evaluation Advisory
Committee, Residential Advisory Committee, Commercial Advisory Committee, Regional Emerging
Technologies Advisory Committee, Idaho Energy Code Collaborative, Ductless Heat Pump Workgroup,
Heat Pump Water Heater Workgroup, and the Northwest Regional Strategic Market Plan for Consumer
Products Group. The company also participates in NEEA’s initiatives including the Residential Building
Stock Assessment, Commercial Building Stock Assessment, Commercial Code Enhancement (CCE),
Strategic Energy Management, Commercial Lighting - Reduced Wattage Lamp Replacement, Top-Tier
Trade Ally and Luminaire Level Lighting Controls
NEEA performs several market progress evaluation reports (MPER) on various energy efficiency efforts
each year. In addition to the MPERs, NEEA provides market-research reports, through third-party
Other Programs and Activities Idaho Power Company
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contractors, for energy efficiency initiatives throughout the Pacific Northwest. Copies of these and other
reports mentioned below are referenced in Supplement 2: Evaluation and on NEEA’s website under
Resources & Reports. For information about all committee and workgroup activities, see the information
below.
NEEA Marketing
As stated in Idaho Power’s agreement with NEEA for the 2015 to 2019 funding cycle: “Idaho Power
will fund, create, and deliver specific market transformation activities for all initiatives that are relevant
for the Idaho Power service area.” In 2018, these activities included educating residential customers on
HPWH and ductless heat pumps, and educating commercial customers and participating contractors on
reduced-wattage lightbulb replacement, NXT Level Lighting Training, and LLLC.
Idaho Power promoted ductless heat pumps and HPWH as part of its H&CE Program. The company
also promoted DHPs as part of its residential marketing campaign. Full details can be found in the
H&CE Program’s Marketing section.
Idaho Power continued to encourage trade allies to take the NXT Level Lighting Training. The company
also handed out flyers at seven trade ally lighting workshops in July and August.
To promote LLLC, Idaho Power held training classes in February in Boise and March in Pocatello. The
company also rolled out a networked lighting control incentive in August.
NEEA Activities: All Sectors
Cost-Effectiveness and Evaluation Advisory Committee
The advisory group meets three to four times a year to review evaluation reports, cost-effectiveness, and
savings assumptions. One of the primary functions of the work group is to review all savings
assumptions that have been updated since the previous reporting cycle. The process usually requires a
webinar and an all-day meeting. Other activities for 2018 included reviewing NEEA evaluation studies
and data-collection strategies and previewing forthcoming research and evaluations.
Idaho Energy Code Collaborative
Since 2005, the State of Idaho has been adopting a state-specific version of the IECC. The Idaho Energy
Code Collaborative is a group of individuals with varying backgrounds and levels of association with
the building construction industry. The group’s work is facilitated by NEEA. The purpose of the group
is to make recommendations to the Idaho Building Code Board (IBCB) on the adoption of certain
construction and energy codes in the residential and commercial sectors. Idaho Power is a member of
this group and participates in the group’s meetings.
The IBCB adopted the 2017 Idaho Energy Conservation Code (2015 IECC commercial provisions and
2012 IECC residential provisions with Idaho amendments) effective January 1, 2018.
In September 2018, commercial and residential construction and energy codes were published by the
International Code Council (ICC). The publications include the 2018 International Building Code, 2018
International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Energy
Conservation Code (residential), and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (commercial).
The Idaho Energy Code Collaborative reviewed these publications in detail, comparing them to the prior
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codes published in 2015. The results of the comparison were provided to the IBCB as the they began
formally reviewing these publications in November for potential adoption.
Idaho Power participated and offered support in those collaborative meetings, which were attended by
members of the building industry, local building officials, code development officials, and other
interested stakeholders. Idaho Power also attended the IBCB public meetings. The Idaho Energy Code
Collaborative is an effort in which Idaho Power will continue to participate.
Regional Emerging Technologies Advisory Committee
Idaho Power participated in Regional Emerging Technologies Advisory Committee (RETAC) which
met quarterly to review the emerging technology pipeline for BPA, NEEA, and the Northwest Power
and Conservation Council (NWPCC) Seventh Power Plan. Throughout 2018, RETAC focused on
technologies for residential HVAC, commercial HVAC, and water heating. RETAC discussed the gaps
and issues that exist for these technologies and how NEEA and the regional utilities can address those
issues. This discussion will continue in 2019.
Regional Portfolio Advisory Committee
The Regional Portfolio Advisory Committee (RPAC) is responsible for overseeing NEEA’s market
transformation programs and their advancement through key milestones in the “Initiative Lifecycle.”
RPAC members must reach a full-consent vote at selected milestones in order for a program to advance
to the next stage; members can exercise a “challenge flag” at any stage if a program goes beyond the
scope agreed upon by the committee.
RPAC convenes in-person for quarterly meetings and by webinar as needed. In 2018, the RPAC
conducted three quarterly meetings and five marketing-related meetings with a group that was labeled
RPAC+, which included regular RPAC members and marketing representatives from each organization.
In the first regular quarterly meeting of RPAC on February 28, the group voted to support advancing
Industrial Motor Product Labeling/Extended Motor Products (XMP) through the Initiative Star
Milestone and into NEEA’s program portfolio. NEEA staff conducted a NEEA portfolio review and an
emerging technologies update.
On May 14, RPAC met at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport. The RPAC was shown the 2018 RPAC Workplan
and voted to move Very High Efficiency Dedicated Outside Air Systems (VHE DOAS) through the
Initiative Start milestone and into NEEA’s program portfolio. NEEA staff updated the group and a
discussion was held concerning NEEA’s 2020 to 2024 Business Planning Workshop, which addressed a
complementary approach for initiatives and the right-sizing advisory committees. RPAC also reviewed
the Commercial/Industrial lighting regional strategic market plan.
On August 22, RPAC began an in-depth investigation into how NEEA promotes market transformation
with the goal of providing guidance to the board. The group also discussed streamlining the Initiative
Life Cycle Process and decreasing the number of committees and workgroups. NEEA staff presented
updates on emerging technologies and market research and evaluation.
After one funder threw the challenge flag and a subsequent board directive, RPAC+ held marketing
workshops on September 26 and October 3, 11, 18, and 23 to resolve issues relating to NEEA’s
downstream marketing activities.
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Idaho Power staff participated in RPAC+ workshops that were organized to propose guiding principles
on how NEEA will conduct downstream marketing activities in Cycle 6, which runs from 2020 through
2024. Downstream marketing activities were defined as region-wide marketing activities to promote
energy-efficient products, services, and practices directly to end-users including digital ads, purchased
social, billboards and print, broadcast (radio/tv), point of purchase, and direct-mail where NEEA would
historically use a market-facing sub-brand of a NEEA initiative.
These activities require additional coordination between NEEA and Idaho Power to limit customer
confusion. Idaho Power staff spent significant time attending these weekly webinars and reviewing
proposals to advocate for a process and outcome that would best serve Idaho Power customers.
Ultimately, RPAC+ members agreed on the proposed downstream marketing methods except how a
utility would be reimbursed if it opted out of a marketing campaign. This issue was sent back to the
Board of Directors.
Throughout 2018, RPAC received updates on NEEA board discussions concerning the Strategic/
Business/Planning process for the 2020 to 2024 funding cycle and incorporating funders from natural
gas utilities into NEEA.
NEEA Activities: Residential
Ductless Heat Pump Workgroup
Idaho Power continued participating in NEEA’s Ductless Heat Pump Workgroup. Its members are
primarily employees of electric utilities in the Northwest. The workgroup was formed several years ago
to help support NEEA’s regional market transformation activities around ductless heat pumps. In 2018,
NEEA began creating a vetting process that will provide Northwest stakeholders an opportunity to
communicate their opinions as to the readiness of the DHP initiative to transition to the last phase of the
Initiative Lifecycle, called Long Term Monitoring and Tracking (LTMT).
The vetting process will extend into Q3 2019, and the Ductless Heat Pump Workgroup will provide
assistance to the NEEA program manager during this time. To help inform stakeholders, the 8th MPER
was initiated in December 2018 and will be published in Q3 2019. Other available information includes
the 2019 DHP Operations Plan released in September and the DHP Initiative Lifecycle released in July.
A stakeholder workshop is also planned for early 2019.
