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IDENTIFYING COMMUNITY ENERGY CONSERVATION
PROGRAMMING NEEDS WITH QUALITATIVE
NEEDS ASSESSMENT APPROACHES

By

David Roitman

A THESIS

Submitted to
Michigan State University
in partial fulfiilment of the requirements
for the degree of

MASTER OF ARTS

Department of Psychology

1980

ABSTRACT
IDENTIFYING COMMUNITY ENERGY CONSERVATION

PROGRAMMING NEEDS WITH QUALITATIVE
NEEDS ASSESSMENT APPROACHES

By'
David Roitman

The purpose of this research was to explore the feasibility of uti-
lizing qualitative needs assessment methods (including key informant in-
terviews and community forums) in identifying the energy conservation
programming needs and the problems impeding conservation in a community.

An empirically based category development procedure revealed both
program needs and problems to be expressed in terms of the same general
concepts: Information, Knowledge, Awareness, and Belief; Planning, Reg-
ulation, Coordination, Leadership, and Political Action; Incentives and
Costs; Physical Fixes; Lifestyle Changes; and Assistance to the Needy.
Results of analyses of category-coded data showed that the dimensions of
Information-Awareness and Planning-Regulation were perceived as high pri-
orities in terms of both programs and problems. Incentives and lifestyle
changes were more salient as problems than program dimensions, while com-
ments related to physical fixes and assistance were voiced infrequently.

Comparisons between interviews and forums showed that the two methods
produced similar prioritizations of program needs and problems. However,
a comparison of importance ratings revealed that programs were rated more
severely at the forums. This was attributed to the greater confidentiality
of the forum rating procedure. In addition, no differences were found bet-

ween rankings of individual and small group responses.

To Susan - Through thick, thin, and then some.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The successful completion of this research was due in large part
to the assistance, support, and guidance of a great many individuals.
Among those whom I wish to thank are the members of my committee, Dr.
Charles Johnson, Dr. Ralph Levine, and Dr. Glen Shippee. Dr. Shippee,
who chaired the committee, provided just the right blend of goading and
Soothing to maintain my spirit through some difficult times, along with
over and above-board assistance with the thorny conceptual and method-
ological problems of the research. Thank you, Glen, Ralph, and Charlie.

Special thanks go to Anabel Dwyer, Charlie Ipcar, and John Veenstra,
for their expertise and counsel during the sampling phase of the research.
Rex Lamore and Dr. Jack Bain of the Center for Urban Affairs were extreme-
ly supportive during the community forum and data coding phases of the
research, and I owe them a special thanks. I wish to thank Wanda
Haneline and Nathan Hampton of the East Lansing Energy Consciousness
Team for their helpful comments on the Energy Programs and Services
Directory. And, my thanks go to Steve Sansedt, Paul Stuhmer, and Linda
Volkerson of the Tri-County Planning Commission for their assistance in
dealing with demographic data.

Two groups of individuals were especially important to the success
of the project; the category development and data coding teams. Their
enthusiastic involvement in the research was gratifying, and their
creative input was invaluable. Special thanks also go to the 66 interview

respondents and 38 forum participants who took time from their busy

11'

schedules to contribute their unique perspectives to the study.
Their contribution is the very heart of the research.
I would also like to thank Dr. George Fairweather, Dr. Esther
Fergus, Dr. Lou Tornatzky, and Don Davis, both for helping to make
my life-style transition not only bearable, but at times even enjoyable;
and for the intellectual challenges they have offered me. And a
special thanks goes to Becky Mulholland who helped prepare the manuscript.
For some reason, it is customary to thank those closest to you
last in these little ceremonies, and here I follow custom. But you
know, Susan, Mom and Dad, and Baba, how much your strength has meant

to me during this strenuous period. Thank you.

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
LIST OF TABLES .......................... viii
Chapter
I INTRODUCTION ....................... l
The Problem ....................... 2
The Energy Crisis ................... 2
Energy Conservation ..................
Energy Conservation Planning at the Community
Level ........................ 6
Davis, California .................. 6
Seattle, Washington ................. 7
Theoretical Planning Parameters for Successful
Community Energy Planning ............... 8
Needs Assessments .................... l0
Conceptual Issues. , .................. l0
Needs Assessment Methods ............... l3
Qualitative and quantitative needs assessment
methods ...................... l3
Needs assessment surveys .............. 15
Open-ended interviews ................ l7
Implications for community needs assessment ..... 18
Key informant interviews and community forums. . . . 19
Secondary analyses of demographic and socio-
demographic data ................. 23
Analyses of existing programs and services ..... 25
Criticisms of the Needs Assessment Approach ...... 25
Summary and Research Objectives ............. 29
II METHOD .......................... 34
Overview ........................ 34
Needs-Identification Interviews with Key Informants. . . 34
Sample ........................ 34
Procedure for Conducting the Interview ........ 37
The Interview and Scoring Procedure: Overview . . . . 37
Issue Areas ...................... 39
Category coding systems ............... 42.
Rating scales .................... 49
Community Forums .................... 50
Sample ........................ 50
Forum Procedure .................... 51
Scoring Procedures .................. 53
Demographic Data and Energy Directory. . . . . . . . . . 54

iv

Chapter Page

III RESULTS ......................... 55
Overview ........................ 55
Sample Characteristics ................. 55
Interview Sample ................... 55
Forum Sample. .7 ................... 56
Energy Program Funding ................ 57

Needed Programs and Perceived Problems Impeding
Conservation ..................... 59
Interviews ...................... 59
Forums ........................ 63

Relationships Between Perceptions of Needed Programs
and Problems Impeding Conservation with Organiza-

tional and Informant Characteristics ..... . . . . 66
Needed Programs ................... 66
Problems Impeding Conservation ............ 67
Importance Ratings of Program Needs and Problems
Impeding Conservation ................ 67
Individual Responses vs. Group Responses: Needed
Programs and Problems ................ 79
Program Effectiveness Ratings and Reasons for
Effectiveness .................... 81
Program Effectiveness ................ 81
Reasons for Effectiveness .............. 82
Perceived Extent of Local Conservation Efforts and
Strategies People Have Used to Conserve ....... 84
Existing Energy Conservation Programs Questionnaire . . 86
Demographic Data and Energy Directory ......... 88
IV DISCUSSION ........................ 89
Perceived Energy Conservation Program Needs ...... 89
Perceptions of Problems Impeding Conservation ..... 92
Organizational and Informant Characteristics ...... 97
Energy Program Funding ................ 101
Informants' Verbosity ................ 102
Importance Ratings ................... 103
Individual vs. Group Methods ............. 104
Independent vs. Small Group Responses: Forums . . . . 104
Interviews vs. Forums: Frequency Data ........ 105
"Public" vs. "Private" Methods for Rating Program
Importance ..................... 105
Program Effectiveness ................. 107
Strategies People Have Used to Conserve . . ...... 109
Demographic Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . llO
Energy Programs and Services Directory ......... llZ
Implications of the Present Research for Needs
Assessment Methodology ................ ll3
Implications for Future Energy Needs Assessments. . . ll4
Summary and Conclusions ................ ll5

Chapter

REFERENCES ............................
FOOTNOTE .............................
APPENDICES ............................
A. Key Informant Interview Sample ..............
8 Letter to Initial Contacts ................
C. Key Informant Consent Form ................
D Key Informant Needs Identification Interview Guidesheet .
E. Summary of Interview Guidesheet .............
F. Issue Areas and Items Suitable for Coding ........
G. Coding System #l .....................
H. Coding System #2 .....................
I. Coding System #3 .....................
J. Sample Coding Sheet ............. . .....

K. Criteria and Procedures for Demarcation of Discrete
Coding Units ......................

L. Community Forums: Distribution of Participants by
Organizational Type ..................
M. Community Forums: Letter of Invitation .........
N. Community Forums: Letter to Participants ........
0. Community Forums: Agendas. . . . ............
P. Community Forums: Questionnaire ....... . .....
Q. Sample Characteristics ..................
Table Ql .........................
Table QZ ....... . . . . . . ............
Table QB .........................
Table Q4 .........................

vi

Page

119

126
128

129
135
138
140
146
149
152
161
166
170

172

176
178
181
183
186
190
191
193
194
195

Chapter Page

R. Availability of Energy Use Data for the Greater Lansing

Area .......................... 195
S. Population Estimates ................... 198
T. Household Estimates. . . . . . . . . . . ......... 201
U. Housing Units ......... . .......... . . . 204
V. Major Retail Centers . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . 207
w. Energy Programs and Services Directory for the Greater

Lansing Area ...................... 214

vii

Table

EXPLANATORY NOTES: FORMAT FOR TABLES 1 - 11

1

Chm-D00

11
12

13

14

15
16

LIST OF TABLES

Frequency Distributions for Needed Programs and Perceived

Problems Impeding Conservation: Interview Results .....
Frequency Distributions for Needed Programs and Perceived
Problems Impeding Conservation: Forum Results .......
Needed Programs by Type of Organization ............
Needed Programs by Size of Organization ............
Needed Programs by Age of Organization ............
Needed Programs by Perceived Future Role of Organization in
Energy Programming .....................
Problems by Type of Organization ...............
Problems by Size of Organization ...............
Problems by Age of Organization ............. .. . .
Problems by Perceived Future Role of Organization in Energy
Programming .........................
Problems by Number of Categories of Employees/Members .....

