Covering the Basics

• What benefits can a tariffed on-bill program provide customers?
• What efficiency upgrades are typically eligible?
• What is the portion of the estimated savings from the utility’s upgrade investment that the member keeps?
• What benefits can a tariffed on-bill program provide to utilities?
• Is there a maximum duration of charges based on the useful life for upgrades?
• How should the cost-effectiveness of the upgrades through an opt-in tariff program be evaluated?
• Does the opt-in tariff either (A) guarantee savings, or (B) guarantee the upgrades will continue to work throughout the cost recovery period?
• Is the obligation for cost recovery for the utility’s investment tied to a specific customer or to the utility’s meter at the upgraded site?
• How are the interests of successor customers taken into account when a utility invests in energy efficiency upgrades at a site?
• After a utility finances efficiency upgrades at a site, what happens to the obligation for cost recovery when a new customer signs up for service at that meter?
• What happens during a prolonged vacancy?
• Should customers who opt into the tariff for energy efficiency upgrades be eligible for the same rebates as other customers?
• What is the average scale of investment in cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades through a tariffed, on-bill program?
• Do the tariff terms still hold if a change in occupant behavior at an upgraded site causes energy usage to rise?
• Does the opt-in tariff generate benefits that flow to all ratepayers?
• Has any utility using the PAYS system disconnected program participants for non-payment?
• Would an opt-in tariff for energy efficiency upgrades include disconnection for non-payment of the program charge?
• In the case of a renter, does the opt-in tariff require landlord approval?
• Is customer satisfaction data available from utilities with existing investment programs based on the PAYS system?
• Where can I find more information?