Heat Pump Water Heater Workgroup
Idaho Power continued participating in NEEA’s Heat Pump Water Heater Workgroup. Its members are
primarily employees of electric utilities in the Northwest. The workgroup was formed several years ago
to help support NEEA’s regional market transformation activities around HPWHs. The work in 2018
remained focused on activities to accelerate market transformation. The workgroup continued to assist
the Northwest Regional Strategic Market Plan for Consumer Products group, which was also focused on
HPWHs.
Northwest Regional Strategic Market Plan for Consumer Products Group
Idaho Power has been a member of the Northwest Regional Strategic Market Plan for Consumer
Products group since its inception in 2016. Idaho Power continued its membership in 2018 and
participated as member of its steering committee. The members are primarily employees of electric
utilities in the Northwest. The group was formed based on NEEA’s determination that a strong focus
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needed to be placed on the performance of certain consumer products to obtain their maximum
contributions to Northwest energy efficiency.
In late 2017, the focus expanded from HPWH to include smart thermostats. In 2018, the steering
committee assembled a Smart Thermostat Savings Task Force, asking them to create a research
proposal. The RTF requested research to help the them decide if smart thermostats can be advanced to a
deemed measure from their current planning measure status. The contract analyst presented the
research proposal in September, which the RTF approved. The research would be performed in 2019
and 2020. In late 2018, the steering committee discussed the needed funding and how a regional request
could be accomplished.
Residential Advisory Committee
Idaho Power participates in the Residential Advisory Committee (RAC), the Manufactured Homes
Interest Group, the Retail Products Portfolio (RPP) Initiative, Efficient Homes Workgroup, the Super-
Efficient Dryers Workgroup, and Northwest Regional Retail Collaborative. During 2016,
NEEA combined the Efficient Homes Workgroup and the Manufactured Homes Interest Group and
renamed it the BetterBuiltNW Workgroup.
Idaho Power participated in RAC, which met quarterly in 2018, with the exception of the Q4 meeting
which was cancelled by NEEA due to lack of agenda items. The purpose of the RAC is to advise NEEA
with broad-based advice, experience, and feedback in all residential program matters. This committee
provides utilities with the opportunity to give meaningful input into the design and implementation of
NEEA programs.
NEEA provides BetterBuiltNW builder and contractor training, manages the regional-homes database,
develops regional marketing campaigns, and coordinates energy-efficient new construction activities
with utilities in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. In 2018, NEEA continued to assist utilities in
launching custom single-family Residential Performance Path programs that offer utilities flexibility in
program design and the opportunity to capture all above-code savings on residential new construction
projects. NEEA will continue to manage the AXIS regional database. NEEA continued to work on an
above-code manufactured homes specification, known as NEEM 2.0. This specification will eventually
replace the current NEEM 1.1 specification.
The Super-Efficient Dryers Initiative was formed to support the acceleration of heat pump dryers into
the market. The initiative focuses on influencing manufacturer product development and executing
strategies to overcome the barriers of this new technology. Barriers include a high incremental cost,
limited consumer awareness, and low product availability. The initiative offers incentives to reduce the
retail price. In 2018, NEEA staff conducted lab tests and worked with the RTF to update the clothes
dryer measure. As a result of the testing, the UES values for ENERGY STAR® clothes washers
were increased.
A Multifamily Market Research Online Community group was created to help gain an understanding of
the drivers, market players, and influences in multifamily building management, with the hopes of
persuading multifamily developers, property managers, etc., to begin using heat pump dryers in their
units.
Other Programs and Activities Idaho Power Company
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Continued retailer pilots with Blomberg were offered, providing rebates for the purchase of qualified
heat pump dryers and heat pump hybrid dryer units. One of the 2019 goals is to add promotions and
rebates for clothes washers because washer performance affects the performance of heat pump dryers.
The use of a high-efficiency washer leaves less moisture in the clothing, which allows the heat pump
and heat pump hybrid dryer to work more efficiently. It would be ideal to market these units as a pair to
ensure high satisfaction with the heat pump dryers.
The RPP Initiative was formed to provide mid-stream incentives to influence retail stocking and
assortment practices that would eventually drive manufacturing and standards toward a portfolio of
energy-efficient products sold through retail channels. In 2018, there were seven qualifying products and
two tiers assigned to each product: basic and advanced. The incentive is not intended to buy down the
purchase, but rather to influence stocking practices.
Residential Building Stock Assessment
NEEA released the results of the Residential Building Stock Assessment (RBSA) in early 2018. Results
from the study were incorporated in Idaho Power’s potential study to fill data gaps, as needed. The RTF
will continue to update the deemed savings values and input parameters for residential energy-savings
measures based on the results of the RBSA.
NEEA Activities: Commercial/Industrial
NEEA continued to provide support for commercial and industrial energy efficiency activities in Idaho
in 2018, which included partial funding of the IDL for trainings and additional tasks.
Commercial Building Stock Assessment
NEEA began work on the Commercial Building Stock Assessment (CBSA) in 2018. The CBSA is
conducted approximately every five years, and the information is used by utilities in the Pacific
Northwest and the NWPCC to determine load forecast and electrical energy-savings potential in the
region.
For commercial customers who choose to participate in the study, the third-party contractor schedules a
site visit with a field technician who collects information on equipment and building characteristics that
affect energy consumption. This includes HVAC equipment, lighting, building envelope, water heating,
refrigeration and cooking, computers and miscellaneous equipment, and cooling towers. Participants
receive a gift card and a site-specific report.
To prepare for the study, Idaho Power staff participated in the sampling and customer contact working
groups. The sampling working group met to review and approve the sampling plan while the customer
contact working group discussed the recruitment process and the customer contact protocols. A pre-test
was conducted in Portland and Boise in fall of 2018 to test the recruitment process. The full study
launched in late 2018; Idaho Power commercial customers will be contacted throughout 2019.
Commercial Code Enhancement
NEEA facilitated regional webinars for the CCE initiative for new construction to discuss how utilities
can effectively align code changes and utility programs. The CCE is a NEEA initiative comprised of
people with varying backgrounds and levels of association with the building construction industry.
The group’s goal is to enable the continual advancement of commercial construction and energy codes.
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A subset of this group’s work in 2018 included a Scanning Report that identified measures to be
considered in future codes. This work will continue in 2019.
Strategic Energy Management
NEEA’s work on SEM in the commercial and industrial sectors continued in 2018. The primary focus in
2018 was to consolidate all of the SEM templates, guidelines, and documents into the new SEM
Hub website.
Commercial Lighting
Idaho Power participated in NEEA’s initiatives in the commercial lighting arena. Idaho Power continued
as a member of the NEEA Commercial Lighting Program Manager Work Group and the Commercial
Advisory Committee.
Reduced Wattage Lamp Replacement
The Reduced Wattage Lamp Replacement (RWLR) initiative concluded December 2018. NEEA has
converted this initiative to a long-term monitoring and tracking activity.
Top-Tier Trade Ally
The Top-Tier Trade Ally initiative offers lighting trade allies throughout the region multi-tiered training.
One hundred seventy-nine individuals from 47 regional companies successfully completed NXT Level 1
Training and attained Top-Tier Trade Ally designation by the end of 2018. Eight individuals in Idaho
Power’s service area achieved the designation, for a total of 18 individuals program-to-date. To date,
one company is designated as a Top-Tier Trade Ally in the Idaho Power service area.
NEEA launched a one-hour Jump Start training session in 2018 to aid in recruiting new NXT Level 1
students. The Jump Start session fulfilled one of the NXT Level training modules, which increased the
interest for attendees to get involved in this valuable training. The Jump Start training was offered at
four of Idaho Power’s program update workshops in 2018. As a result, 36 people submitted enrollment
applications for NXT Level 1 training. Five of those applicants completed the training and received
designation.
NXT Level 2 training curriculum was finalized in 2018 and launched in fourth quarter. Currently, NXT
Level 2 is an in-person curriculum. NEEA is rolling out this training to areas with higher NXT Level 1
designated populations. Development is underway to offer an online version of NXT Level 2 training.
This version is expected to be available to the Idaho Power service area mid-2019.
Luminaire Level Lighting Controls
Idaho Power hosted two Advanced Lighting Controls classes in 2018. The classes were a follow-up to
the pilot course the company hosted in 2017. The 2018 classes were held in Boise and Pocatello and
both were well received. The DLC coordinated the training and curriculum, and NEEA helped sponsor
the classes.