Analysis of Variance: Needed Program Imprtance Ratings:

Forum Results ........................

Analysis of Variance: Needed Program Importance Ratings:

Interview x Forum Results ..................

Analysis of Variance: Needed Program Certainty-Weighted

Effectiveness Ratings ....................

Perceived Reasons for Effectiveness of Programs ........

Strategies Used to Conserve by Perceived Extent of

Conservation ........................

viii

Page

60

62

65
68
69
7O

71
72
73
74

75
76

78

80

83
85

87

Table

Q1
02
Q3

Q4

Interview Sample Characteristics . . .

Forum Sample Characteristics ......... .

Energy Program Funding Sources and Ideas for Other Possible
Sources of Funding ....................

Energy Program Funding Sources by Type of Organization . . .

ix

._.____'—

Page
191
193

194
195

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

The central purpose of the present chapter is to assess the
feasibility and the likely benefits of utilizing social scientific needs
assessment methods in the area of community energy conservation program
planning. The initial section of the chapter is devoted to a critical
review of present governmental planning efforts. The drawbacks of over-
emphasizing centralized energy planning are discussed, and the review
results in the identification of two exemplary community energy planning
efforts. An analysis of these planning efforts is followed by the iden-
tification of several parameters which contributed to successful project
planning and implementation. These parameters are shown to be within
the purview of the needs assessment approach.

The next section of the chapter focuses on the nature of needs
assessment methods and their applicability to the energy conservation
planning area. Conceptual and methodological issues related to needs
assessment approaches are reviewed, and the relative merits of various
methodologies are discussed. This discussion leads to the identifica-
tion of those needs assessment methods likely to be appropriate to
community energy conservation program planning.

The chapter concludes with the construction of a rationale for the
present study, and a statement of the specific objectives which guided

this research.

2
The Problem

 

The Energy Crisis

From the eighteenth century through the first half of the
twentieth century, Americans have enjoyed a steady decline in the real
cost of energy. This steady decline in real energy costs has resulted
in sustained economic growth and a correspondent increase in the stan-
dard of living for most citizens (Cook, 1976). The reversal of this
real-price decline in the early 1970's coincided with a radical shift in
the world-wide distribution patterns of the petroleum industry, as U.S.
oil production dropped sharply and foreign suppliers attained much
greater control of production rates and prices (Blair, l977; Schurr,
Darmstadter, Perry, Ramsay, & Russel, l980).

With the capricious price increases and the instability of supplies
which resulted from foreign control of oil reserves came the illusion
that these phenomena merely reflected the political climate of the day,
and that the "energy crisis" was a short-term (albeit unpleasant) situ-
ation. In reality, however, the timing and extent of the energy short-
falls of the 1970's had been accurately predicted in the 1950's by
several resource economists (Hubbert, 1956; Schumacher,l973 ). Four
observations had formed the basis for these early predictions: (1) the
supply of oil and natural gas was finite and nonrenewable; (2) growth
in demand for these resources was exponential in nature; (3) this growth
would be difficult to halt, since oil and natural gas had become the
major energy sources for more developed countries, and were supported by
complex, well-entrenched infrastructures; and (4) as the easy-to-obtain
resources were depleted, the extraction of oil and natural gas would

become more difficult resulting in an exponential decrease in the net

3
energy return obtained from their use (Bartlett, 1978;, Cook, 1976;
Hayes, 1979; Hubbert, 1956; Koenig,l978 ).

As it became clear during the 1970's that the rise in the real cost
of energy was not a temporary phenomenon, consensus among energy analysts
shifted. The energy "crisis" came to be perceived as a set of complex,
interrelated problems which would beset the nation far into the future.
And, it became clear that these problems were all based on the existing
dependence of more developed countries on nonrenewable resources con-
trolled by foreign suppliers (Schurr, et al., 1980). From this under-
standing, a major policy decision logically followed: petroleum and
natural gas supplies should be conserved to provide the lead time
needed to develop alternative domestic sources of energy (Cook, 1976).
Energy Conservation

A primary determinant of the increasing federal commitment to
energy conservation has been the widespread recognition of the enormous
energy savings potential offered by focused conservation programing and
technologies. A number of energy analysts from the social and physical
sciences (Berg, 1973; CONAES, 1978; Hayes, 1976; Ross & Williams, 1977;
Schipper & Darmstadter, 1977; Socolow, l977; Staubaugh & Yergin, 1979;
Williams & Ross, 1980) have suggested that the level of energy consump-
tion needed to support modern American life styles could be reduced by
as much as 40 to 50%. More importantly, these analysts have argued
that such reductions may be accomplished through more effective utiliza-
tion of existing physical and behavioral technologies, and need not
result in reductions in comfort and convenience. Examples of promising
"physical fixes" which would increase energy conservation include

weatherization of existing buildings, industrial cogeneration, improved

4
fuel efficiency, and waste recycling (Yergin, 1979). Behavioral tech-
nologies which have been demonstrated in field research to encourage
conservation include the use of monetary and social incentives and pro-
viding specific feedback on residents' energy consumption (Becker,
Seligman, Darley, l979; Shippee, in press; Winnet & Neale, 1979).

However, despite the availability of these technologies, the
implementation of conservation technologies at the local, community level
has not proceeded smoothly. The optimism which traditionally has
accompanied the success of pilot demonstration programs has been tempered
by the realization that a number of institutional, political, and social
conditions continue to impede their actual implementation. These impedi-
ments have included: (1) the popular identification of conservation with
undue sacrifice; (2) a traditional reliance on complex, "high technology"
solutions, and the consequent lack of attention paid to simple, yet
effective conservation technologies; (3) the lack of an organized con-
stituency for conservation, to compete with advocates of other energy
sources; (4) the fact that conservation in general requires a large num-
ber of decisions by a large number of individuals; and (5) the view that
there is a strong, direct, simple causal relationship between the absolute
level of energy consumed on the one hand, and GNP, jobs, and quality of
life on the other (Yergin, 1979).

In addition to these impediments to energy program implementation,
recent policy-analytic research (e.g., Berman & McLaughlin, 1978; Press-
man & Wildavsky, 1973; Tornatzky, Roitman, et al., 1979; Williams &
Elmore, 1976) has identified a second set of barriers to implementation
pgr_§g, This research has thoroughly refuted the traditional assumption

that the centralized issuance of a policy directive or the centralized

L§///
development of a technology proceeds automatically to local level imple-
mentation. Such failure is frequently the result of the insensitivity
of centrally located decision-makers to specific local conditions. With
regard to the energy policy area, centralized energy planning (i.e., at 1
the federal or state level) has frequently suffered from a lack of aware-
ness of local delivery systems, interorganizational networks, personnel 1
resources, support groups, and the like, which could facilitate program {
implementation.

However, policy related impediments extend beyond the mere failure
to implement centrally developed technologies at local levels. Over-
emphasis on centralized planning has frequently resulted in the disregardf
of local needs and conditions in the conceptualization and design of {

programs. The outcomes of centralized planning have thus often

reflected a poor fit between centrally planned programs and the real

“A 4A.. ..- 4
.c-o-W’

needs of communities (Clark, 1975; Dwyer,1979; Lowins, 1977; Ridge-
way, l979; Schumacher, 1973). In short, over-reliance on centralized
program conception and development not only creates implementation

problems, but may result in programs which are not feasible or appropriatefi

51

for local utilization. 1
The increasingly obvious disadvantage of relying on federal or state

governnents to produce a coherent energy policy which strongly supports

conservation, coupled with the obvious advantages of conservation plan-

ning and action at the local level, have recently combined to spawn

several local and regional energy planning efforts (Bronfman, et al.,

1980; Dwyer, 197g; Ridgeway, 1979; Spangler, 1979). However, although

decentralized energy planning is beginning to attain political

6
legitimacy, community energy planning methods are still in the begin—
ning stages of development.

Energy Conservation Planning at the Community Level

 

Before the OAPEC oil embargo of 1973-74, energy planning was the
exclusive province of energy supply companies, automobile manufacturers,
mining and heavy industry operations, appliance manufacturers and the
federal agencies which regulate these industries (Cook, 1976; Dwyer,

Note 4; Yergin, 1979). In short, energy was not considered to be a major

factor in the planning efforts of local level governments, industries,

and human services. Steeply rising energy costs have now forced public 1
and private sector organizations to consider energy as an important

factor in planning. A

Due to the recency of these developments, few examples of successful
local energy planning efforts have emerged in the literature. Two com-
munities which have received significant attention are Davis, California

and Seattle, Washington: A brief review of the conservation strategies,

..—-——

 

planning processes, and methods of policy implementation which have been
successful in these communities serves to highlight some of the issues
central to local energy planning.

Davis, California. The foundation for conservation activity in

 

Davis is a series of codes, ordinances, and enabling documents enacted

by the City COuncil. These include provisions for: (l) centralized

planning of housing development, according to environmental impact,

economic mix, and other progressive criteria; housing needs are systematically
assessed by means of an annual survey; (2) tough energy conservation codes
for buildings developed by local researchers specifically for local

conditions; (3) energy conscious land-use and transportation planning,

7
covering such areas as street width, lot sizes, planting of foliage, and
bus and bicycle transportation; (4) requiring source separation of waste
materials to facilitate recycling; and (5) revival of formerly popular
energy efficient practices such as in-home cottage industry and farmers'
markets.

