Transforming Private Multifamily Properties to Efficient Appliances and Lighting via Centralized and Negotiated Procurements

The objective of this research is to permanently change the lighting and appliance purchasing behavior of private multifamily (PMF) owners/operators, as well as their tenants, without the use of direct financial incentives, and to eventually expand the program to include other underserved residential buyers groups such as senior communities. Energy efficiency in the PMF sector will be implemented through centralized or negotiated procurement of ENERGY STAR products. The approach, which relies on reaching the PMF segment through local/regional apartment associations, is being implemented through Southern California Edison’s (SCE) Market Transformation (Montana) Programs. Surveys were administered to over 500 owners/ operators and the data were supplemented with audit data to determine that the 5 best near-term Market Transformation (Montana) targets were subcompact screwin CFLs (sub-CFLs) for exterior and common areas, refrigerators, dishwashers, wall/window air conditioners (AC), and coin-operated, family-size clothes washers. Given the success to date, the report suggests that other utilities consider adopting, or testing out, SCE’s program design.