USING GIS TO TARGET OUTREACH FOR LADWP CUSTOMER REBATE PROGRAMS

THIS PROJECT

This project is a collaborative effort between California State University, Northridge and the San Fernando Valley Green Team. Using geographical information systems (GIS) and spatial statistical analyses, we examine the participation in various electricity saving programs in Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and their effectiveness

 

Resources:

1. Our Team
2. CSUN Department of Geography
3. LA Department of Water of Power

Chapter 2 City of Los Angeles and LADWP

2.1 Background

2.2 Energy Consumption in City of Los Angeles

2.3 LADWP Energy Efficiency Programs

 

 

2.1 Background

The City of Los Angeles has a population of 3.8 m residents. Los Angeles is a highly diversified place where White and Hispanics represent the majority of its population: 49.8% and 48.5% respectively, while Asian and Black populations represent 11.3% and 9.6%. Los Angeles is also where renter-occupied households represent 62%, while owner-occupied houses account for Percent 38.0%. In 2010. Its median household income was $49,745, and detached housing units accounted for 39.7% of the housing stock. The Average household size is about 2.82.

Initial maps were created in order to display these variables in the City of Los Angeles. The demographic and socioeconomic data was provided by the 2010 Census aggregated at the census block group level. Map 2.1 Percent White displays the geography of White residents of the city of Los Angeles. This map clearly shows that the highest concentrations of white residents are located in the northern and western regions of the city. Map 2.2 Percent Hispanic displays the geography of Hispanic residents in the city. This map reveals that the highest concentrations of Hispanic residents are located in the northern and eastern regions of the city. Map 2.3 Percent Asian displays the geography of Asian residents. This map shows that the highest concentrations of Asian residents are located just north of Downtown, the Mar Vista area, the Granada Hills area and the Harbor Gateway area. Map 2.4 Percent Black displays the geography of Black residents. This map shows that the highest concentrations of Black residents are located west and south of the Downtown area.

Map 2.1 Percent White Population by Blockgroups in Los Angeles
Map 2.2 Percent Hispanic Population by Blockgroups in Los Angeles
Map 2.3 Percent Asian Population by Blockgroups in Los Angeles
Map 2.4 Percent Black Population by Blockgroups in Los Angeles

Map 2.5 Median Household Income displays the geography of median household income. This map shows that the northern, western, and most southern regions have the highest median household income while the area around Downtown has the lowest median household income. Map 2.6 Average Household Size displays the geography of average household size. This map shows that south and east of Downtown and the Arleta area have the largest average household size. Map 2.7 Percent Owning displays the geography of owner-occupied homes. This map shows that the north western region has a much higher home ownership rate than the south eastern region. Map 2.8 Percent Renting displays the geography of renter-occupied homes. This map shows the inverse of the previous home owner-occupied map. Map 2.9 Percent Over 55 displays the geography of residents over 55 years of age. This map shows that the highest concentrations of residents 55 years or older are located in the north western region.

Map 2.5 Median Household Income by Blockgroups in Los Angeles

Map 2.6 Average Household Size by Blockgroups in Los Angeles

Map 2.7 Percent of Population in Owner-Occupupied Housing by Blockgroups in Los Angeles

Map 2.8 Percent of Population in Renter-Occupupied Housing by Blockgroups in Los Angeles

Map 2.9 Percent of Population Over 55 by Blockgroups in Los Angeles

In order to give a fuller picture of Los Angeles, the percent of land use type used for each block group was calculated. Overall in the city, detached residential homes account for 33.6% and multiple housing units, agriculture, commercial, manufacturing, public and other account for 11.1%, 5.9%, 5.5%, 7.5%, 5.7%, and 30.7% (Table 2.1).

Table 2.1 Electricity Consumption by Landuse (%)

The next set of maps display land use data provided by LADWP. Please refer to the data and methodology section for a more detailed description of the land use categories. Map 2.10 Land Use Percent Single Family displays the geography of land zoned for detached or one family residential homes. This map shows that the north western region has the highest percent of land zoned for detached residential homes. Map 2.11 Land Use Percent Multiple Family displays the geography of land used for multiple housing units or multiple family. This map shows the inverse of the previous detached residential homes map. Map 2.12 Land Use Percent Agricultural displays the geography of land zoned for agricultural purposes. This map shows that the western and north eastern areas have the highest percent of land zoned for agriculture. Map 2.13 Land Use Percent Commercial displays the geography of land zoned for commercial purposes. This map shows that the Hollywood and Downtown areas have the highest percent of land zoned for commercial purposes. Map 2.14 Land Use Percent Manufacturing displays the geography of land zoned for manufacturing purposes. This map shows that middle cross section of the valley, Downtown area, and the Harbor area have the highest percent of land zoned for manufacturing. Map 2.15 Land Use Percent Other displays the geography of land zoned for other use. This map shows that the northern region has the highest percent of land zoned for other use. Map 2.16 Land Use Percent Public displays the geography of land zoned for public use. This map shows a relatively balanced distribution of land zoned for public use.

