Three Year ComEd Project Sets the Stage for Ongoing Support

Client & Project

ComEd^®  – Implementation of ComEd Energy Efficiency Program Service Provider* (EESP) Network Initiatives (2019–2021)

Project Background

Erthe Energy Solutions was contracted by ComEd to implement Energy Efficiency Service Provider (EESP) Network initiatives—focusing on standardizing the participation experience for EESPs (including the network application, agreement, marketing rules, and inspection expectations), identifying best practices to gather EESP feedback, and designing a rating and tiering system to reward and develop EESPs. Additionally, ERTHE developed EESP Non-Compliance policy and process, a network-wide survey, standardizing program-level surveys, and continuing the development of the rating and tiering system along with the EESP benefits.

Catalyst

The ComEd Energy Efficiency Program relies on each implementing contractor (IC) to recruit, train, and manage the EESPs that support their individual offering. This led to 19 different experiences an EESP may go through when participating in the portfolio—and while individually these experiences were top notch, because of differences as well as overlapping offering requirements, EESPs that worked across the portfolio had to work through multiple processes and procedures to offer their customers the full suite of energy efficiency support the program has to offer.

Solution

Create a portfolio-level ComEd Energy Efficiency Program Service Provider* (EESP) Network. The ERTHE team’s solution was to blend and streamline the EESP experience into one portfolio experience, allowing the providers to participate across all offerings more easily.

The ERTHE Team developed a detailed schedule, as well as a custom communication and routing plan to collaborate with ComEd’s 50+ stakeholders (implementing contractors, project managers, and senior managers). The intent was to learn about their Energy Efficiency Service Provider (EESP) experiences, and they discovered 19 distinct experiences across all offerings. On behalf of ComEd, ERTHE worked with the ICs to develop a consistent method for engaging and interacting with the EESPs. Getting all 50+ stakeholders (including ComEd and their parent company Exelon) to agree on a path forward was only possible with the team’s experience in both program implementation and portfolio-level thinking.

Results

In addition to the following deliverables, the ERTHE team created a strategy that can be used year over year, and be flexible for changes in the future.

• Implemented 13 portfolio-level strategic initiatives coordinated across 19 program teams
• Developed and coordinated a robust communications strategy
• Completed work ahead of schedule and within budget
• Created a first of its kind network-wide ComEd and EESP co-branded Identifier Card for EESPs to present to customers to gain credibility in the field
• Creating a detailed document guiding Implementing Contractors on how to use the created deliverables

*Energy Efficiency Service Provider is the ComEd term for Trade Ally