This post is written by and posted on behalf of Mary Palmer, Director, Energy Equity and Inclusion, Rhaman Johnson , Project Manager, Standards and Interoperability, and Drake Moran, Senior Analyst, Research & Industry Strategy.
Program Criteria, Evaluation, and Reporting
It's vital to approach program design with a clear understanding of the intended outcomes. Approaching from a "10,000-foot view" helps craft programs that meet equity objectives and remain sustainable. Regardless of the methodology used, problem analysis is always the first step in the program design process. As busy professionals with deadlines and conflicting priorities, it can be tempting to shorten this crucial phase, leading to programs with half-baked equity considerations that are hard to correct later.
Many electric power industry leaders and community advocates aspire to implement energy equity programs and strategies that integrate into existing frameworks and resonate with community values. That's why this summer SEPA facilitated a focus group series to discuss critical topics including Program Criteria, Evaluation, and Reporting.
Focus Group Findings
Attendees highlighted several key practices that need to be accounted for early on in program design to enhance program accessibility and impact:
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Simplifying Access: Reducing administrative barriers and streamlining qualification processes are vital to reach a broad audience, including homeowners and renters across various dwelling types. For example, repeatedly asking customers to submit documentation to prove that they are income-qualified is a significant barrier for program participants. Additionally, it may increase the administrative burden on the program administrator, diverting resources to operational expenses that could be otherwise invested in the program.
This is a sampling of the types of criteria that are used in energy equity program design. It is best practice to consider the administrative burden that the application process and program compliance will place on the program participants and the program administrator. Often, this is the limiting factor for program adoption and success.
2. Customer Feedback is Imperative: “Imagine McDonalds decided to launch a McRib slider for vegetarians. Then, when sales flopped, instead of changing to a meat alternative, they decided to launch a campaign to educate the customer about the health benefits of animal proteins. You would say…that’s crazy! Yet, this is how we tend to operate in the electric utility space. Programs are designed for the end user without robust market research or feedback and then when they are ineffective, we attribute that failure to a lack of customer education. Ultimately the value of a product or service is determined by the user, not the other way around” says SEPA’s Director of Energy Equity & Inclusion. Programs need to be brainstormed, created, and vetted with input from the end user. Engaging with a diverse range of community-based organizations is an effective way to include different segments of the community in the program design process.
Programs that yield the best results embed all six of these types of program evaluation into the design or administration processes.
3. Transparent and Accessible Reporting: Establishing clear, accessible channels for reporting program outcomes is crucial. This involves not only regular updates to stakeholders but also ensuring that data on program performance is easy to understand and publicly available. This transparency helps build trust and allows community members to see the tangible results of the program and the impacts of their participation, ensuring that reporting isn't just a bureaucratic exercise but a vital component of program feedback and improvement.
When it comes to reporting, the “how” is just as important as the “what.” How will you obtain the data? How will you keep it secure? How will you share it? It is imperative to consider these considerations up front.
It’s important to remember that criteria, evaluation, and reporting should not be siloed but considered collectively. Each element must be aligned with the overarching goals of the program to ensure consistency and effectiveness. By incorporating these practices, utilities can be more intentional about having an inclusive approach to program design. By simplifying access, ensuring continuous community engagement, and maintaining transparent reporting, programs can effectively address the diverse needs of the community while fostering trust and accountability. These strategies not only enhance the immediate impact of energy equity initiatives but also ensure their sustainability and adaptability over time, paving the way for more equitable energy solutions that are responsive to the evolving dynamics of the communities they serve.
To illustrate how these principles can be used in practice, here are a few free resources:
- Anza Electric Cooperative: Shifting Peak Demand with Solar Energy to Assist Native American Economic Development
- Smart Electric Power Alliance: Benchmarking Equitable Transportation in Electrification
Conclusion
Energy Equity and Inclusion is one of SEPA’s six critical focus areas. SEPA provides tailored, actionable guidance to effectively reform systems and operations that embed energy equity while actively engaging the communities they serve. To further our work advancing energy equity, SEPA is excited to announce an upcoming series of Energy Equity Insight Briefs. These briefs will cover a range of energy equity topics and are designed to provide actionable insights to electric utilities, policymakers, technology providers, and communities. If you're interested in contributing, learning more, or working with SEPA on these issues, we encourage you to contact SEPA’s Director of Energy, Equity, and Inclusion, Mary Palmer, at [email protected].