Map 2.10 Land Use: Percentage for Single-Family Housing

Map 2.11 Land Use: Percentage for Multi-Family Housing

Map 2.12 Land Use: Percentage for Agriculture

Map 2.13 Land Use: Percentage for Commercial Usages

Map 2.14 Land Use: Percentage for Manufacturing

Map 2.15 Land Use: Percentage for Public Facilities

Map 2.16 Land Use: Percentage for Other Purposes

2.2 Energy Consumption in the City of Los Angeles

To give an overall picture of the city of Los Angeles’ electricity consumption, the total consumption for the city, the average consumption per resident, and the percent change between years was calculated. This section will start with the residential numbers then the commercial. These numbers were calculated from the two reports provided by LADWP.

The total residential electricity consumption did not change much around 8 billion kWh between 2009 and 2012 (Figures 2.1 and 2.2), though there was some fluctuations. For the period between 2009 and 2012, the total residential electricity consumption increased by 0.18%. In particular, the electricity consumption declined from 2009 to 2010 by 4%. The average consumption per resident for those years was around 2,100 kWh. After 2010, annual consumption increased by 1.26% 2010 to 2011 and by 3.24% 2011-2012 (Figure 2.3).   

Figures 2.1 Change of Total Residential Electricity Consumption 2009-2012

Figures 2.2 Chnage of Average Residential Electricity Consumption 2009-2012

Figures 2.3 Percentage Change of Residential Electricity Consumption 2009-2012

The total commercial consumption declined from 14.47 billion kWh in 2009 to 14.39 billion kWh in 2012, down by 0.58%; this is greater than the change of residential electricity consumption (Figures 2.4 and 2.5). Again, the annual change was not big, around 1%. The biggest change occurred between 2010 and 2011, down by 1.22%.    

Figures 2.4 Total Commercial Electricity Consumption 2009-2012

Figure 2.5 Annual Change of Commercial Electricity Consumption 2009-2012

The next set of maps display energy consumption for both commercial and residential data provided by LADWP. Maps 2.17-2.20 display the geography of residential electricity consumption per person in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. These maps show that residents consumed the most electricity in the northern region of the city. Map 2.21 Residential Electricity Consumption Change 2009-2012 displays the geography of residential electricity consumption change from 2009 to 2012. This map shows that the Northridge area and Encino area reduced their electricity consumption while the middle of the valley, Arleta area, and Downtown area increased their electricity consumption. Maps 2.22-2.25 display the geography of commercial electricity consumption in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. These maps show that the Woodland Hills area, middle valley area, Downtown area, and Harbor area consume the most commercial electricity. Map 2.26 Commercial Electricity Consumption Change 2009-2012 displays the geography of commercial electricity consumption change from 2009 to 2012. This map shows a relatively balanced distribution of increasing and decreasing commercial electricity consumption throughout the city.

Map 2.17 Residential Electricity Consumption Per Person 2009

Map 2.18 Residential Electricity Consumption Per Person 2010

Map 2.19 Residential Electricity Consumption Per Person 2011

Map 2.20 Residential Electricity Consumption Per Person 2012

Map 2.21 Residential Electricity Consumption Change 2009-2012

Map 2.22 Commercial Electricity Consumption 2009

Map 2.23 Commercial Electricity Consumption 2010

Map 2.24 Commercial Electricity Consumption 2011

Map 2.25 Commercial Electricity Consumption 2012

Map 2.26 Commercial Electricity Consumption Change 2009-2012

2. 3 LADWP Energy Efficiency Programs

LADWP has initiated a number of Energy Efficiency Programs. Below will be a quick description of each of these programs. Most programs target commercial clients while some programs target residential clients, while select programs are available for both commercial and residential programs.

Commercial Programs

• Chiller Efficiency Program:
• LADWP’s Chiller Efficiency Program (CEP) is offering cash rebates that benefit the owners and operators of buildings who use chillers for space conditioning. Rebates are available for air and water-cooled chillers of all types and sizes, including standard and non-standard installations. The installation of a new energy-efficient chiller will result in substantial savings over its lifetime.

Chiller rebates are based on their actual size and the percentage that the chiller’s Integrated Part Load Value (IPLV) exceeds Title 24 Standards. The Non-Standard Part Load Value may be used for Water-Cooled Centrifugal Chillers where the cooling tower system performance meets qualifying criteria (additional requirements are in the chiller section of the application). LADWP reserves the right to require a Factory Certified Test for chiller applications. Please check with the Chiller Team for specific testing requirements.