NEEA also partnered with the Seattle LDL to develop a one-day Advanced Lighting Controls
curriculum targeted to electrical contractors and electrical equipment suppliers. The new course is an
enhancement to the DLC class and was made available for utilities in their service area in 2019. Idaho
Power plans to host a session in 2019.
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By the end of 2018, 18 LLLC systems were available in the market. NEEA continues to work with
manufacturers to help them achieve LLLC designation. NEEA, in partnership with the DOE’s Next
Generation Lighting System initiative, continues to work with manufacturers to improve product
usability and ease of product installation.
NEEA Funding
In 2018, Idaho Power began the fourth year of the 2015 to 2019 Regional Energy Efficiency Initiative
Agreement with NEEA. Per this agreement, Idaho Power is committed to fund NEEA based on a
quarterly estimate of expenses up to the five-year total direct funding amount of $16.5 million in support
of NEEA’s implementation of market transformation programs in Idaho Power’s service area. Of this
amount in 2018, 100 percent was funded through the Idaho and Oregon Riders.
In 2018, Idaho Power paid $2,500,165 to NEEA; $2,375,157 from the Idaho Rider for the Idaho
jurisdiction and $125,008 from the Oregon Rider for the Oregon jurisdiction. Other expenses associated
with Idaho Power’s participation in NEEA activities, such as administration and travel, were also paid
from Idaho and Oregon Riders.
Final NEEA savings for 2018 will be released in June 2019. Preliminary estimates reported by NEEA
for 2018 indicate Idaho Power’s share of regional market transformation savings as 24,966 MWh.
These savings are reported in two categories: codes-related and standards-related savings of
21,724 MWh and non-codes and standards-related savings of 3,241 MWh.
In the Demand-Side Management 2017 Annual Report, preliminary funding share estimated savings
reported were 23,652 MWh. The revised estimate included in this report for 2017 final funding-share
NEEA savings is 24,440 MWh. These include savings from code-related initiatives as well as
non-code-related initiatives. Idaho Power relies on NEEA to report the energy savings and other benefits
of NEEA’s regional portfolio of initiatives. For further information about NEEA, visit their
website, neea.org.
Program Planning Group
In 2014, Idaho Power convened an internal PPG to explore new opportunities to expand current DSM
programs and offerings. The group consists of residential program specialists, commercial and industrial
engineers, energy efficiency analysts, marketing specialists, energy efficiency program leaders, and the
research and analysis leader. The PPG does not perform program execution. Instead, the group’s role is
to determine if a measure has energy-saving potential, has market adoption potential, and is potentially
cost-effective. If a measure meets those preliminary criteria, it is given to the program teams to
implement.
Throughout 2018, the group met periodically to explore new ideas to promote energy efficiency,
including evaluating new potential programs and measures. Idaho Power incorporated three new ideas
from the PPG into the overall portfolio of residential and commercial program offerings: HPWHs,
Commercial Energy-Saving Kits, and the Residential New Construction Pilot Program. These offerings
will continue to be available in 2019.
In addition to the offerings that were implemented, the company continued to pursue and investigate
other new ideas, such as residential weatherization measures for direct-install and a small business
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direct-install program for measures such as lighting or plug strips. Based on the criteria cited above,
these offerings could be launched in 2019. Idaho Power will continue to use the PPG to review,
evaluate, and deliver new energy efficiency offerings in 2019 and beyond.
Regional Technical Forum
The RTF is a technical advisory committee to the NWPCC, established in 1999 to develop standards to
verify and evaluate energy efficiency savings. Since 2004, Idaho Power has supported the RTF by
providing annual financial support, regularly attending monthly meetings, participating in
sub-committees, and sharing research and data beneficial to the forum’s efforts.
The forum is made up of both voting members and corresponding members from investor-owned and
public utilities, consultant firms, advocacy groups, Energy Trust of Oregon, and BPA, all with varied
expertise in engineering, evaluation, statistics, and program administration. The RTF advises the
NWPCC during the development and implementation of the regional power plan in regard to the
following listed in the RTF charter:
• Developing and maintaining a readily accessible list of eligible conservation resources, including
the estimated lifetime costs and savings associated with those resources and the estimated
regional power system value associated with those savings.
• Establishing a process for updating the list of eligible conservation resources as technology and
standard practices change, and an appeals process through which utilities, trade allies, and
customers can demonstrate that different savings and value estimates should apply.
• Developing a set of protocols by which the savings and system value of conservation resources
should be estimated, with a process for applying the protocols to existing or new measures.
• Assisting the Council in assessing: 1) the current performance, cost, and availability of new
conservation technologies and measures; 2) technology development trends; and 3) the effect of
these trends on the future performance, cost, and availability of new conservation resources.
• Tracking regional progress toward the achievement of the region’s conservation targets by
collecting and reporting on regional research findings and energy savings annually.
When appropriate, Idaho Power uses the savings estimates, measure protocols, and supporting work
documents provided by the RTF, and when the work products are applicable to the climate zones and
load characteristics in Idaho Power’s service area. In 2018, Idaho Power staff participated in all RTF
meetings as a voting member and the RTF Policy Advisory Committee. Idaho Power staff is represented
at the RTF for the three-year forum member term cycle beginning in 2019.
Measure changes enacted for existing and possible new measures are reviewed throughout the year for
potential impacts to programs and measures. All implementations of changes were accounted for in
planning and budgeting for 2019.
Residential Energy Efficiency Education Initiative
Idaho Power recognizes the value of general energy efficiency awareness and education in creating
behavioral change and customer demand for, and satisfaction with, its programs. The REEEI promotes
energy efficiency to the residential sector. The company achieves this by creating and delivering
Other Programs and Activities Idaho Power Company
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educational materials and programs that result in wise and informed choices regarding energy use and
increased participation in Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs.
Project Tiny House
In 2018, Idaho Power collaborated with Metro Community Services (Metro) and Canyon-Owyhee
School Service Agency (COSSA) to build a tiny house. Idaho Power provided $3,500 for the purchase
and installation of a DHP. Metro is an Idaho nonprofit that helps seniors, low-income people, and those
with disabilities. COSSA is a trade and craft high school with students from Marsing, Homedale, Notus,
Parma, and Wilder.
Metro supplied or secured the remaining supplies, and the COSSA students learned various aspects of
construction through hands-on building of the tiny house. The completed tiny house was displayed at
trade shows and other promotional events within Idaho Power’s service area. Approximately 10 students
in grades 10 through 12 worked on the home from November 2017 through June 2018, which was
raffled off in September of 2018 to raise funds for senior services.
Figure 42. Tiny house
Idaho Power’s promotion of Project Tiny House included custom signage to hang inside the home
highlighting the energy-efficient features. Additional promotion included an article in the April issue of
Connections. The tiny house drew customers at several events, such as March for Meals, Incredible Age
Expo, Annual Information Fair, Experience Idaho Expo, Wells Fargo Sustainability Fair, HP World
Environment Day, Meridian Public Works Expo, World Village Fest, Culinary Walkabout, Canyon
Country Fair, and various Home Depot’s throughout the Treasure Valley.
In 2018, Idaho Power partnered with Project Tiny House for the 7th annual Treefort Music Fest,
held across the street from Idaho Power CHQ in downtown Boise. The annual festival brings nearly
20,000 local residents and others from around the region to the downtown area over five days of music
and community-oriented programming. The partnership was a resounding success. Not only did the
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attraction of the Tiny House help increase the number of attendees who interacted with Idaho Power
staff to learn about the company’s parks and campgrounds, but the Project Tiny House team was able to
sell 25 tickets for their 2018 raffle for the home.
The tiny house proved to be of great interest to curious customers at a variety of events. This gave an
opportunity for customers to see what a DHP looked like installed in a wall and to feel the air
conditioning it could provide. The home also provided opportunities to talk about various other energy
efficiency measures, such as LED lighting and low-flow showerheads, as well as measures that are not
readily visible, such as spray foam insulation.
While the tiny house proved useful for attracting and engaging customers, it was not a successful
fundraiser for Metro, so they decided to discontinue the project.
Kill A Watt Meter Program
The Kill A Watt™ Meter Program remained active in 2018. Idaho Power’s Customer Service Center and
field staff continued to encourage customers to learn about the energy used by specific appliances and
activities within their homes by visiting a local library to check out a Kill A Watt meter.