In sum, the City Council has provided a solid foundation for energy
conservation through the support of community planning efforts and
through the enactment of ordinances suited to local conditions. It should
also be noted that this legislative activity was accompanied by careful
research, citizen input in decision-making, citizen education, and skill-
ful political interaction by council members with local groups affected
by ordinances, such as builders and land developers.

Seattle, Washington. The development of energy conservation plan-
ning in Seattle was largely a result of the failure of the city owned
utility to prepare an environmental impact statement regarding the pro-
posed expansion of generating capacity. This failure enabled a citizen's
committee, composed of representatives from various segments of the
community, to receive a mandate from the city government to conduct such
an impact analysis. The result of this effort was a high quality research
product, legitimized by broad representation on the citizen's committee,
and by official mandate. Consequently, a solid political foundation was
laid for program development and the research led to a comprehensive
energy plan with numerous provisions for conservation.

Since this planning document developed from an impact analysis
involving the municipal utility, the role of the utility became central
to the plan. For example, the utility was required to develop and use

renewable resources, to conduct ongoing environmental assessments, and

8

to provide such services as home energy checks and home weatherization
financing. Other elements of Seattle's comprehensive plan included pro-
visions for establishing a municipal energy office to provide consumer
education and technical consultation, the development of energy conserva-
tion standards for structure related codes, and the requirement of dis-
closure of previous energy use figures to prospective buyers or renters
of residential units.

Theoretical Planning Parameters for Successful Community Energy Planning

As noted earlier, few reports of community energy planning efforts
are currently available, and almost no empirical research evaluating
these efforts has been reported. Consequently, it cannot be claimed
that any particular set of planning parameters are necessary and suffi-
cient for successful local program development and implementation.
Rather, at the present stage in the development of energy conservation
program planning, a number of reasonable hypotheses exist, and each
deserves research attention. Therefore, the following set of parameters
which were rationally derived from the Davis and Seattle case studies
should be viewed as a tentative set of planning guidelines as opposed to
a set of empirically validated planning principles.

With this cautionary note in mind, the tentative parameters are
the following:

(1) To be successful, community energy conservation program planning
efforts should identify those organizations likely to influence, and be
affected by, conservation programming. This identification should takei
place early in the planning process, and should include relevant organ14
zations in areas such as building, housing, transportation, land use an%

development, utilities and utility regulation, energy related product

9

manufacture and supply, energy product regulation, energy related
research, education, human services, and citizen action.

(2) Attempts should be made to channel input from these organiza-
tions into program planning. Involvement of these organizations in
planning is likely to enhance program legitimization. Once involved,
these organizations are likely to lend their support to programming
efforts, thus increasing the likelihood of high levels of acceptance
and utilization.

(3) The identification of community organizations which might be
involved in program planning and implementation should be supplemented
by an empirical data gathering effort. This effort would attempt to
obtain and interpret perceptions of needed energy programs and services
from knowledgeable community sources. These data would then be utilized
to shape community programs to fit community needs.

(4) Such information might include the following:

(a) energy related demographic data, such as land use patterns,
housing starts, etc.;

(b) reports concerning existing attempts to deal with energy
problems, such as weatherization services, energy audit
programs, energy "hotlines," etc.;

(c) information concerning the specific barriers to conservation
which currently exist in the community;

(d) ideas from knowledgeable residents concerning the design
and implementation of specific programs.

Formal data gathering procedures designed to obtain this type of
information have been developed by social scientists working in human

service fields such as mental health, public health, education, and

10
child development. These methods have generally been referred to as
needs assessment methods, and a substantial literature devoted to these
methods has appeared in recent years. The sections that follow will
review the needs assessment literature, and will focus primarily on the
applicability of a general needs assessment approach and particular needs
assessment methodologies to community energy conservation program plan-
ning. As such, the review will be selective rather than comprehensive.
Issues relevant to practical applications will receive in-depth attention,
at the expense of a general review of the needs assessment area.

Needs Assessments

 

Needs assessments have attained widespread legitimacy as ideal
methods for "tapping the wisdom of the populace" in program planning
(Burke, 1979), and are perceived by many to be the logical first step
in planning (Kimmel, 1977). This characterization of needs assessments
as rational means for channeling citizen input into the programming pro-
cess seems relatively straightforward. However, a multitude of concep-
tual and methodological issues bely this apparent simplicity. These
issues will be discussed in the following sections.) Prominent concep-

tualizations of the needs assessment approach will first be reviewed and

 

a second section will be devoted to needs assessment methodologies.

Conceptual Issues

 

Needs assessments have been discussed according to various conceptual
frameworks, each emphasizing different aspects of the assessment
process.

Blum (1974) defined needs assessment in terms of (1) the application
of a measuring tool or assortment of tools to a defined social area; and

(2) the application of judgement to assess the significance of the

11

information gathered in order to determine priorities for program plan-
ning. Warheit, Bell, and Schwab (1977) extended this definition,
emphasizing that needs assessment tools should be directed not only
towards identifying current needs, but also towards the assessment of
current service utilization patterns. These authors also shared a per-
spective advanced earlier by Siegel, Attkisson, and Cohn (1974) which
conceived of a needs assessment as one component of a larger research
and planning process. Other characteristics of needs assessment jointly
recognized by Warheit, et a1. and Seigel, et a1. included reports concern-
ing the structure, functioning, and goals of the sponsoring agencies,
sociodemographic profiles of the community, and evaluations of existing
service programs in terms of outcomes and community impacts.

The needs assessment manuals prepared by Warheit, et a1. (1977)
and Siegel, et a1. (1974) have also jointly advocated the use of multiple
methods in the conduct of needs assessment. Among the methods discussed
by these authors were interviews with key informants, community forums,
surveys, and the use of social indicators.

This multi-method orientation was echoed by Baumheier and Hellar
(1974), who noted that:

A need is a multifaceted, multidimensional concept, which

includes problems, the availability of resources, the

efficiency, accessibility, and continuity of the service

delivery system, and so on. None of the data sources tapped

through any of the various research techniques alone can

provide a truly valid indicator of need. (p. 15)

In addition to shared perception concerning the advantages of a

multi-method approach, consensus also exists concerning the superiority

12

of "problem-focused" methods as opposed to general "needs-enumeration"
surveys. For example, after surveying thirty needs assessment projects,
and conducting site visits at six additional projects, Baumheier, et a1.
(1974) concluded that "the most effective needs assessment efforts have
provided information about the etiology of specific problems and the
relationships among problems." (p. 67) A similar conclusion was reached
by Kimmel (1977) following a comparison of five state-wide manpower needs
assessment projects. Kimmel found that informal, "open-ended" methods
addressed directly to specific problems faced by clients were more
likely to produce information which was subsequently used by decision-
makers, when compared to more formal survey methods which produced
lengthy needs listings. To further illustrate the validity of this per-
spective, Shapek (1975) reviewed a needs-enumeration survey of U.S.
mayors and councilmen and traced the interrelationships among needs.
Shapek found that a problem-focused approach would have obtained the
same information as a formal survey, but the former approach resulted in
more usable information.

One of the major neglected areas ir1 the conceptualizations cited
above is the problem of operationally defining "need" for the purpose
of specific needs assessment projects. This topic was the focus of a
paper by Nguyen, Attkisson, and Bottino (1976). These authors observed
that need is a relative concept, which has meaning only in terms of the
met or unmet needs of a specific, functioning system or systems. They
proceeded to define "unmet need" as the condition which exists when "a
problem in living or an undesirable social process is recognized, for
which a satisfactory solution requires a major mobilization of additional

resources and/or a major reallocation of existing resources." (p. 34)

13
These authors have also concurred with a perspective advanced by
Warheit, et a1. and Siegel, et al., which advocates convergent analyses.
Such analyses would integrate the various findings produced by a recom-
mended multi-method assessment strategy.

In sum, the various conceptual discussions of needs assessment share
considerable similarities. Most authors concur that multi-method research
designs are advisable, and thatLboth the measurement and interpretation
aspects of needs assessments are crucial. There is also considerable
agreement that need is a relative concept which must be related to
specific, functioning systems (i.e., communities and their resources).
Finally, there is consensus that needs assessments are more likely to
produce interpretable and useful data when they are focused on specific
problem areas.

Needs Assessment Methods

 

Along with the literature devoted to conceptual discussions of
needs assessments, significant attention has also been paid to assess-
ment methodologies. These methodologies have been classified according
to a host of different conceptual schemes (Alchin, 1977; Blakely, 1979;
Kelly, 1979; Kimmel, 1977; Seigel, et al., 1974; Warheit, et al., 1977).
The present review will employ a typology which is specifically designed
to determine the appropriateness of utilizing various needs assessment
methods in community energy planning contexts.

Qualitative and quantitative needs assessment methods. Needs assess-
ment methods can be conceptualized as being either qualitative or

quantitative. In general, two factors distinguish qualitative needs

 

assessment methodologies from quantitative methodologies. The first of

these is the impressionistic quality of the data obtained by the former.

l4
Qualitative assessment methods seek to obtain detailed descriptions of
community needs, while quantitative methodologies seek to obtain data
which is in numerical form.