• Commercial Lighting Efficiency Offer. The CLEO Program can help reduce businesses’ electricity bills and the cost of new lighting equipment when the business decides to  retrofit existing fixtures with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient lighting technologies. Rebates help make a wide variety of the latest energy-saving measures extremely cost-effective to install.
• Custom Performance Program. LADWP offers incentives for the installation of energy saving measures, equipment or systems that exceed current Title 24 or minimum industry standards but are not included in other LADWP Non-Residential Energy Efficiency Programs.

• Custom Express Program. LADWO expanded Custom Performance Program to include a simplified rebate menu (Custom Express Program) for specific measures to efficiently control energy use of networked computers, ENERGY STAR® certified office equipment, and other plug loads.
• Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. As a part of the City of Los Angeles Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG), the LADWP received over $8 million in funding to implement new energy efficiency programs to supplement the existing array of services and rebates. Three new rebates will be offered through this grant, including a cool roof rebate and whole house fan rebate for residential customers and a retrocommissioning rebate for commercial customers.

Refrigeration Program: LADWP’s Commercial Refrigeration Program can help you reduce your electricity bills and the cost of new refrigeration equipment when you replace or retrofit existing refrigeration equipment with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient refrigeration technologies. Rebate measures include ice machines, solid and glass refrigerator doors, door gaskets, night covers, strip curtains, vending machine controllers, and other energy efficient measures.

• Residential Programs:

Consumer Rebate Program (CRP). LADWP offers the Consumer Rebate Program (CRP) to our residential customers to promote the use of energy-efficient products. This program is designed to both educate and encourage LADWP residential customers to purchase and install qualifying products in their home. To see a list of the rebates being offered by the LADWP. Traditional programs include those target Appliances, Building Products, heating and cooling equipment.

Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP).An assessment of residents’ home will be performed by trained LADWP technicians to assist the owners in identifying the most appropriate and effective improvement . During the assessment, trained technicians will identify the areas in the residents’ home where cost-effective energy efficient upgrades and repairs should be made for the improvement. The home report is then forwarded to LADWP  skilled repair technicians to complete the work and after a quality assurance review is made of the home to ensure that the work has been performed properly.

Energy Upgrade California. The program offers two upgrade packages and is designed to help customers take a comprehensive, “whole-house” approach. Multiple improvements, made at the same time, work together to make homes more comfortable, improve air quality, help save energy and possibly lower energy bills. To help offset costs, eligible customers can receive incentives of up to $4,500 for complete home upgrades.

Programs for both Residential and Commercial Clients:

• CLEO Rebate Program. The CLEO Program can help you reduce your firm's electricity bills and the cost of new lighting equipment when you retrofit existing fixtures with state-of-the-art, energy-efficient lighting technologies. Rebates help make a wide variety of the latest energy-saving measures extremely cost-effective to install. So, if you are a non-residential LADWP customer, let us put our energy to work for you with this exciting program.

There have been several important changes to the CLEO program requirements, so you must submit your rebate application using only the new CLEO program forms. All CLEO documents may be obtained from links on this website, or by emailing a request to cleo@ladwp.com.

• New Construction Program. LADWP and the Southern California Gas Company® (SoCalGas) are working together on New Construction Programs that offer incentives that benefit owners and developers of new residential and commercial buildings.
• Solar Incentive Program. LADWP is constructing and operating solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on its facilities and municipal buildings throughout the City of Los Angeles. In addition to constructing and operating solar facilities, LADWP aims to encourage the development of residential and commercial solar systems. The Solar Photovoltaic Incentive Program provides an incentive payment to LADWP customers who purchase and install their own solar power PV systems. Most recently, LADWP is currently developing a FiT Program to allow customers to sell renewable energy produced from their own systems. In particular, the “Go Solar L.A.!” program is designed to reduce customers’ cost of installing solar PV systems to meet the goals of the state’s SB1 “million Solar Roofs”. In doing so, our goal is to spark the installation of reliable, well-designed solar generating systems throughout the city and to help establish a robust and viable solar PV industry in Los Angeles.
• Home Energy Improvement Program: offers residential customers the opportunity to improve the energy and water performance in their homes, which can improve their comfort level and potentially reduce their energy and water cost.

In this project, we will focus on the Chiller Efficiency Program, Commercial Clothes Washers Program, Commercial Lighting Efficiency Offer, Customer Performance Program, Commercial Customer Rebate Program, Refrigeration Program, Residential Customer Rebate Program, and Residential Clothes Washers Program. From the data provided, these programs were the only programs with substantial participation for analyses.