Figure 43. Kill A Watt meter
The Kill A Watt meter brochure was updated in 2018. The Kill A Watt meters were mentioned again on
live television studio news programs on KTVB and KMVT in Idaho Power’s monthly energy efficiency
segments and highlighted in the 2018 Winter Energy Efficiency Guide. Late in 2017, Idaho Power
contacted participating libraries to determine what, if any, replacements were needed. Those
communications continued into 2018. Forty-three libraries responded with requests for additional
materials, including new meters, replacement kits, brochures and/or 30 Simple Things You Can Do to
Save Energy booklets.
Other Programs and Activities Idaho Power Company
Page 158 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Teacher Education
As in previous years, Idaho Power continued to strengthen the energy education relationship with
secondary school educators through continued participation on the Idaho Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (iSTEM) Steering Committee. In 2018, Idaho’s STEM Action Center
assumed the responsibility for overseeing the state’s iSTEM Institutes. This strategic change of
leadership resulted in many positive outcomes; however, some challenges in the enrollment process
resulted in lower enrollments. In 2018, 13 teachers completed the four-day, two-credit professional
development workshop offered at the College of Western Idaho’s iSTEM Institute. The workshop
“Electrons—Pushing, Using, and Saving Them!” was facilitated by Idaho Power and co-sponsored by
Intermountain Gas and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Among other things, participating teachers
toured the Langley Gulch power plant and received a classroom kit containing Kill A Watt meters and
other tools to facilitate student learning related to energy efficiency and wise energy use. Idaho Power
took advantage of the extra space in the 2018 workshop to introduce its five community education
representatives to STEM practices and concepts. These employees regularly interact with students and
teachers in the schools and are increasingly used to bring relevant STEM activities into schools and
classrooms in Idaho Power’s service area. By participating in the 2018 workshop, teachers developed
skills and relationships to help them engage middle school and high school students in activities and
conversations around future energy needs, and energy efficiency options and choices.
Student Art Contest
Idaho Power held its 8th Annual Student Art Contest for grades K-9. Kindergarten through second grade
completed a simple color page highlighting safety. Students in grades 3-9 were tasked with creating
original artwork based on the themes “Ways to Save Energy” or “Environmental Stewardship.”
Many students drew pictures of their favorite ways to save energy in the home. The Student Art Contest
provides a way for teachers and students to bring energy efficiency education into their classroom and
inspire students and families to think more about energy. With 4,654 submissions, over 30 students were
recognized with first- and second-place awards. Over the years, student artwork has been displayed in
local schools, libraries and city halls, and at events such as the annual Idaho Environmental Education
Conference and elementary school STEM nights. Students in both Idaho and Oregon participated in
2019 (3,827 Idaho and 827 Oregon).
Idaho Power Company Other Programs and Activities
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 159
Figure 44. Eighth annual Student Art Contest participants
Program Support
In 2018, 44,691 ESKs were shipped with a mini-home assessment to cross-market other energy
efficiency programs, promote the use of My Account, and help families learn about other energy-saving
behavior changes. Savings and expenses have been reported in the Educational Distributions residential
program section of this report.
The initiative continued to coordinate LED lightbulb distributions aimed at providing the newest
lighting technology to customers, along with education and answers to their common questions.
At events and presentations, company staff distributed 9,450 LEDs in custom packaging that highlighted
the advantages of energy-efficient lighting and encouraged participation in Idaho Power’s My Account
online portal. Customer representatives throughout the service area also handed out 700 Giveaway ESKs
containing nine LED lightbulbs and other educational materials in conjunction with energy efficiency
presentations and workshops. The energy savings resulting from these efforts and from the SEEK
program for the 2017–2018 school year are also reported in the Educational Distributions residential
program section of this report.
The initiative also implemented a Welcome Kit program with the goal of proactively introducing each
first-time customer to sound, energy-saving practices along Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs
at a moment when they may be receptive to hearing and implementing change. In the first year,
approximately 30,500 brand new customers received a Welcome Kit delivered to their home about
30-45 days after they moved in. Each kit contained four LED lightbulbs, a night light, a “Welcome to
the Neighborhood” greeting card, and a small, easy-to-use, tabbed flip-book filled with helpful
energy-saving tips and energy efficiency program information.
Other Programs and Activities Idaho Power Company
Page 160 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
The initiative continued to manage the HER pilot program. During the year, 105,626 reports were sent
to over 29,000 participants across the service area. The customized reports, delivered to customers at
regular intervals, showed customers how their energy use compared to other homes in their respective
communities with similar characteristics (i.e., home size, type, and heating source). In addition to the
comparisons, the Home Energy Reports provided participants with a personalized breakdown of how
electricity is used in their home (disaggregated energy use), along with customized energy-saving tips
and suggestions. Idaho Power determined to continue the pilot for a second year—adding 5,624 new
winter-heating participants. The new group will receive bi-monthly reports. The results of both pilot
years will be analyzed in late summer 2019. At that time, Idaho Power will decide whether to continue
or expand the HER pilot.
Marketing
REEEI continued to produce semiannual Energy Efficiency Guides in 2018. Idaho Power distributed
these guides primarily via insertion in local newspapers and at events across Idaho Power’s service area.
The winter Energy Efficiency Guide was published and distributed by 17 newspapers in Idaho Power’s
service area the week of January 28; the Boise Weekly also inserted the guide. The guide focused on
providing answers to a number of interesting energy efficiency questions customers had recently asked.
Along with useful energy-saving tips, the guide addressed hot tubs, programmable pressure cookers,
high efficiency washers, portable space heaters, and ENERGY STAR® smart thermostats. The
information was applicable to all residential customers and designed to be family friendly. Idaho Power
included a story from the guide in January News Briefs, News Scans, and a promo pod on the
idahopower.com homepage.
Figure 45. Winter Energy Efficiency Guide, 2018
The Idaho Statesman hosted Idaho Power’s print ads, digital ads, and banner ads promoting the guide,
including a one-day online homepage takeover on January 27, resulting in 173,223 impressions, 342
click throughs, and a click through rate of 20 percent. The newspaper also hosted a 30-second energy
Idaho Power Company Other Programs and Activities
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 161
efficiency commercial as a video pre-roll from January 28 to February 28. An Idaho Power Facebook
boost was used to promote the guide to Idaho Power followers.
The summer Energy Efficiency Guide was delivered to over 194,000 homes the week of July 29, 2018.
This guide highlighted efficient ways to stay comfortable during the hot summer months and specific
room-by-room tips for reducing energy use at home and while on vacation. It also discussed how to use
landscaping to increase a home’s comfort and boost energy efficiency.
The release of the summer guide received public relations support through numerous communication
channels, including News Briefs, News Scans, on Idaho Power’s social media accounts, and in digital
ads on local newspaper websites, targeted to customers in the service area during the last week of July,
including the Times News, Idaho State Journal, Boise Weekly, and Idaho Press. The summer guide was
also mentioned during an Idaho Power interview on KBOI on July 13.
Both of the 2018 guides were translated into Spanish to help reach the larger Idaho Power customer
base. In 2018, the company distributed a total of 5,500 guides, including issues from past years, at
energy efficiency presentations and events. The current library of guides continues to add value. Specific
issues are often requested for distribution at events and presentations based on their relevance to the
particular audience. On its website, Idaho Power provides a link to the most current seasonal guide and
links to past guides.
REEEI distributed energy efficiency messages through a variety of other communication methods in
2018. Idaho Power increased customer awareness of energy-saving ideas via continued distribution of
the third printing of the 96-page booklet 30 Simple Things You Can Do to Save Energy, a joint
publishing project between Idaho Power and The Earthworks Group. The fourth printing of the booklet
was updated to include a more colorful cover that aligns with the overall energy efficiency imagery. In
2018, the program distributed 2,560 copies directly to customers. This was accomplished via community
events and local libraries; by customer representatives during in-home visits; by participating contractors
in the Home Energy Audits program, Energy House Calls program, and H&CE Program through direct
web requests; and in response to inquiries received by Idaho Power’s Customer Service Center.
Additionally, more than 44,000 customers had an opportunity to request the booklet and/or the most
recent Energy Efficiency Guide when they ordered their ESK online.
Idaho Power continues to recognize that educated employees are effective advocates for energy
efficiency and Idaho Power’s energy efficiency programs. Idaho Power customer relations and energy
efficiency staff reached out to each of Idaho Power’s geographical regions and the Customer Service
Center to speak with customer representatives and other employees to discuss educational initiatives and
answer questions about the company’s energy efficiency programs.