The second dimension on which these methods differ concerns the
degree to which response structures are predetermined. Qualitative
methods obtain data which is relatively unstructured by preconceived
categories. In short, they depend on the subject of study to shape an
interpretive framework. In Lofland's words, "in order to capture partici-
pants in their own tenns, one must learn their categories for rendering
explicable and coherent the flux of raw reality. That, indeed, is the
first principle of qualitative analysis." (p. 7)

In order to accomplish this "capturing of participants in their own
terms," qualitative methods often employ detailed descriptions and direct
quotations which create a meaningful context for the data. However,
qualitative methodologies do not preclude the application of quantita-
tive techniques as an aid to data interpretation. That is, the distin-
guishing feature between the methods is the character of the data
gathering methods (i.e., structured v. unstructured) and not the
presence or absence of quantitative interpretive analyses performed
after data is collected. Prominent examples of qualitative methods
include open-ended interviews, case studies, public hearings, community
forums, and secondary analyses of existing reports (e.g., sociodemographic
analyses, community resource analyses).

Unlike qualitative methods, quantitative methods rely explicitly
upon the use of instruments that provide standardized response frameworks.
These instruments utilize predetermined response categories which are

employed to limit data to certain preset response or analytic categories.

15
In general, these methods are based on conceptualizations which are
relatively structured, and which are not amenable to modification after
the data is collected. (For extensive discussions of the distinctions
between the two methodologies, see Patton, 1980 and Cook & Reichardt,
1979.) Examples of quantitative methods frequently employed in needs
assessments include surveys which utilize structured formats, incidence-
prevalence research, collection of service utilization data, and
epidemilogical research (Warheit, et al., 1977).

With regard to these two methodological approaches (qualitative and
quantitative), the structured sample survey method cogently illustrates
the strengths and weaknesses of the quantitative approach, while the open-
ended interview illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of qualita-
tive methodologies. In the following sections, these two methods will be
used as prototypes to explore the relative advantages and disadvantages
of quantitative and qualitative needs assessment approaches in community
energy planning contexts.

Needs assessment surveys. Needs assessment surveys have been
employed to collect information in a variety of milieus, such as mental
health (Schwab, Bell, Warheit, & Schwab, 1978), rehabilitation services
(Cochran, 1979), social welfare (Collins & Lukens, 1973), general human
services (Gundersdorf, 1975), and other human service areas, including
services to the elderly (RMC Research Corporation, 1974), rural services
(Denver University, 1973) and child development (Idaho Office of
Child Development, 1974).

Common survey methods employed in needs assessments are mailed
questionnaires, telephone interviews, and person-to-person interviews.

Surveys are generally conducted using probability sampling techniques

' 16
in order to maximize the generalizability of results. And, they
utilize for the most part structured ("closed response") formats.

To fulfill probability sampling requirements, relatively large
sample sizes are required (Baumheier & Hellar, 1974). And, in order to '
meet acceptable standards for reliability and validity, sophisticated
procedures including instrument pre-testing, item analyses, and collec-
tion of additional data for cross-validation often are included in the
needs assessment procedures. For these two reasons, the survey approach
is relatively expensive as an assessment method. Typical expenses
include those allocated for interview training, data processing, mail-
ings, and telephone follow-ups.

Although surveys are commonly viewed as providing the most scien-
tifically valid and reliable information regarding the needs and service
utilization patterns of individuals (Warheit, et al., 1977), their use
is likely to be inappropriate in the early stages of research and plan-
ning (Delbecq, 1976). This is largely due to the relative rigidity of
the sample survey methodology. Documenting this weakness, Kimmel (1977)
noted that in a large scale needs assessment of health and rehabilitation
services, almost 50% of the problem areas most frequently mentioned by
respondents were not addressed in the fixed alternative instrument items.
However, these observations emerged in response to open-ended questions.
Because of the expense of processing large scale surveys, and the rela-
tively greater weight attached to the data obtained in the fixed
alternative items by the researchers, the information resulting from the
open-ended items were frequently not interpreted and were not adequately

utilized.

17

Open-ended interviews. Representative of qualitative methodologies

 

are various open-ended interviewing procedures. Specifically, these

methods include unstructured and semi-structured interviews (Patton,

 

 

1980). In the former, no preset format is used to structure the inter-
action between interviewer and respondent. For the latter, the same set
of open-ended questions is used for all respondents to attain a measure
of comparability between their responses, and thus a certain amount of
predetermined structure is present. However, the interviewer is not
limited to predetermined "probe" questions as in more highly structured
interview formats.

In unstructured and semi-structured interviews, detailed, in-depth
and impressionistic material is obtained. The interviewer may explore
interesting hypotheses with the respondent as they occur naturally during
the conversation. Another asset of the open-ended interview procedure
is that the investigator can often obtain immediate feedback concerning
the potential validity of hypotheses.

While the unstructured nature of the open-ended interview method is
its major strength, it also contributes to its two major weaknesses.
When using open-ended interview methods, the biases of the scientist
may easily become inseparable from the data, unless precautions are
taken. (Such precautions might include the coding of responses by
several judges who are tested periodically for inter-coder reliability,
the use of tape recorders to obtain complete accounts of conversations,
etc.) Secondly, the rich data obtained by the use of in-depth inter- .
viewing are more difficult to analyze quantitatively, when compared to

results obtained by prestructured methods.

18

Implications for community energy needs assessment. In summary,
the above sections have attempted to identify the advantages and dis-
advantages of qualitative and quantitative needs assessment methods as
they might emerge in community energy conservation planning contexts.
The qualitative approach, as illustrated by the open-ended interview,
attempts to obtain impressionistic data which can later be structured
during analysis. Quantitative methods, as illustrated by the structured
survey, are based on predetermined conceptualizations and emphasize the
collection of data which is in numerical form. Categories which are
used to structure responses on quantitative instruments are not amenable
to modification after data collection.

Reviewing the relative merits of each approach, it can be cogently
argued that each methodology has its place in an overall needs assess-
ment project. For example, it was suggested that qualitative methods
are better suited to early stages of research, due to their capacity to
minimize data loss. That is, qualitative methods permit the researcher
to develop an adequate conceptualization of the problem area prior to the
conduct of a relatively expensive structured survey. Once such a frame-
work has been developed, quantitative methods may then be applied to
obtain more reliable and valid data.

In view of the relative recency of community energy planning
efforts, it would seem appropriate to focus attention on those
qualitative needs assessment approaches best suited to early stage,
innovative planning. The remainder of this section is, therefore,
devoted to an in-depth discussion of four often used qualitative needs
assessment methodologies. The first two methods are especially suited

to eliciting perceptions of community residents concerning specific

19
problems, and obtaining their suggestions for programs to alleviate
those problems. These methods are extensions of the general open-ended
interview approach, and are commonly referred to as the key informant
interview and the structured community forum. The two additional quali-
tative methods have been frequently employed in needs assessments to
provide an in-depth understanding of the community context in which pro-
gramming takes place. These methods are referred to in the literature
as secondary analyses of demographic data, and analyses of existing
programs and services.

Key informant interviews and community forums. These two methods
have been widely used in the needs assessment field during the early
stages of problem conceptualization (for example, see Buhl, Warheit,

& Bell, 1978; Baumheier & Hellar, 1974).

In the key informant approach, individuals who are likely to be
familiar with the needs of the community relative to a specific problem
area are interviewed. To obtain the key informant sample, the researcher
reads local newspapers, attends meetings, examines existing community
studies, and uses various other informal information gathering strategies
to identify those organizations which have influence in the problem area,
and which are most affected by the problem. The researcher then arranges
to interview key individuals in these organizations (Alchin & Decharin,
1979).

Although the key informant interview may be highly structured
(Warheit, et al., 1977), relatively unstructured formats are more
appropriate. Since the sampling method is "purposeful" rather than
random, generalizability is limited, and, therefore, the advantages of

highly structured formats are negated. At the same time, the sample is

20
intended to contain individuals with a great deal of experience and
understanding of the problem, and open-ended questions are most suitable
for such a sample.

In the community forum approach, individuals are brought together

 

to publicly discuss the problem area. Depending on the objectives of

the forum, participants might include client groups, service staff,
agency directors, etc. If the primary purposes of the forum are to
legitimize a research and planning effort in the comnunity and to enhance
program participation, large, open to the public meetings have been
recommended (Siegel, et al., 1974). If, however, the main objective is
to obtain a better understanding of the problem area, a smaller key
informant sample has been advocated (Delbecq, 1976). This sample should
include representatives from community organizations with influence in
the problem area of concern. Forum discussions are then more likely to
be substantive and problem focused, especially if the sessions are
structured to enhance this focus. And, if such a key informant sample

is used, the forum may also serve to increase communication among
community groups with similar interests, and to aid in the identification
of individuals likely to figure in later stage program development and
implementation (Broskowski, 1976; Warheit, et al., 1977).

While several methods are available in the literature for struc-
turing forums, one of the most prominent organizational strategies is the
Nominal Group Technique, or NOT (Delbecq, Van de Ven, & Gustafson, 1975).
This method was designed to increase the capability of a group to focus
on the generation and prioritization of ideas, and as such is ideally
suited for use in needs assessment community forums (Delbecq, 1976;

Siegel, et al., 1974; Warheit, et al., 1977).