Figures 2.6 through 2.13 display the total participation for the programs from 2008 to 2012. Figure 2.6 displays the Chiller Efficiency program total participants from 2008 to 2012. In 2008 there were 50 participants; in 2012 there were 128 participants. Figure 2.7 displays the Commercial Clothes Washers program total participants from 2008 to 2012. This program had no changes in total participants in this year range. Figure 2.8 displays the Commercial Lighting Efficiency Offer total participants from 2008 to 2012. In 2008 there were 1,431 participants; in 2012 there were 3,756. Figure 2.9 displays the Custom Performance program total participants from 2008 to 2012. In 2008 there were 254 participants; in 2012 there were 700 participants. Figure 2.10 displays the commercial Customer Rebate Program total participants from 2008 to 2012. In 2008 there were 631 participants; in 2012 there were 1,555 participants. Figure 2.11 displays the Refrigeration program total participations from 2008 to 2012. In 2008 there were 359 participants; in 2012 there were 1,349 participants. Figure 2.12 displays the residential Customer Rebate program total participants from 2008 to 2012. In 2008 there were 36,393 participants; in 2012 there were 80,806 participants. Figure 2.13 displays the residential Clothes Washers program total participants from 2008 to 2012. In 2008 there were 16,921 participants; in 2012 there were 17,113 participants.

Figure 2.6 Chiller Efficiency Program Total Participants from 2008-2012

Figure 2.7 Commercial Clothes Washers Program Total Participants from 2008 to 2012

Figure 2.8 Commercial Lighting Efficiency Offer Total Participants from 2008 to 2012

Figure 2.9 Custom Performance Program Total Participants from 2008 to 2012

Figure 2.10 Commercial Customer Rebate Program Total Participants from 2008 to 2012

Figure 2.11 Refrigeration Program Total Participants from 2008 to 2012

Figure 2.12 Residential Customer Rebate Program Total Participants from 2008 to 2012

Figure 2.13 Residential Clothes Washers Program Total Participants from 2008 to 2012

The next set of maps shows whether or not a census block group has a specific Energy Efficiency program. Map 2.27 EEP Chiller Efficiency Program displays the geography of the Chiller Efficiency program. This map shows that the program is spread throughout the city in 48 block groups. Map 2.28 EEP Clothes Washers Program displays the geography of the Clothes Washers program. This program is also spread throughout the city in 175 block groups. Map 2.29 EEP Commercial Lighting Efficiency Offer displays the geography of the Commercial Lighting Efficiency Offer (CLEO). This program is spread throughout the city in 797 block groups. Map 2.30 EEP Custom Performance Program displays the geography of the Custom Performance program. This map shows that the program is spread throughout the city in 213 block groups. Map 2.31 EEP Refrigeration Program the geography of the Refrigeration program. This map shows that the program is spread throughout the city in 663 block groups. Map 2.32 EEP Consumer  Rebate Program displays the geography of the Consumer Rebate program. This map shows that the program is in almost every block group totaling 2423. The final map from this section displays the participation change, from 2009 to 2012, for the residential Customer Rebate program. Map 2.33 EEP Customer Rebate Program Participation Change 2009-2012 displays the geography of program participation change for the residential Customer Rebate program. This map shows a general increase throughout the city but the Downtown area has the smallest increase.

Map 2.27 EEP Chiller Efficiency Program

Map 2.28 EEP Clothes Washers Program

Map 2.29 EEP Commercial Lighting Efficiency Offer

Map 2.30 EEP Custom Performance Program

Map 2.31 EEP Refrigeration Program

Map 2.32 EEP Customer Rebate Program

Map 2.33 EEP Customer Rebate Program Participation Change 2009-2012

Strategies for reducing traditional fossil fuel energy usage and  emissions have become a significant issue for all stakeholders at the local, state, and national level. Policy makers, utility companies, environmental groups, and individuals all have a stake in reducing traditional energy usage and promoting sustainable energy production.  The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Board of Commissioners have adopted the goal of achieving 10% energy efficiency by 2020. 

Substantial funding has been and will continue to be committed to programs designed to reach this goal.  These programs have included rebates for residential and commercial users, outreach programs conducted by LADWP, Energy Upgrade California and non-profits, and direct install programs for small business and low income residents.  As funding for energy efficiency increases, it is vital to collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of programs, their effect on long-term behavior change among users and the distribution of implementation in different areas of the city. Answers to these questions are critical in assisting policy and decision-makers in further improving energy usage efficiency.

Note: information on the LADWP programs is extracted from its website: LA Department of Water of Power

Dr. Yifei Sun, Department of Geography, California State University