Ask the Experts, the series of free workshops CEE is presenting, has been well attended in the first two quarters, and CEE staff anticipate a great turnout in upcoming sessions. The format, which provides new efficiency program administrators with the opportunity to gain insight from experts, has been well received. The experts are all pulled from among CEE members, all of whom have extensive experience in the topic area. CEE would like to extend a warm thank you for volunteering their time to share their knowledge.

“This workshop was great. I really appreciated hearing about well-run motor and demand side management programs, and then having time to get my own questions answered,” commented Peter H. Aufdemorte of Southern Company after attending “The Fundamentals of Premium Efficiency Motor Program Design” in March. “The experts were very helpful with design and implementation, and we’ll take their advice.”

Each class is ninety minutes long. In addition to addressing sector specific technologies, design tips, and lessons learned, participants are encouraged to ask questions about their own situations.

Upcoming topics include:

• Commercial HVAC Program Opportunities. This webinar explores proven opportunities in commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). We’ll start with an introduction of the commercial HVAC market including CEE efforts in defining unitary air conditioning and heat pump performance specifications, as well as the current state of federal standards related to this equipment. Then our experts will deliver overviews of their respective programs to share their lessons learned from years of experience in the field. Foundational topics such as defining the savings opportunities and market potential, key program planning and design options, program delivery approaches, and program results will also be covered.
• Industrial Door Openers: Strategies to Engage Industrial Customers in Efficiency Programs. While the potential for savings in the industrial sector can be significant, motivating industrial customers to participate in efficiency programs can be a challenge. During this webinar, two experienced program managers will describe how they structure their industrial programs for small account customers and share their various marketing strategies to engage and motivate this challenging customer base. These experts can help you understand the potential implications to program design associated with different outreach strategies; further, they will highlight the results they saw from increased adoption of energy saving technologies.
• Achieving Infield Efficiency with Residential Central Air Conditioners: Equipment and Quality Installation. This webinar demonstrates how to get the most value out of equipment incentive programs. It underscores that cost effective Quality Installation programs are achievable. We’ll first provide a brief summary of the definitions, tools, and resources for residential air conditioning program administrators. Experts who have overcome barriers in implementing advanced programs in all kinds of climates will be available to answer your questions about your particular situation.
• Residential Gas Water Heater Programs: Current Challenges and Future Opportunities with ENERGY STAR. Water heating is a major energy end use, but natural gas water heating efficiency programs have been in a state of flux since the revision of federal minimum standards in 2004. With the recent announcement of the ENERGY STAR water heating program, gas efficiency programs are getting ready to accelerate their programs in what has been a complex market place. This webinar features the lessons learned by experts who have been running rebate and incentive programs for residential gas water heaters. There are many program design options to consider, one of which is the distinction between storage and tankless water heater programs, a particular focus for this session.

Sign up for Ask the Experts by e-mailing Nicole Rosenberg. Once you sign up, CEE staff will contact you about the schedule for these webinars. Please refer any inquiries you may receive from newcomers as well. Sessions, cofunded by DOE and CEE, are free for members and newcomers to program administration.

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