AM Conservation Group Now Facilitating Direct Install Programs
Todd Recknagel, CEO of AM Conservation Group & Gina Mathias, Director of Sales & Marketing at ecobeco now Implementing Successful Energy Conservation Programs for Utility Companies
Although the concept of energy efficiency programs is not new, a recent increase in demand has resulted from the desire for a smaller carbon footprint. Environmental concerns come from mainstream culture, and are no longer relegated solely to the “tree huggers” or fringe groups. As utilities, states and the federal government set new goals for energy efficiency, alternative sources have failed to develop at the same pace as the public’s demand for consumption. While alternative energy sources offer hope for the future, it is important for utilities to offer practical solutions that reduce energy consumption now without forcing their customers to make radical lifestyle changes.
Meet the Leaders:
AM Conservation Group CEO Todd Recknagel has 13 years experience in the energy conservation industry including leading an international franchise company through the process of installing energy efficiency products through direct install programs. Recknagel has vast experience in providing the right products to partners, and know the importance of finding the perfect product partner for a direct install program.
Gina Mathias, Director of Sales & Marketing ecobeco, a direct install program provider, has over 13 years experience in the environmental field. She is a Certified Building Analyst with the Building Performance Institute and President of the National Board of Directors for EcoWomen. Mathias has worked with both in-home auditors and customers firsthand, and knows what it takes to plan and execute a successful direct install energy efficiency program.
Together, Recknagel and Mathias have outlined key their tips for success in energy efficiency direct install programs.
3 Keys to Success: What Your Direct Install Program Needs
Training component for the contractors. Ensuring in-home auditors are thoroughly trained and certified by the Building Performance Institute is often an important first step in terms of administration of the program. Also, experienced program managers often use performance rewards to tie contractor performance to kWh goals, and give managers the incentive to implement as many effective energy efficiency solutions possible. This encourages greater customer impact and benefits all parties involved, including the auditor, utility and customer.
No additional cost to the customer: A pricing barrier often holds customers back from accepting appointments, however if there is no additional charge to the customer, it can increase the number of appointments. In a study conducted by ecobeco, 98 percent of customers reported to be very satisfied with their complementary in-home appointment. “Customers realize they are going to have savings on their bills, which creates an amazing positive customer experience,” said Recknagel. Also, in-home visits allow the trained auditors to educate customers on additional energy-saving initiatives offered through the utility. This gives a unique opportunity for utilities to educate consumers upon their current offerings for energy savings.
The right product partner: Utilizing the right product partner for your direct install program is a vital piece to the program’s success. The right product partner can remove barriers for not only the consumer, but also the contractors. Oftentimes, contractors buy at retail locations, which can compromise the level of consistency in the products customers receive. Partnering with a product distributor allows a streamlined process and is critical to success. “We (AMCG) partnered with a utility for a direct install program last year, and encountered an issue with contractors who were ‘double dipping’ (purchasing bulbs at retail stores) and then picking up subsidized bulbs,” Recknagel said. “We as the product supplier have to make it easier for the contractors, with respect to the utility as well. In conjunction with the utility, we decided to provide products at no additional charge to contractors. The point is you want to take the barriers out, for not only the consumer, but also the contractors.”
For more information please contact:
Kristi Mailloux
Chief Marketing Officer
2301 Charleston Regional Parkway
Charleston, SC 29492
Phone: 843-971-1414
Fax: 843-971-1472
www.amconservationgroup.com
kmailloux@amconservationgroup.com