Idaho Power continued to participate in a select group of events impacting large audiences or audiences
expected to have a higher receptivity to energy-efficient messaging and behavior change. Idaho Power
once again participated in The Incredible Age Expo (targeting customers preparing for retirement),
Boise’s Treefort Music Fest (skewing to sustainably minded younger people), St. Luke’s FitOne Expo,
and numerous home and garden shows throughout the service area. Idaho Power participated in or
sponsored an additional 45 outreach activities, including events, presentations, trainings, and other
activities. Idaho Power customer representatives throughout the service area delivered numerous
Other Programs and Activities Idaho Power Company
Page 162 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
other presentations to local organizations addressing energy efficiency programs and wise energy use. In
2018, Idaho Power’s community education team provided 118 presentations on The Power to Make a
Difference to 3,063 students and 122 classroom presentations on Saving a World Full of Energy to 2,803
students. The community education representatives and other staff also completed 24 senior citizen
presentations on energy efficiency programs and shared information about saving energy to 1,149 senior
citizens in the company’s service area. Additionally, Idaho Power’s energy efficiency program
specialists responded with detailed answers to 241 customer questions about energy efficiency and
related topics received via Idaho Power’s website.
Idaho Power used multiple channels to promote National Energy Awareness Month in October,
including social media posts encouraging energy-efficient behaviors, as well as customer engagement in
the Smart-Saver Pledge. The October Connections, two News Briefs, and the KTVB and KMVT
monthly television spots also highlighted Energy Awareness Month activities.
The REEEI continued to provide energy efficiency tips in response to media inquiries and in support of
Idaho Power’s #TipTuesday posts. In addition to supplying information for various Idaho Power
publications, such as News Scans, Connections, and Idaho Power’s social media pages, energy
efficiency tips and content were provided for weekly News Briefs and monthly KTVB and KMVT live
news segments.
Several new videos, including customer testimonials and experiences, were made available on Idaho
Power’s YouTube channel. These included the following:
• Summer Learning with Idaho Power: youtube.com/watch?v=C90d72ZoPeI
• Energy Efficiency Quick Tip series (13 short clips): youtube.com/watch?v=X3JQdtNLtt4
2019 Program and Marketing Strategies
The initiative’s 2019 goals are to increase customer awareness of the wise use of energy and program
participation and to promote education and energy-saving ideas that result in energy-efficient,
conservation-oriented behaviors. In addition to producing and distributing educational materials, the
initiative will continue to manage the company’s Educational Distributions program that distributes
energy-savings educational measures. Examples of activities conducted under Educational Distributions
include developing LED lighting education material, distributing LED lightbulbs and Giveaway ESKs to
customers, and administering the SEEK program, the ESK program, Welcome Kit distribution, and the
HER pilot program.
The initiative will continue to educate customers using a multi-channel approach and to work with the
PPG to explore new technologies and/or program opportunities that incorporate a behavioral component.
University of Idaho Integrated Design Lab
Idaho Power is a founding supporter of the IDL. The IDL is dedicated to the development of
high-performance, energy-efficient buildings in the Intermountain West. Idaho Power has worked
with the IDL since its inception in 2004 to educate the public about how energy-efficient business
practices benefit the business and the customer. In 2018, Idaho Power entered into an agreement with
the IDL to perform the tasks and services described below.
Idaho Power Company Other Programs and Activities
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 163
Foundational Services
The goal of this task was to provide energy efficiency technical assistance and project-based training to
building industry professionals and customers. When the IDL receives requests for their involvement in
building projects, the projects are categorized into one of three types: Phase I projects are simple
requests that can be addressed with minimal IDL time; Phase II projects are more complex requests that
require more involvement and resources from the lab; Phase III projects are significantly more complex
and must be co-funded by the customer.
In addition to 16 ongoing projects from 2017, the IDL provided technical assistance on 30 new projects
in the Idaho Power service area in 2018: 16 Phase I projects, six Phase II and one proposed Phase III
project. An additional seven projects are proposed for potential future work. Twelve of the projects were
on new buildings, 11 on existing buildings, and the remaining were not building-specific. The number of
projects increased in 2018 compared to 2017, and the total building area impacted was approximately
250,000 ft2. The related report is located in the IDL section of Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Lunch & Learn
The goal of the Lunch & Learn task was to educate architects, engineers, and other design and
construction professionals about energy efficiency topics through a series of educational lunch sessions.
In 2018, the IDL scheduled 20 technical training lunches in Boise. The sessions were coordinated
directly with architecture and engineering firms and organizations; a total of 194 architects, engineers,
designers, project managers, and others attended.
The topics of the lunches (and number of each) were: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Energy Efficiency
in Buildings (6); Daylight Performance Metrics for Human Health, Productivity, and Satisfaction (4);
Daylight in Buildings: Getting the Details Right (3); Chilled Beams (2); Radiant Heating and Cooling
Design (3); Hybrid Ground Source Heat Pump Systems (1); and Variable Refrigerant Flows (VRF) &
Heat Pumps (1). The related report is located in the IDL section of Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Building Simulation Users Group
The goal of this task was to facilitate the Idaho BSUG, which is designed to improve the energy
efficiency-related simulation skills of local design and engineering professionals.
In 2018, six monthly BSUG sessions were hosted by IDL. The sessions were attended by
72 professionals in-person and 85 professionals remotely. Evaluation forms were completed by
attendees for each session. On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being “excellent” and 1 being “poor,” analyzing
results from the first six questions, the average session rating was 4.11 for 2018. For the final question,
“The content of the presentation was…” on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being “too basic,” 3 being “just
right,” and 5 being “too advanced,” the average session rating was 3.42 for 2018.
Each presentation was archived on the BSUG 2.0 website along with general BSUG-related content.
The related report is located in the IDL section of Supplement 2: Evaluation.
New Construction Verification
The goal of this task was to continue random installation verification of over 10 percent of the C&I
Energy Efficiency Program New Construction participants who received incentives. The company
Other Programs and Activities Idaho Power Company
Page 164 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
conducted a review of documentation and completed on-site inspections to validate whether systems and
components had been installed. The purpose of this verification was to confirm program guidelines and
requirements were helping participants provide accurate information regarding measure installations.
See the New Construction option in the C&I Energy Efficiency Program section for a summary of these
activities. The complete verification report is located in the IDL section of Supplement 2: Evaluation.
This task also included the review of all daylight photo-control incentives to verify site conditions and
improve the quality of design and installation.
Tool Loan Library
The TLL gives customers access to tools for measuring and monitoring energy consumption on various
systems within their operations. The goal of this task was to operate and maintain the tool library, which
includes a web-based loan-tracking system, and to provide technical training on the use of tools in the
library.
The inventory of the TLL consists of over 900 individual pieces of equipment. In 2018, 20 new tools
were added to replace old data logging models, as well as a new portable thermal camera with an
external power supply for extended periods of use. The tools and manuals are available at no cost to
customers, engineers, architects, and contractors in Idaho Power’s service area to aid in the evaluation of
energy efficiency projects and equipment they are considering.
There were 38 tool loan requests in 2018, by 22 unique users, including 11 new users from 14 different
locations, including engineering firms, equipment representatives, educational institutions, industrial
plants, and commercial facilities. The related report is located in the IDL section of Supplement 2:
Evaluation.
Heat Pump Calculator/Climate Design Tools/TEST
This task was a continuation of work done in a task that began in 2013 and continued through 2018.
The goal of the original task was to develop an Excel-based heat pump analysis tool to calculate energy
use and savings based on site-specific variables for commercial buildings. Previously, IDL identified a
lack of sophisticated heat pump energy-use calculators available with the capability of comparing the
energy use of heat pumps in commercial buildings against other technologies in a quick, simple fashion.
The calculator has been updated to reflect feedback from validation testing, including an improved user
interface and the ability to integrate Typical Meteorological Year, version three weather files for
locations where that data is available. A few years ago, the IDL completed a set of Climate Design Tools
intended to inform sustainable design and calculate the impacts of five innovative types of systems:
earth tubes, passive heating, cross ventilation, stack ventilation, and night flush ventilation/thermal
mass. In 2015, the IDL integrated three of the five climate design tools into the Heat Pump Calculator.
