California Institute for Energy and Environment (CIEE)

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) directed the investor-owned utilities (IOUs) to consider programs that take advantage of the expertise, access and infrastructure of local agencies for implementing energy efficiency programs. This led to local government partnerships (LGP) between the IOUs and local governments. The purpose of this study is to provide the CPUC with an assessment of the comprehensiveness of small business retrofit programs that are administered by LGP and determine if there is any correlation between the business model or theory of operation of a small business direct install program, and that comprehensiveness. Investor owned utilities in California have engaged with both local governments and contractors to perform audits and installation of energy efficiency measures in small businesses such as retail and food stores. This study focuses on LGP in examining comprehensiveness with regard to measures considered and installed and also the approaches taken to accomplish their goals.