21

With this method, participants first generate independent responses
to an open-ended question posed by the session leader. Participants
are then divided into small groups. During the small group sessions,
their ideas are presented, and recorded by group facilitators. These
ideas are then clarified by the small group members, followed by the
rating or ranking of each idea by each participant.

NGT thus combines the advantages of focused concentration (provided
by the independent task) with the sharing of knowledge and experience,
increased capacity for synthesis of ideas, and enhanced motivation pro-
vided by the small group activities. In short, the method is designed
to produce the maximum amount of high quality data with the least amount
of interpersonal conflict, when contrasted with other group techniques.
There is empirical evidence to support this contention. In a recent
experimental comparison, NGT was shown to be superior to more traditional
individual and group brainstorming approaches, in terms of number and
quality of ideas generated and in terms of participant satisfaction
(Delbecq, et al., 1975).

In sum, it can be cogently argued that interviews with key infor-
mants, and community forums which utilize the structure of the NGT tech-
niques, are admirably suited to the early stages of a needs assessment.
They are relatively quick, inexpensive approaches for obtaining the
perceptions of respondents concerning such issues as the nature of a
problem area, obstacles to problem solution, programs which would
alleviate current problems, the feasibility of such programs, and the.
likelihood of program acceptance in the community. In addition,
community forums have the dual advantages of increasing communication

between parties interested in similar issues, and aiding in the

22
identification of individuals and conmunity organizations likely to be
helpful in subsequent program development and implementation.

However, these methods are not without their disadvantages. As
noted above, unstructured and semi-structured interviews are susceptible
to the biases of the interviewer, and produce data which is difficult to
quantify. With specific regard to community forums, Warheit, et a1.
(1977) list the following as disadvantages: (1) the difficulty of
obtaining a broad cross section of knowlegeable citizens to participate;
(2) the possibility that the meeting may heighten the expectations of
those in the community in ways that cannot be met; (3) the likelihood
that the session will deteriorate into a generalized grievance session;
(4) the difficulty of analyzing the data systematically; and (5) the
lack of any guarantee that the input received is accurate or represen-
tative of all groups in the community.

Although this appraisal has some validity, it should be noted that
the first three disadvantages listed are relatively minor. Careful and
well planned efforts by researchers can produce broad based samples for
both foruns and interviews, and reduce the likelihood of unrealistic
expectations being generated. Furthermore, the Nominal Group Technique
described above has been shown to be effective in preventing the degener-
ation of community forums into grievance sessions (Delbecq, 1976). The
fourth and fifth disadvantages listed above may present greater
challenges to researchers. However, it is possible to design procedures
to minimize these problems, with regard to both forums and interviews..
For example, it is feasible to utilize category coding systems to
quantify the data obtained during NGT sessions or key informant inter-

views. And, a carefully conceived sampling plan can enhance the

23
generalizability of the data obtained via the forum and interview
methods.

In sum, for the early stages of a needs assessment project, key
informant interviews and community forums are likely to facilitate
extensive idea generation and the development of a problem area concep-
tualization appropriate to the early stages of research. If well
planned, these techniques will result in a conceptual framework which
can later serve as the foundation for more focused and rigorous quanti-
tative methods.

Secondary analyses of demographic and sociodemographic data. A
major impetus to the legitimization and widespread use of needs assess-
ments for planning purposes was the legislation providing for the
establishment of community mental health centers (CMHC's) and the
requirements of such legislation that community "needs" be documented
and related to potential catchment areas (Kamis, l979; Warheit, et al.,
1977; Federal Register, July 18, 1980). The lobbying activity which
led to the CMHC legislation represented a fundamental shift in the
beliefs of mental health planners. Previously, it has been commonly
believed that the causes of mental illness resided in the individual.

As a result of a number of studies conducted in the 1950's and 1960's
(Hollingshead & Redlich, 1958; Srole, et al., 1962) many administrators
have recently shifted to the orientation that various social and environ-
mental factors (such as income, employment levels, population density,
and environmental pollution) are likely causes of mental health problems.
Furthermore, it is now accepted that deficiencies in these areas are
legitimate community mental health needs requiring attention (Kamis,

1979). As a parallel development, there have been increased efforts to

24

develop and refine demographic and sociodemographic indicators which
measure these factors (Bloom, 1976). Such measures have also attained
widespread usage in needs assessments beyond the mental health area.
Fields such as public safety, education, recreation, and other service
areas (Cochran, 1979) commonly utilize social indicators for program
planning purposes. Depending on the objectives of the needs assessment,
they may play a major or a minor role in attempts to describe and under-
stand a problem area.

The relationships between energy consumption and demographic vari-
ables such as socio-economic status, education, occupation, and age
(Olson, 1976), type of housing (Gladhardt, et al., 1976), number of

children in the household (Ridgeway, 1979), and land use and transporta-

tion patterns (kaufman a Koenig, l979; Ridgeway, 1979) have been exten-
sively documented in a number of different community settings. Given these
findings, it would seem essential for preliminary needs assessment

efforts in the energy conservation planning area to include some

secondary analyses of demographic variables characteristic of the

community under examination. Furthermore, such analyses seem especially
suited to the energy area. Energy relevant demographic data are usually
intended for other planning purposes and, as a result, it has often been
difficult to draw conclusions for energy policy from existing analyses
of these data (Dwyer,l979).

In short, secondary analyses in this area would attempt to identify
likely energy service needs for particular geographic areas, analagous
to "catchment areas" in the community mental health field. They would
also be used to describe the community context for program needs

identified through other qualitative assessment methods.

25

Analyses of existing programs and services. In order to present
a comprehensive picture of community needs in a particular problem area,
authors in the assessment area have recommended the analysis of data
which summarize the status of existing services. Variables such as
extent of service utilization, range of services provided, accessibility
of services, financial charges, and extent of inter-agency collaboration
(Siegel, et al., 1974) are recommended for study. The primary purpose
of such an effort is to ascertain the degree to which certain programming
needs may be already met by existing services. Siegel notes that a use-
ful product of these analyses is the preparation of a directory to local
programs and services. This directory may then be distributed in the
community to increase awareness of services and their subsequent utili-
zation.

Criticisms of the Needs Assessment Approach

Thus far, conceptual and methodological issues related to needs
assessments have been reviewed in order to determine appropriate assess-
ment methodologies for the energy conservation area. However, a funda-
mental issue has yet to be addressed: that is, what is the worth of the
needs assessment approach per so?

Although we have thus far reviewed assessment issues as discussed
by their proponents, it should be realized that this field is hardly
free from controversy. In order to properly evaluate needs assessment
as a tool in community energy planning, recent criticisms of the assess-
ment approach must be addressed. I

In a recent federally sponsored study, Kimmel (1977) reviewed the
major critiques in the literature. Among the criticisms summarized by

Kimmel were the following: (1) the literature devoted to needs

26

assessment constitutes a "semantic jungle," definitions are vague and/or
contradictory, and discussions are confused; (2) there is no single or
preferred approach to needs assessment, and each method has its flaws;
(3) no systematic procedure exists for synthesizing the results obtained
by various methods; and finally, (4) few assessment methods involve
causal analyses; assessments would be better termed "needs descriptions."

Although these criticisms led Kimmel to conclude that the case for
needs assessments was not encouraging, a more in-depth analysis of these
problems does not result in the identification of any insurmountable
limitations of needs assessment methods (Kamis, 1979). Rather, these
criticisms point to several areas requiring additional attention. For
example, the improvement of methods for synthesizing the results of
assessments, and the application of causal analyses to assessment data
are two procedures which would ameliorate two major problems charac-
terizing previous needs assessment efforts.

However, an additional criticism is potentially more serious.
According to Kimmel:

Needs assessment is characterized by a look away from exist-

ing programs and away from an agency's goal, outward towards

the community . . . . This preoccupation keeps the litera-

ture and the practice of needs assessment distracted from

the operations and requirements of real public choice pro-

cesses and from the economic, political, and bureaucratic

constraints under which all pro ram planning, budgeting,

and policy-making occur. (p. 22
And,

Contrary to the assumptions of needs assessors there are

no tidy and orderly sequences in which decision makers

first assess need, then inventory resources, then

identify gaps and then choose . . . . Most decision making

takes the form of trying to find actions which are polit-

ically feasible through marginal changes in the existing
pattern of resources. (p. 55)

27

In sum, Kimmel has argued that needs assessments are ill-suited to
utilization, due to their incongruence with program planning requirements
and budgetary constraints. Of course, it might be argued that one
source of this incongruence is the inexperience of social scientists
unused to the policy milieu, an inexperience which is fast being
remedied (Kamis, l979; Murrel, 1976, 1977, & 1980; Neuber, 1980; Patton,
1978). However, there is a more troubling message implicit in this
criticism. Underlying this argument is the assumption that existing
program planning processes adequately address citizen's needs. Increas-
ing citizen input upsets the "balance of interests," so the argument
goes, and creates confusion. Hence, planning is best left to the
experts.