This unification produced a single platform life-cycle analysis tool for several energy efficiency
measures not currently well-supported with other tools in the industry. In 2016, the IDL unified two
additional climate-design tools to the calculator and added seven unique weather files for sites around
Idaho. The work in 2017 focused on outreach, education, and customization of the tool. In 2018, the tool
was renamed to the Thermal Energy Savings Tool or TEST.
Idaho Power Company Other Programs and Activities
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 165
Outreach continued in 2018 but was not the main emphasis of the task. Even so, there were several new
inquiries and tool downloads. The IDL included information on the TEST in many of the Lunch and
Learn presentations delivered at architecture and engineering firms in Idaho. Whenever a user requested
access to the tool, the IDL sent the TEST spreadsheet through the service WeTransfer because it is too
large to attach in a traditional email. A disclaimer is included with each tool download that makes clear
the tool does not guarantee savings, and the user is responsible for verifying his/her own calculations.
Rather than sending out the tool based on individual requests, the goal for 2019 is for the IDL to host the
tool online when the new IDL website is launched. Once there, the tool will be available for free
download by those who create an account with IDL and agree to the disclaimer. The related report for
this task is located in the IDL section of Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Building Energy Analytics Case Study
In 2018, IDL completed the task called “Building Energy Analytics Case Study.” The purpose of this
task was to identify potential savings from the implementation of a new type of energy management
software focusing on building analytics. Currently, several companies promote this new type of software
that monitors many control points within a building. Some examples of these analytic software packages
include SkySpark, EnergyCap and BuildingIQ. These data-analysis software packages can overlay
traditional Building Automation Systems (BAS) or Energy Management Systems (EMS).
The analytic software does not directly control any building equipment. Instead, its primary use is to
monitor many control signals and identify potential operational problems within the building. This
continuous monitoring has the potential to help maintain building commissioning and limit performance
degradation through the building’s life.
IDL first identified sites that were considering the addition of an analytics system in 2018. The IDL
team worked with the facility owners and control teams to document any implementation issues.
The last step of the project was to identify whether the installation of the analytics software led to any
operational changes and to estimate potential savings resulting from those changes.
The use of energy analytics software at the two case-study sites proved key to identifying several energy
efficiency measures and equipment faults. The studies showed that the software’s full potential can be
realized only when there is an existing direct digital control (DDC) system and a person dedicated to
monitor the system and communicate issues to the facilities team.
The related report for this task is located in the IDL section of Supplement 2: Evaluation.
Measuring Indoor Performance at Educational Facilities
In 2018, IDL completed a task named Measuring Indoor Performance at Educational Facilities. The
purpose of this task was to determine how effective HVAC systems are at cooling a typical secondary
school classroom. IDL used the data to quantify energy savings that could be achieved through
operational changes without adversely affecting occupant comfort. Four classrooms at two separate high
schools were intensively monitored for several weeks. The temperature measurements from these
classrooms were used to extrapolate cooling required in the schools during the spring and fall when the
buildings are still using A/C. Department of Energy (DOE) prototype models of the schools were used
to show how set point and scheduling adjustments to the HVAC operations could reduce peak loads and
Other Programs and Activities Idaho Power Company
Page 166 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
overall energy consumption at typical Idaho high schools while maintaining high environmental quality
for the students.
Most classroom temperatures measured in this project fell below the recommended comfort parameters
as specified by ASHRAE Standard 55. Enhancing thermal performance of the classrooms will save on
unnecessary cooling and could increase student productivity. The classrooms could be brought into
compliance by raising the cooling setpoint by 4 degrees Fahrenheit. This 4-degree adjustment is
estimated to save an Idaho school $4 per student, 60 kWh, and 30 watts of electrical energy per student
in annual energy use.
The related report for this task is located in the IDL section of Supplement 2: Evaluation.
2019 IDL Strategies
In 2019, IDL will continue work on the Foundational Services, Lunch & Learn sessions, BSUG, New
Construction Verifications, TLL, and the Heat Pump Calculator. IDL will also provide work on two new
tasks in 2019: A Building Energy Management System Predictive Control Case Study and a RTU
Control Retrofits for Small Commercial Sites task.
Idaho Power Company Glossary of Acronyms
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 167
GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS
A/C—Air Conditioning/Air Conditioners
Ads—Advertisement
AEG—Applied Energy Group
AIA—American Institute of Architects
AMI—Advanced Metering Infrastructure
aMW—Average Megawatt
ASHRAE—American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers
B/C—Benefit/Cost
BAS—Building Automation Systems
BCASEI—Building Contractors Association of Southeast Idaho
BCASWI—Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho
BOMA—Building Owners and Managers Association
BOC—Building Operator Certification
BPA—Bonneville Power Administration
BPI—Building Performance Institute
BSUG—Building Simulation Users Group
CAP—Community Action Partnership
CAPAI—Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho, Inc.
CCE—Commercial Code Enhancement
CCNO—Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc.
CEI—Continuous Energy Improvement
CEL—Cost-Effective Limit
CFM—Cubic Feet per Minute
CHQ—Corporate Headquarters (Idaho Power)
CINA—Community in Action
CLEAResult—CLEAResult Consulting, Inc.
COP—Coefficient of Performance
CR&EE—Customer Relations and Energy Efficiency
DDC—Direct Digital Control
DEQ—Department of Environmental Quality
Glossary of Acronyms Idaho Power Company
Page 168 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
DHP—Ductless Heat Pump
DLC—DesignLights Consortium
DOE—Department of Energy
DSM—Demand Side Management
EA5—EA5 Energy Audit Program
ECM—Electronically Commutated Motor
EEAG—Energy Efficiency Advisory Group
EIA—U.S. Energy Information Administration
EICAP—Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership
EISA—Energy Independence and Security Act
EL ADA—El Ada Community Action Partnership
EM&V—Evaluation, Measurement, and Verification
EMS—Energy Management Systems
EPA—Environmental Protection Agency
ESK—Energy-Saving Kit
ETO—Energy Trust of Oregon
EV—Electric Vehicle
ft—Feet
ft2—Square Feet
ft3—Cubic Feet
GMI—Green Motors Initiative
GMPG—Green Motors Practice Group
gpm—Gallons per Minute
H&CE—Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program
HEM-LLC—Home Energy Management, LLC.
