ESC Residential Consortium Minutes 040920

ESC Residential Consortium Minutes from April 9, 2020 Meeting was called to order at 2:02 pm Eastern Time Attendance: Atco Waylon Helman Atmos Bridget Wallace Atmos Greg Anderson Black Hills Energy Dustin Snyder CenterPoint Energy Jim Tilley CenterPoint Energy Kathryn Knudson CenterPoint Energy Ryan Duggan Enbridge Susan Cudahy Eversource Gerald Graham National Fuel Ashley Butera National Fuel Marti Sawyer NW Natural Carollyn Farrar NW Natural Samantha Moore ONE Gas Brandon Rainbolt Socal Chris Goff Spire Kathleen Crowley UGI Kim Geder TMAF: Due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, ESC has decided to officially cancel the June TMAF scheduled for June in Columbus, OH. As of now, the next TMAF will be held from October 6 – 8 in Minneapolis, MN. Watch your email for more information. Builder Kits: There seemed to be a renewed interest at the Phoenix TMAF in the creation of the builder kits. While ESC has promised a new, contemporary look for the kits most interested parties wanted to see what the kits look like. The cost of creative design for all 6 brochures is prohibitive without orders; but Barb spoke with the designer about providing some example of what the kits will look like. He has agreed to “mock-up” one of the brochures for a small fee. The new concept will be shared with the consortium once it is completed. New DOE Rule Underscores Energy Savings: In January of 2020 the Trump administration approved a rule making it more difficult to set new energy efficiency standards. As a result, the DOE made major changes to its Process Rule that will add steps to an already long process. It also increases the energy savings threshold needed to trigger this process. And, it allows for manufacturers to design the testing to decide if the product meets the new standards. The current efficiency standards cover over 60 categories of appliances. AGA Offers to Present in Favor of Source Energy for Model Codes: In response to the International Code Council’s solicitation for presenters at its annual conference, scheduled for October 11 – 14 in St Louis, the staff of AGA Codes and Standards has offered to present on energy performance metrics with a look at site energy compared to source energy. This has been an on-going argument since 2006. AGA plans to show the progress of the use of source energy within federal efficiency programs. As you may be aware, EPA has come forth and stated that the use of source energy is the most equitable unit of evaluation. National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA): NRECA has cited that the use of gas-fired heating as the preferred back-up heating source for air source heat pumps rather than electric resistance. NRECA has been a frequent opponent of the direct use of natural gas. But, in their report, they conclude that electrification of space heating does not need to be an “all-or-nothing” approach. AGA cautions that this type of thinking can create some challenges for gas companies as natural gas would be used as a peaking energy source. On the other hand, it would result in higher gas usage as there would be less usage of electric resistance heating. You can read the publication here. Open Discussion: Carollyn Farrar, Northwest Natural, asked members on the call what messaging was being sent out during these difficult times? Jerry Graham, Eversource, stated that marketing messages have been suspended and they are just sending out general customer messages. Kat Knudson, CenterPoint Energy, stated that they are reminding customers that no one will be shut off for non-payment and CenterPoint is available if needed. They will still be handling emergency repairs. Bridget Wallace, Atmos Energy, shared that since April is national digging awareness-month they are pushing 811 messaging. Jim Tilley, CenterPoint, also shared that past experience has shown that of the customers who get shut off for non-payment issues about 30% - 35% do not come back as customers. It will be interesting to see what happens with the customers who will accumulate large arrearage with utilities not shutting off due to COVID-19. With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 2:34 pm.