However, this assumption may well be counterproductive to effective
planning. As noted by Baumheier and Hellar (1974) and by Burke (1979),
"expert" participants in community planning processes enter into decision
making as representatives of constituencies with certain goals or hidden
agendas of their own. Therefore, "a major contribution of needs assess-
ment to the resource allocation process is to juxtapose an open, public
agenda against the hidden or specialized agendas of the decision
makers"(Baumheier & Hellar, 1974, p. 3).

Supporting this argument from the perspective of systems theory,
Broskowski (1976) noted that all systems tend towards stability and
resist change. And, they tend to monitor only those sectors that are
likely to require modification, or are most amenable to modification._
Thus, in the short run, established planning systems tend to suppress
diversity because homogeneity can be more efficiently managed. However,

in the long run, homogenization and specialization can prove maladaptive

28
for planning systems. In short, needs assessments are of great value
precisely because they supply diverse information from previously
untapped sources, thus leading to the "confusion" decried by their
critics.

In other words, it is likely that the short-term confusion gene-
rated by citizen input will be offset in the long-term by more effective
program planning. From a long-term perspective, programs which have
been identified as high priority by local residents or representatives
of local organizations are more likely to have an exact fit with local
conditions and resources than programs which are based solely on the
experiences of agency planners.

Needs assessments can also be expected to lead to several favorable
secondary effects. For example, the secondary by-products of needs
assessments (such as the identification of service delivery systems,
and the facilitation of communication between organizations which partici-
pate in community forums) are likely to result in greater levels of
service utilization due to the increased diffusion of important informa-
tion. And, stimulating the interest of assessment informants in the
problem area is likely to lead to increased independent programming
efforts, and thoughtful support for existing programs.

In short, the above reasoning suggests that the utilization of
needs assessment results in a multitude of beneficial outcomes. However,
Kimmel's unidimensional treatment restricts "utilization" to the imple-
mentation of specific programs which are influenced by the assessment.-
In contrast, a multidimensional conceptualization such as that proposed
here suggests that successful needs assessments can result in a number

of diverse outcomes. Furthermore, these outcomes are not necessarily

29
restricted to the community in which the assessment was conducted.
For example, in accordance with a multidimensional conceptualization of
assessment utilization, potential benefits of assessments are:

(1) A more appropriate fit between proposed programs and services,
and local needs and conditions;

(2) The initiation of a local problem-solving process involving
concerned citizens and organizations;

(3) Some movement towards increasing efficient citizen and organi-
zational participation in community planning;

(4) The generation of researchable ideas for social scientists
who are committed to community problem-solving;

(5) The identification of organizations and existing services
likely to support programming efforts.

In sum, when considered in the context of these criteria, observa-
tions concerning the lack of utilization of needs assessments appear
rather short-sighted, since their attention is restricted to the uni-
dimensional outcome of program development.

Summary and Research Objectives

In the initial portion of this review, it was suggested that
centralized federal and state energy planning has been relatively
unsuccessful when compared to planning and program implementation pro-
cesses initiated and controlled at the level of local communities. The
effectiveness of such community planning efforts was illustrated by
brief case histories of Davis, California and Seattle, Washington.

From these histories, the following parameters of successful community

planning were derived:

30

(1) To be successful, community energy conservation program planning
efforts should identify those organizations likely to influence, and be
affected by, conservation programming. This identification should take
place early in the planning process, and should include relevant organi-
zations in areas such as building, housing, transportation, land use and
development, utilities and utility regulation, energy related product
manufacture and supply, energy product regulation, energy related research,
education, human services, and citizen action.

(2) Attempts should be made to channel input from these organiza-
tions into program planning. Involvement of these organizations in plan-
ning is likely to enhance program legitimization. Once involved, these
organizations are likely to lend their support to programming efforts,
thus increasing the likelihood of high levels of acceptance and utiliza-
tion.

(3) The identification of community organizations which might be
involved in program planning and implementation should be supplemented
by an empirical data gathering effort. This effort would attempt to
obtain and interpret perceptions of needed energy programs and services
from knowledgeable community sources. These data would then be
utilized to shape community programs to fit community needs.

Following the identification of these parameters, it was suggested
that the parameters were within the purview of the needs assessment
approach. To determine the specific applicability of particular needs
assessment methods to the energy planning area, the needs assessment .
literature was selectively reviewed. Conceptual issues were first dis-
cussed and the advantages of problem-focused, multi-method research

strategies were highlighted. Methodological issues were then

31
discussed utilizing the qualitative versus quantitative framework
developed specifically for this review.

It was argued that the nature of current community energy planning
processes called for the use of qualitative assessment methodologies.
These methods were believed to lead to a better understanding of new and
relatively unexplored problem areas, such as energy programming. Several
of these methods appropriate to the energy area were then described
(e.g., key informant interviews, community forums, secondary analyses,
etc.). After addressing recent criticisms of the assessment approach,
it was concluded that the qualitative needs assessment methods could con-
tribute useful information to community energy planning.

However, the feasibility of applying needs assessment methods in
the energy planning area has not been assessed. Therefore, the present
project seeks to determine if needs assessment procedures such as com-
munity forums and interviews can be effectively implemented in an actual
community planning context. Furthermore, a feasibility study is
necessary to clarify certain methodological issues which pertain to the
needs assessment approaches reviewed. For example, although key infor-
mant interviews and structured community forums are recognized as
appropriate in early stage assessment, do these qualitative methods lead
to similar outcomes? ( Aponte, 1976). It might be argued that if these
methods contribute equally reliable, equally valid, and equally useful
data, then whichever method is easiest and least expensive to implement
would be preferable.

In sum, the specific objectives of the present research are the

following:

32

(1) To design and utilize a sampling procedure that will lead to
the identification of a sample of community organizations which are
most likely to influence, and be affected by, community energy policies
and programs within a specific community setting. This sampling pro-
cedure should attempt to include organizational representatives from
areas such as building, housing, transportation, land use and develop-
ment, utilities and utility regulation, energy related product manufac-
ture supply, energy product regulation, energy related research, educa-
tion, human services, and citizen action groups.

(2) To gain an understanding of the energy programming needs of a
local community through the actual conduct of a needs assessment project.
For the reasons noted above, qualitative approaches (i.e., key informant
interviews and structured community forums) should be utilized to
identify perceived energy program needs. This assessment strategy
would be intended to facilitate the eventual development of programs
and services designed to fit the unique conditions of the community. A
secondary purpose of the community forum component would be to enhance
communication between the organizations in the sample. In this way,
further involvement in energy program planning would be facilitated.

(3) To compare the results from the interview and forum methods,
to determine their relative merit. This comparison is both of methodo-
logical interest and of practical importance. If these methods were
to result in similar outcomes, evidence would be provided which would
support the development of a more cost beneficial needs assessment
strategy for the energy area.

(4) To describe the community context for the identified program

needs through the secondary analysis of demographic data relative to

33
energy use. This analysis would be supplemented by the preparation of
a directory which would describe the present energy programs and ser-
vices in the community. These products would be intended to provide a
more in-depth understanding of community conditions and resources, and

to facilitate greater utilization of existing programs and services.

CHAPTER II

METHOD

Overview

The present study utilized four methods to obtain a comprehensive
view of the energy programming needs for the local area. These methods
were interviews with key informants, structured community forums, exam-
ination of demographic data related to energy consumption, and preparation
of a Directory describing the existing energy conservation programs and
services in the community. The study was conducted in greater Lansing,

a community in South Central Michigan which includes the cities of
Lansing and East Lansing.

Greater Lansing is a moderate-sized community, with a population of
182,750. Climatically, the area is similar to other north central commu-
nities, with moderately severe winters and mild summers. The life of the
community is dominated by three large organizations: the Michigan State
Government complex, the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors, and Michigan
State University. In addition, the surrounding countryside contains a
number of highly developed and successful agricultural Operations.

Needs Identification Interviews with Key Informants
same;

A non-random sample of 66 persons affiliated with private and public
sector community agencies and organizations with some degree of involvement
in local energy conservation programs served as the respondent sample
for this phase of the research. A non-random sampling procedure was
employed to maximized the breadth of perspectives on energy programming

included in the present study, and followed the "purposive sampling
34

n-

35

method" which is best suited to the identification of key informants for
exploratory research (Patton, 1980: Warheit, et. al., 1977).

The initial phase of the sampling plan involved the identification
of categories of community organizations likely to have a role in energy-
related programs and local energy conservation policy formation. This
was accomplished through informal interviews with community leaders and
university researchers who were familiar with energy-related programming
in greater Lansing. Using this procedure, seven categories of organizations
were identified: (1) state government; (2) local government; (includigg
Lansing, East Lansing, and county units of government); (3) private
service organizations; (4) utilities and other energy-related businesses
and associations; (5) citizen action groups and neighborhood associations;
(6) education and research organizations; and (7) labor organizations.

The second phase of the sampling plan involved the selection of
individual organizations from each of the seven organizational categories.
This was accomplished by the creation of a comprehensive listing of local
agencies and organizations judged to have considerable interest and
influence with regard to energy-related issues. The primary criterion
in selecting these organizations was that organizations with a broader
scope (i.e. more centralized, higher level organizations) were included
when possible. For example, a school district office was selected for
the sample, as opposed to an individual school. However, all organizations
which were known to have a high degree of interest and involvement in
local energy issues were selected, regardless of scope. Therefore, in one
instance a local builder with a demonstrated interest in conservation was

included in the sample, in addition to the local builder's association.

