Energy Education Incentives: Evaluating the Impact of Consumer Energy Kits

Abstract

Measuring the energy and environmental impact of residential energy education efforts is difficult. The E-Conservation residential energy management program uses consumer energy kits to document the impact of energy-efficient improvements. The consumer energy kit provides an incentive for individuals attending energy education workshop, helps consumers identify simple energy-saving technologies, and provides consumers with accessible energy-saving actions. As a result of consumers installing the compact fluorescent light bulbs and low flow showerheads in the energy kits, measureable savings in terms of annual energy savings, kilowatt hours, gallons of water used, and CO2 reduction are achieved.

Residential Energy Efficiency

“…Many of these are conducted by the Cooperative Extension System. Kirby, Chilcote, and Guin [8] described North Carolina's E-Conservation Program, which has resulted from a partnership that involves the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, energy authorities, and county Extension Educators. This program delivers educational messages about energy efficiency through a variety of methods, including workshops at which attendees receive energy efficient light bulbs and other energy-saving devices.…”