hp—Horsepower
HPWH—Heat Pump Water Heater
HSPF—Heating Seasonal Performance Factor
HVAC—Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
IAQ—Indoor Air Quality
IBCA—Idaho Building Contractors Association
Idaho Power Company Glossary of Acronyms
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 169
IBCB—Idaho Building Code Board
IBOA—International Building Operators Association
ICC—International Code Council
ID—Idaho
IDHW—Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
IDL—Integrated Design Lab
IECC—International Energy Conservation Code
INL—Idaho National Laboratory
IPMVP—International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol
IPUC—Idaho Public Utilities Commission
IRP—Integrated Resource Plan
iSTEM—Idaho Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
kW—Kilowatt
kWh—Kilowatt hour
LDL—Lighting Design Lab
LEEF—Local Energy Efficiency Funds
LIHEAP—Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LLLC—Luminaire Level Lighting Controls
LTMT—Long-Term Monitoring and Tracking
M&V—Measurement and Verification
MOU—Memorandum of Understanding
MPER—Market Progress Evaluation Report
MVBA—Magic Valley Builders Association
MW—Megawatt
MWh—Megawatt hour
MWSOC—Municipal Water Supply Optimization Cohort
n/a—Not Applicable
NAMI—National Alliance on Mental Illness
NEB—Non-Energy Benefit
NEEA—Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance
NEEM—Northwest Energy Efficient Manufactured
Glossary of Acronyms Idaho Power Company
Page 170 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
NEMA—National Electrical Manufacturers Association
NPR—National Public Radio
NTG—Net to Gross
NWPCC—Northwest Power and Conservation Council
O&M—Operation and Maintenance
OPUC—Public Utility Commission of Oregon
OR—Oregon
ORS—Oregon Revised Statute
OSV—On-Site Verification
PCA—Power Cost Adjustment
PCT—Participant Cost Test
PLC—Powerline Carrier
PPG—Program Planning Group
PSC—Permanent Split Capacitor
PTCS—Performance Tested Comfort System
QA—Quality Assurance
QC—Quality Control
RAC—Residential Advisory Committee
RAP—Resource Action Programs
RBSA—Residential Building Stock Assessment
RCT—Randomized Control Trial
REEEI—Residential Energy Efficiency Education Initiative
RESNET—Residential Services Network
RETAC—Regional Emerging Technologies Advisory Committee
RFP—Request for Proposal
Rider—Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider and Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider
RIM—Ratepayer Impact Measure
RPAC—Regional Portfolio Advisory Committee
RPP—Retail Products Portfolio
RTF—Regional Technical Forum
RWLR—Reduced Wattage Lamp Replacement
Idaho Power Company Glossary of Acronyms
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 171
SCCAP—South Central Community Action Partnership
SCE—Streamlined Custom Efficiency
SEEK—Students for Energy Efficiency Kit
SEICAA—Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency
SEM—Strategic Energy Management
SIR—Savings to Investment Ratio
SRVBCA—Snake River Valley Building Contractors Association
TLL—Tool Loan Library
TRC—Total Resource Cost
TRM—Technical Reference Manual
TSV—Thermostatic Shower Valve
UCT—Utility Cost Test
UES—Unit Energy Savings
UM—Utility Miscellaneous
US—United States
USDA—United States Department of Agriculture
USGBC—US Green Building Council
VFD—Variable Frequency Drive
VHE DOAS—Very High Efficiency Dedicated Outside Air Systems
VRF—Variable Refrigerant Flow
W—Watt
WAP—Weatherization Assistance Program
WAQC—Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers
WHF—Whole-House Fan
WWEEC—Wastewater Energy Efficiency Cohort
XMP—Extended Motor Products
Appendices Idaho Power Company
Page 172 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
APPENDICES
Idaho Power Company Appendix 1. Idaho Rider, Oregon Rider, and NEEA Payment Amounts
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 173
Appendix 1. Idaho Rider, Oregon Rider, and NEEA payment amounts (January–December 2018)
Idaho Energy Efficiency Rider
2018 Beginning Balance ........................................................................................................................... $ 407,603
2018 Funding plus Accrued Interest as of 12-31-18 ................................................................................. 38,514,355
Total 2018 Funds ........................................................................................................................................ 38,921,958
2018 Expenses as of 12-31-18 ................................................................................................................. (33,663,001)
Ending Balance as of 12-31-2018 .............................................................................................................. $ 5,258,957
Oregon Energy Efficiency Rider
2018 Beginning Balance ........................................................................................................................... $ (6,272,529)
2018 Funds Transfer from Advice No. 18-11 ............................................................................................ 5,500,000
2018 Funding plus Accrued Interest as of 12-31-18 ................................................................................. 1,132,690
Total 2018 Funds ........................................................................................................................................ 360,161
2018 Expenses as of 12-31-18 ................................................................................................................. (1,757,910)
Ending Balance as of 12-31-2018 .............................................................................................................. $ (1,397,749)
NEEA Payments
2018 NEEA Payments as of 12-31-2018 .................................................................................................. $ 2,500,165
Total ............................................................................................................................................................ $ 2,500,165
Appendix 2. 2018 DSM expenses by funding source (dollars) Idaho Power Company
Page 174 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Appendix 2. 2018 DSM expenses by funding source (dollars)
Sector/Program Idaho Rider Oregon Rider Non-Rider Funds Total
Energy Efficiency/Demand Response
A/C Cool Credit ............................................................. $433,659 $36,425 $374,285 $844,369
Easy Savings: Low-Income Energy Efficiency Education — — 147,936 147,936
Educational Distributions ............................................... 3,307,782 67,409 — 3,375,192
Energy Efficient Lighting ................................................ 2,343,127 92,003 — 2,435,130
Energy House Calls ....................................................... 146,712 14,065 — 160,777
Fridge and Freezer Recycling Program ......................... 33,172 735 — 33,907
Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program ........................... 565,780 19,431 — 585,211
Home Energy Audit ....................................................... 264,394 — — 264,394
Multifamily Energy Savings Program ............................. 205,131 — — 205,131
Oregon Residential Weatherization ............................... — 5,507 — 5,507
Rebate Advantage ......................................................... 105,770 41,714 — 147,483
Residential New Construction Pilot Program.................. 400,910 2 — 400,912
Shade Tree Project ........................................................ 162,995 — — 162,995
Simple Steps, Smart Savings™ ...................................... 86,721 3,762 — 90,484
Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers ....... — — 1,272,973 1,272,973
Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers ............ 998,233 — 24,237 1,022,471
Commercial/Industrial
Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Program...
Custom Projects ..................................................... 8,400,495 395,860 12,156 8,808,512
New Construction ................................................... 2,004,058 65,587 — 2,069,645
Retrofits .................................................................. 5,732,650 257,529 — 5,990,179
Flex Peak Program ........................................................ 58,727 64,316 310,270 433,313
Irrigation
Irrigation Efficiency Rewards ......................................... 2,681,664 233,916 38,126 2,953,706
Irrigation Peak Rewards ................................................ 230,953 180,865 6,479,919 6,891,737
Energy Efficiency/Demand Response Total ................. $28,307,370 $1,480,863 $8,659,904 $38,448,137
Market Transformation
NEEA ............................................................................ 2,375,157 125,008 — 2,500,165
Market Transformation Total ......................................... $2,375,157 $125,008 $— $2,500,165
Commercial/Industrial Energy Efficiency Overhead ....... 444,787 23,051 558 468,396
Energy Efficiency Direct Program Overhead .................. 225,437 11,865 — 237,302
Home Improvement Program......................................... 2,926 — — 2,926
Oregon Commercial Audit ............................................. — 1,473 — 1,473
Residential Energy Efficiency Education Initiative .......... 163,255 8,961 — 172,215
Residential Energy Efficiency Overhead ........................ 1,042,132 54,125 — 1,096,257
Other Programs and Activities Total ............................. $ 1,878,538 $ 99,474 $ 558 $ 1,978,570
Indirect Program Expenses
Energy Efficiency Accounting & Analysis ....................... 987,281 51,254 180,706 1,219,241
Energy Efficiency Advisory Group.................................. 16,837 887 — 17,724
Special Accounting Entries ............................................ 97,820 424 — 98,243
Indirect Program Expenses Total .................................. $1,101,937 $ 52,565 $ 180,706 $ 1,335,208
Grand Total ..................................................................... $ 33,663,001 $1,757,910 $8,841,168 $44,262,080
Idaho Power Company Appendix 3. 2018 DSM Program Activity
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 175
Appendix 3. 2018 DSM program activity
Total Costs Savings Nominal Levelized Costs a
Program Participants Utility b Resource c
Annual Energy (kWh)
Peak Demand d
(MW)
Measure Life (Years) Utility ($/kWh)
Total Resource ($/kWh)
A/C Cool Credit1 .............................................................. homes $ 844,369 $ 844,369 n/a 29 n/a n/a n/a
Flex Peak Program1 ........................................................ sites 433,313 433,313 n/a 33 n/a n/a n/a
Irrigation Peak Rewards1 ................................................. service points 6,891,737 6,891,737 n/a 297 n/a n/a n/a
Total $ 8,169,419 $ 8,169,419
Energy Efficiency
Residential
Easy Savings: Low-Income Energy Efficiency Education HVAC tune-ups 147,936 147,936 29,610 3 1.372 1.372
Educational Distributions ................................................. kits/giveaways 3,180,380 3,180,380 16,051,888 11 0.019 0.019
Energy Efficient Lighting ................................................. lightbulbs 2,435,130 3,277,039 18,856,933 14 0.011 0.014
Energy House Calls ........................................................ homes 160,777 160,777 374,484 16 0.032 0.032
Fridge and Freezer Recycling Program ........................... refrigerators/freezers 33,907 33,907 73,602 7 0.061 0.061
Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program............................. projects 585,211 1,686,618 1,556,065 15 0.029 0.091
Home Energy Audit ......................................................... audits 264,394 321,978 211,003 12 0.113 0.137
2
Multifamily Energy Savings Program ............................... projects 205,131 205,131 655,953 11 0.030 0.030
Oregon Residential Weatherization ................................. audits 5,507 5,507 30
Rebate Advantage .......................................................... homes 147,483 355,115 284,559 45 0.027 0.064
Residential New Construction Pilot ................................. homes 400,912 926,958 777,369 36 0.028 0.064
Simple Steps, Smart Savings™ ........................................ appliances/showerheads 90,484 133,101 241,215 12 0.034 0.050
Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers ........ homes/non-profits 1,272,973 1,819,491 649,505 30 0.111 0.159
Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers ............. homes 1,022,471 1,022,471 571,741 23 0.112 0.112
Sector Total ..................................................................................................................................... $ 10,310,503 $ 13,634,216 43,651,278 13 $ 0.020 $ 0.027
Commercial/Industrial
Commercial Energy-Saving Kits ...................................... kits 146,174 146,174 442,170 10 0.034 0.034
Custom Projects ............................................................. projects 8,808,512 16,112,540 46,963,690 16 0.014 0.026
Green Motors—Industrial ................................................ motor rewinds 64,167 7 n/a n/a
New Construction ............................................................ projects 2,069,645 5,054,215 13,378,315 12 0.014 0.034
Retrofits ......................................................................... projects 5,990,179 16,253,716 34,910,707 12 0.015 0.042
Sector Total ..................................................................................................................................... $ 17,014,509 $ 37,566,644 95,759,049 14 $ 0.015 $ 0.032
Appendix 3. 2018 DSM Program Activity Idaho Power Company
Page 176 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Total Costs Savings Nominal Levelized a
Program Participants Utility b Resource c
Annual Energy (kWh)
Peak Demand d
(MW)
Measure Life (Years) Utility ($/kWh)
Total Resource ($/kWh)
Irrigation
Green Motors—Irrigation ................................................. motor rewinds 67,676 19 n/a n/a
Irrigation Efficiency Reward ............................................. projects $ 2,953,706 $ 11,948,469 18,933,831 8 $ 0.019 $ 0.076
Sector Total ................................................................................................................................... $ 2,953,706 $ 11,948,469 19,001,507 8 $ 0.019 $ 0.075
Energy Efficiency Portfolio Total ................................................................................................. $ 30,278,718 $ 63,149,329 158,411,834 13 $ 0.016 $ 0.034
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (codes and standards) .......................................................... 21,724,800
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (other initiatives) ................................................................... 3,241,200
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance Totals3 ............................................................................ $ 2,500,165 $ 2,500,165 24,966,000
Other Programs and Activities
Residential
Home Improvement Program ....................................................................................................... 2,926 2,926
Residential Energy Efficiency Education Initiative ........................................................................ 172,215 172,215
Commercial
Oregon Commercial Audits ............................................. audits 1,473 1,473
Other
Energy Efficiency Direct Program Overhead ................................................................................ 1,801,955 1,801,955
Total Program Direct Expense $ 42,926,872 $ 75,797,483 183,377,834 359
Indirect Program Expenses ............................................................................................................. 1,335,208 1,335,208
Total DSM Expense ...................................................................................................................... $ 44,262,080 $ 77,132,691
a Levelized Costs are based on financial inputs from Idaho Power's 2015 IRP and calculations include line-loss adjusted energy savings.
b The Utility Cost is the cost incurred by Idaho Power to implement and manage a DSM program.
c The Total Resource Cost is the total expenditures for a DSM program from the point of view of Idaho Power and its customers as a whole.
d Demand response program reductions are reported with 9.7-percent peak loss assumptions.
1 Peak Demand is the peak performance of each respective program and not combined performance on the actual system peak hour.
2 Expenses are contained in Educational Distributions expenses in Appendix 2.
3
Idaho Power Company Appendix 4. 2018 DSM Program Activity by State Jurisdiction
Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report Page 177
Appendix 4. 2018 DSM program activity by state jurisdiction
Idaho Oregon
Program Participants Utility Costs
Demand Reduction (MW)/ Annual Energy Savings (kWh) Participants Utility Costs
Demand (MW)/Annual Energy Savings (kWh)
Demand Response1
A/C Cool Credit ............................................................. 25,845 homes $ 807,944 29 337 homes $ 36,425 0.4
Flex Peak Program ....................................................... 131 sites 368,997 31 9 sites 64,316 2
Irrigation Peak Rewards ................................................ 2,285 service points 6,710,235 288 50 service points 181,502 9
Total ..................................................................................................................................... $ 7,887,176 347 $ $282,243 12
Energy Efficiency
Residential
Easy Savings: Low-Income Energy Efficiency Education 282 HVAC tune-ups 147,936 29,610 n/a
Educational Distributions ............................................... 92,996 kits/giveaways 3,112,970 15,577,291 1,721 kits/giveaways 67,409 474,596
Energy Efficient Lighting ............................................... 2,343,127 18,170,017 48,949 lightbulbs 92,003 686,916
Energy House Calls ...................................................... 251 homes 146,712 337,715 29 homes 14,065 36,769
Fridge and Freezer Recycling Program ......................... 298 refrigerators/freezers 33,172 71,578 6 refrigerators/freezers 735 2,025
Heating & Cooling Efficiency Program........................... 697 projects 565,780 1,521,832 15 projects 19,431 34,234
Home Energy Audit ....................................................... 466 audits 264,394 211,003 n/a
Home Energy Report Pilot Program .............................. 23,914 treatment size 194,812 3,281,780 n/a
Multifamily Energy Savings Program 3........................... 25 projects 205,131 655,953 0 projects
Oregon Residential Weatherization ............................... n/a 5 audits 5,507
Rebate Advantage ........................................................ 73 homes 105,770 205,182 34 homes 41,714 79,377
Residential New Construction Pilot ............................... 307 homes 400,910 777,369 n/a 2
Shade Tree Project ....................................................... 2,093 trees 162,995 35,571 n/a
Simple Steps, Smart Savings™ ...................................... 86,721 234,664 151 appliances/showerheads 3,762 6,551
Weatherization Assistance for Qualified Customers ...... 190 homes/non-profits 1,254,630 641,619 3 homes/non-profits 18,344 7,886
Weatherization Solutions for Eligible Customers ........... 141 homes 1,022,471 571,741 n/a
Sector Total ........................................................................................................................... $ 10,047,532 42,322,925 $ 262,971 1,328,353
Commercial
Commercial Energy-Saving Kits .................................... 1,621 kits 144,436 433,961 31 kits 1,738 8,209
Custom Projects............................................................ 238 projects 8,412,044 45,663,289 10 projects 396,468 1,300,401
Green Motors—Industrial .............................................. 25 motor rewinds 64,167 0 motor rewinds
New Construction .......................................................... 99 projects 2,004,058 13,092,349 5 projects 65,587 285,966
Retrofits ........................................................................ 1,322 projects 5,732,650 33,483,180 36 projects 257,529 1,427,527
Sector Total ............................................................................................................................ $ 16,293,187 92,736,946 $ 721,322 3,022,103
Appendix 4. 2018 DSM Program Activity by State Jurisdiction Idaho Power Company
Page 178 Demand-Side Management 2018 Annual Report
Idaho Oregon
Program Participants Utility Costs
Demand Reduction (MW)/ Annual Energy Savings
Demand (MW)/Annual Energy
Green Motors—Irrigation ............................................... 26 motor rewinds 67,676 0 motor rewind
Irrigation Efficiency Rewards ......................................... 971 projects $ 2,717,884 18,000,390 51 projects $ 235,822 933,441
Sector Total ........................................................................................................................... $ 2,717,884 18,068,066 $ 235,822 933,441
Market Transformation
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (codes and standards) .......................................... 20,638,560 1,086,240
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (other initiatives) ................................................... 3,079,140 162,060
Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance2 ........................................................................ $ 2,375,157 23,717,700 $ 125,008 1,248,300
Other Programs and Activities
Residential
Home Improvement Program .............................................................................................. 2,926
Residential Energy Efficiency Education Initiative ............................................................... 163,255 8,961
Commercial
Oregon Commercial Audits ............................................................................................... 1,473
Other
Energy Efficiency Direct Program Overhead ................................................................... 1,712,887 89,069
Total Program Direct Expense $ 41,200,004 $ 1,726,868
Indirect Program Expenses ............................................................................................... 1,273,608 61,600
Total Annual Savings ......................................................................................................... 176,845,637 6,532,197
Total DSM Expense ............................................................................................................ $ 42,473,612 $ 1,788,468
1 Peak Demand is the peak performance of each respective program and not combined performance on the actual system peak hour.
2 Savings are preliminary estimates provided by NEEA. Final savings for 2018 will be provided by NEEA May 2019.
3 Idaho Rider charges of $13,264 were reversed and charged to the Oregon Rider in March 2019. Oregon savings should have been 67,270 kWh.