36
The comprehensive list of organizations identified in this phase of the
sampling procedure appears in Appendix A.

The final phase of the sampling involved the identification of the
individual respondents within each organization who were most interested
in, and knowledgeable about, local conservation issues. This was accompli-
shed using the following three-stage procedure: First a research assis-
tant telephoned each organization. The assistant briefly described the
project, and asked to be connected with an individual "who would be a
good person to talk to about this project". The person identified by
this process became the initial organizational contact. The assistant
then spoke with the initial contact, described the project briefly, and
indicated that a letter describing the project in further detail would be
mailed to the initial contact. These letters (see Appendix B) were mailed
to 104 initial contacts. The letters included a request for an interview
with the initial contact (see questionnaire, Appendix B). One week follow-
ing the first mailing, all initial contacts were again telephoned, and
asked if they were willing to be interviewed. Interviews were then schedu-
led with initial contacts. In some cases, initial contacts referred the
project director to other organizational personnel who were thought to
be more appropriate as respondents. No attempt was made to control for
the organizational level of the key informants, since it was expected that
persons interested in energy issues might be located at any level. How-
ever, the organizational level of the respondent was recorded and utilized
in subsequent data analyses.

Of the original 104 contacts. 66 persons agreed to be interviewed.
representing 60 organizations. Six organizations contributed two respond-

ents each to the interview sample. From these duplicate interviews. only

37
one interview for each organization was used in the data analyses.

The remaining six interviews were used to train coders.

Procedure for Conducting the Interview

The interview protocol utilized in this project was a semistructured,
or “interview guide“ interview (Patton, 1980). This format was utilized
to obtain roughly comparable information from all informants, and to
allow for the exploration of "interesting leads" by the interviewer.
Consequently, a guidesheet, rather than a rigid interview protocol was
employed. Interviews averaged 45 minutes in length. The same open-
ended questions were asked of all informants, in the same order. However,
different follow-up questions and "prompts“ were used for different
respondents, at the discretion of the interviewer. All interviews inclu-
ded in the analyses were conducted by the project director, and were
tape recorded. Sixty-four of the sixty-six interviews were conducted
on-site at the respondents organization. At the request of two of the
respondents, two interviews were conducted off-site. At the beginning
of each interview, the informant read and signed a consent form (Appendix C),
and questions concerning the interview were addressed. During the inter-
view, notes were taken in addition to the tape recording. The first
interview was conducted on October 29, 1979, and the final interview
was conducted on February 6, 1980. The complete interview guidesheet

appears in Appendix D and is summarized in Appendix E.

The Interview and Scoring Procedure: Overview
The remainder of this section of the chapter will be devoted to

a detailed description of the interview and the methods used to interpret

the interview data.

38

In general, two qualitative methods were used to transform the
data to a format amenable to quantitative analysis: (I) the development
of several category-coding systems; and (2) the development of several
rational rating scales. These systems and scales were employed by
several teams of research assistants who coded and rated the interview
responses.

Questions which were suitable for coding were organized into "issue
areas" (Appendix F). Each issue area contained those items which were
anticipated to be codeable using the same set of categories, and these
issue areas were used as the basis for the development of the coding
systems. However, due to response patterns in the data which became
evident during the development of coding categories, and due to the
necessity of developing a coding system which organized the data into
both highly reliable and highly useful categories, the expected one-to-
one correspondence between issue areas and coding systems was not realized.
Instead, a more complex overall coding scheme evolved (Appendices G-I).
Compared to the category-development procedures, the development

of the rating scales was fairly straightforward.

With regard to the data-handling procedure, all coding and rating
was done directly from the interview tapes. Discrete coding or rating
units were represented for coders by the first three words and last
three words of each unit, and by the tape recorder counter start-and-
finish numbers for each unit, which were written on an "Opscan" computer
scoring sheet (see Appendix J)-

Coders entered the appropriate code number on the Opscan sheet,

next to the coding unit. Explicit criteria were developed for the

39
demarcation of discrete coding units, and a description of these
criteria and their development appears in Appendix K . In the remainder
of this section, the interview questions will be discussed in terms of
their content, the rationale for their inclusion in the protocol. and

the methods used to code or rate them.

Issue Areas

The first issue area, Conservation Programs, contained three items
designed to obtain data concerning the present and future energy conser-
vation programs of each organization (items 2a, 2b, and 2c, Appendix F).
Also included in this issue area was an item designed to obtain the
respondents' ideas for needed energy conservation programs in the commun-
ity (question 4a, Appendix F). The three remaining items in this
issue area occured later in the interview, and referred back to the res-
pondents' previous statements regarding conservation programs. For
item Sal, the interviewer restated the respondents' ideas about needed
programs in order to obtain their perceptions concerning the importance
of these ideas. In item 7a, the interviewer reviewed the list of exist-
ing programs housed in the organization. Finally, these organizational
programs were restated by the interviewer so that the informant could
rate each program in terms its perceived effectiveness (item 7b1).

The items covering the organizations' ongoing and planning-stage
programs (2a and 2b, Appendix F) were included in order to obtain data
necessary for the preparation of the Eogrgy_Programs and Services
Directory. These items also permitted an assessment of relationships

which might exist between the extent of an organization's involvement

in energy conservation, and the types of ideas generated by a member

40
of that organization for energy program needs. Items 2c and 4a elicited
the informants' ideas concerning needed conservation programs (both
internal and external to the organization) and were central to the needs
identification objective of this research. The item which involved a
restatement of the respondents' ideas for needed programs (item Sal)
was included in order to obtain a quantifiable prioritization of these
ideas. This prioritization was accomplished using a five point rating
scale, anchored at the end points (1 = very important, 5 = not very
important). Item 7a, which reviewed the organizations' ongoing programs,
was included simply to insure that complete program lists were obtained.
Finally, the interviewer restated these organizational programs (item
7b1) so that the respondents' first-hand knowledge about the factors
which contributed to the success and failure of programs could be tapped.
A five point scale (anchored with the statements 1 = extremely effective,
2 = very effective, 3 = moderately effective, 4 = somewhat effective,
5 = not at all effective) was utilized to obtain effectiveness ratings.
Respondents used a similarly anchored five point certainty scale to rate
their certainty of these ratings.

Two additional items concerning energy programming needs were also
included (questions 4b and 4c, Appendix E). Item 46 was an attempt to
obtain respondents' perceptions concerning the conservation efforts of
community residents and employees of greater Lansing organizations.

This item was designed as a two-part question. The first part (4b1)

was phrased in terms of the extent of conservation effort perceived by
the informant, while the second part (4b2) focused on the respondents'
perceptions of the conservation strategies which had been employed locally

in the residential, industrial, commercial, and transportation sectors.

41
Interpreting data concerned with the extent of effort (item 4b1) required
the development of a rating scale, and is therefore discussed later in
this section. However, the second part of question 46 was suited
to category coding, and this item comprised the second issue area, enti-
tled Conservation Strategies People Have Used.

The third question which was used to obtain information concerning
needed programs was directed towards identifying the problems encountered
locally by those attempting to conserve energy (item 4c, Appendix F).
This item also produced data amenable to category coding, and was the
subject of the third issue area, entitled Problems People Run Into
When Trying To Conserve. Again, utilizing the restatement-of-ideas
procedure, a five-point scale (1 = very important, 5 = not at all impor-
tant) was used to obtain respondents' ratings of the relative importance
of problems which impeded local conservation (item 5b2,

Appendix E).

The fourth issue area involved the reasons given by respondents
for the effectiveness of those organizational programs which they had
rated as highly effective during the interview. This issue area contained
a single item (question 7c).

The fifth issue area was concerned with energy program funding. and
contained three items, all codeable (questions 3a, 3b, and 3c). These
items elicited information about the organization's present energy pro-
gram funding sources, the respondents' expectations for continuation
of funding, and the respondents' knowledge of other potential energy '
funding sources. These items were included in the interview in order

to obtain a comprehensive picture of program funding patterns. This

42
information was considered to be highly useful for future energy program-
ming efforts.

The sixth and final issue area contained four items designed to
obtain a rough organizationalgprofile of the organizations in the sample
(items la-ld). These items obtained data concerning the respondents'
organizational levels, and the number of employees and/or members within
each organization, the categories of these employees and members, (i.e.,
the basic organizational structure), and the age of each organization.
These items were included to obtain data which could be used in a number
of exploratory analyses, testing for possible correlations between organi-
zational variables and other data points (such as types of conservation
programs housed within the organization, types of programs judged to be
effective, etc.).

Category coding systems. In order to interpret the issue area data,

 

five category coding systems were developed. These coding
systems were developed directly from the interview data by the project
director and three research assistants (the "category development team").
Due to the exploratory nature of the study, no attempt was made to predict
or preset the coding categories prior to the category development phase.

Following Warwick and Lininger (1975) the criteria listed below
were utilized in the development of categories:

(1) Categories were designed to be exhaustive. All data (barring
a few exceptions) were codeable within the coding systems.

(2) Categories were designed to be mutualLy exclusive. Data were
codeable with a high degree of inter-rater reliability.

(3) The categories were designed to provide useful information,

suited to the aims of the study.

43

The following procedures were used to apply these criteria to the
data and develop the various category coding systems: Twelve interview
tapes were selected for category development. (These tapes were judged
by the project director to be both representative of the data and rich
in terms of breadth and number of comments.) The project director and three
research assistants listened to three of the twelve tapes, and independ-
ently generated ideas for categories. The team then met to discuss their
categories. It became immediately apparent that issue areas I (Conser-
vation Programs) and III (Problems People Run Into When Trying To Conserve)
presented the greatest difficulty in terms of meeting the criteria for
category developmentcnnflined above, and it was decided to focus category
development efforts on these two issue areas. The team pilot-tested
five systems, using an iterative procedure involving independent genera-
tion of categories, team discussion of the categories, and preliminary
testing for reliability. The system which best satisfied all three
development criteria had the following five categories:

1 = Information, Knowledge, Awareness, Belief

2 = Planning, Regulation, Coordination, Leadership. Political Action

3 = Incentives to Encourage Conservation, Cost of Conservation
Actions

4 = Physical Fixes: Buildings, Vehicles, and Appliances

5 = Lifestyle Changes

A sixth category, entitled "Assistance: Programs/Problems Focused on the
Needy“ was later added, to handle a set of difficult-to-code responses
which later surfaced. This six-category system was labeled "Coding

System #1“. The codebook prepared by the category deve10pment team.

44

containing examples for each category and defining the conceptual boun-
daries between categories, appears in Appendix G.

Once this system was designed and piloted, it became evident that
the six categories could be used to code items from both issue area I
(Conservation Programs) and issue area II (Problems People Run Into
When Trying To Conserve). The System was applicable to both issue areas
since problems which impeded community energy conservation could be
reliably translated as "the lack of a (category x) program."

Following the development of this coding system, four additional
research assistants were trained to use the system. Training was accomp-
lished with practice tapes. All four coders then coded a final practice
tape, and an inter-coder reliability index was computed using Kendall's
Coefficient of Concordance (Siegel, 1956). A reliability coefficient of
W_= .91 resulted from this analysis. The coding choices were examined,
and the four coders were divided into two pairs (according to the cri-
terion of maximum agreement between pairs) to insure maximally reliable
coding teams. A random-order coding schedule was prepared, and the
coders proceeded to code items from issue areas I and III for all inter-
views. Throughout the coding schedule, a series of twelve reliability
checks were performed. Ten of these twelve checks exceeded .80
pair-wise percentage agreement), and the overall mean percentage agree-
ment was .84, with a mean of .857 for coder pair "A" and a mean of .821

for coder pair "B”.

45

The interpretation of responses to question 4b (the single item
in the issue area devoted to conservation strategies people have used)
required the development of a second coding system. The exact word-
ing of question 4b was as follows:

To what extent do you think people in the greater Lansing area

have really tried to conserve, in their homes, in their businesses,

and on the EQQQf-What strategies do you think people have used?
Consequently, the basic categorization of responses was in terms of
residential conservation, commerical and industrial conservation, and
transportation conservation. This basic categorization was further
refined following a review of the data to produce the following six
categories:

1 = Relatively Low Expense Residential Conservation

2 = Relatively High Expense Residential Conservation

3 = Commerical and Industrial Conservation (Building and Lots)

4 = Transportation Conservation

5 = Financial Incentives and Capital Availability Are Required

for Conservation

6 = Comment Reflects Respondent's Opinion About the Extent of

Conservation Effort (but is not codeable in categories 1 - 5)

46

This coding system was labeled Coding System #2, and a codebook
containing examples and definitions of conceptual boundaries was
developed by the project director (Appendix H). Three practice tapes
were used for training a pair of coders, and two practice tapes were
used to establish reliability. Percentage agreement coefficients for
these reliability checks were .714 and 1.00 respectively. A random-
order interview coding schedule was established and eight pair-wise
reliability checks were spaced evenly throughout the schedule. These
checks produced an overall percent agreement coefficient of .94, with
six of the eight checks producing 100% agreement between coders.

A third coding system was developed to interpret responses to item
7c (the single item in issue area IV, Appendix F'). This item elicited
from respondents the reasons for the effectiveness of those organizational
programs which respondents had rated as effective during the interview.

A review of the data produced the following categories for Coding System

#3:
1 = Practical Nature of Program
2 = Efficient Program Planning and General Functioning of Organi-
zation
3 = Financial Incentive
4 = Automatic Effectiveness Once Program is Implemented
5 = Appealing Nature of Program

Two coders were again trained on practice tapes, using a codebook
developed by the project director (Coding System #3, Appendix I). The
system was pilot tested for reliability, and percent agreement coeffi-

cient for two pilot tests were both 1.00. Again, a random coding

47

schedule was utilized, and ten reliability checks were performed during

coding.

The results of these checks indicated that system #3 was highly

reliable, with an overall mean percent-agreement coefficient of .93.

The fouriilcoding system was used to code responses to the three items

in issue area V (items Be - 3c) which were concerned with energy program

funding.

A review of the data produced the followingcategories for

interpreting these item responses:

 

 

 

Item 3a: Present Sources
1 = Federal Government
2 = State Government
3 = Local Government
4 = Federal Government (indirect funding; e.g. a grant involving
a funding chain from Federal to Local to Private Ageney)
5 = Self-Supporting (Profits, membership fees, etc.)
6 = Foundations and Other Private Sources External to the Organi-
zation
Item 36: Expectation for Continuation of Funding
1 = Yes
2 = Not Sure
3 = No
Item 3c: Other Possible Sources of Funding
1 = Federal Government

2 = State Government

3:
4:

Local Government
Federal Government (indirect funding; e.g. a grant involving

a funding chain from Federal to Local to Private Agency)

5 = Self-Supporting (Profits, membership fees, etc.)

48
6 = Foundations and Other Private Sources External to the
Organization

7 = Reallocate Existing Funds

The non-judgemental nature of responses to these items permitted
utilization of a single coder. Therefore, responses to items 3a - 3c
were coded by theeproject director, utilizing the above categories.

A random sample of three tapes were recoded after a nine week interval,
toicheck reliability. This recoding produced a percent-agreement coeffi-
cient of .86, indicating that the procedure satisfied an acceptable
reliability criterion.

The fifth and final coding system was used to code responses to
items Ia - 1d (issue area VI, "Organizational Profile", Appendix F).
The following categories were derived after examining the data:

Item 1a: Level of Rospondent

1 = Upper Level Management and/or Senior Member

2 = Middle-Level Management and/or Professional Staff

3 = Support Staff, Service Workers, "Line Operations", Sales, etc.

Item 1b: Number of Employees or Members

 

1 = Less than or equal to 10.
2 = More than 10, but less than or equal to 20.
3 = More than 20, but less than or equal to 50.
4 = More than 50.
Item 1c: Number of Categories for Employees or Members
1 = Less than or equal to 3.
2 = More than 3, but less than or equal to 5.

3 = More than 5.

49

Item 1d: Length of Time in Existence

 

= Less than or equal to 3 years.

More than 3 years, but less than or equal to 5 years.

More than 5 years, but less than or equal to 7 years.

More than 7 years, but less than or equal to 10 years.

1
2
3
4
5 More than 10 years, but less than or equal to 20 years.
6

More than 20 years.

In addition to these categories, two additional typologies were
used to complete the organizational profile, and were intended for the
fifth coding system. The first typology consisted of the original
seven organizational categories used to obtain the respondent sample
(listed on p. 35 above). The second typology was a dichotomous
system used to differentiate between "associations" (with large numbers
of relatively inactive members) and "organizations"(with relatively active
memberships). An example of an association would be the local realtor's
association, with a staff of less than 10 and a membership of over 200.
An example of an organization would be a planning department where all
members are active employees. However, this typology failed to

satisfy acceptable reliability criteria, and was abandoned.

Rating Scales. Three items from the interview protocol were not

 

amenable to category coding, and required instead the development of
rating scales for interpretation. The first of these items (4b)

was designed to obtain respondents' impressions concerning the extent
of conservation efforts in the greater Lansing area. Rating Scale #1,

a dichotomous scale (1 = Relatively High Level and/or Widespread Effort,
2 = Relatively Low Level Effort) was employed by two coders and twenty-

six reliability checks were spaced throughout the rating schedule, to

50

assess interfrater reliability. A mean percent-agreement coefficient of
.89 resulted from the reliability analyses.

Two additional items required rating scales for interpretation.
The first item concerned respondents' impressions with regard to the
importance of energy issues to their organizations (item 6a, Appendix E).
The second item was designed to obtain respondents' impressions of the
roles they expected their organizations to play in future energy prog-
ramming (item 6b, Appendix E). For item 6a, the following three point
rating scale was developed and utilized to score responses:

1==Very important to Important

2==Moderate1y Important and/or mixed Impressions

3= Not Very Important
Responses to item 6b were rated using the following three point scale:

1==Active, Initiating Programs

2 = Moderately Active

3==Not Very Active, Relatively Passive.

Again, 26 interviews were used for determining inter-rater reli-
ability for each scale. The results of these 26 checks indicated accept-
able reliabilities with percent-agreement coefficients of .81 and .85

emerging for scales #2 and #3, respectively.

Community Forums
m
Thirty-eight representatives from the community organizations which
constituted the organizational sample for the interview phase of the
study served as the sample for the community forum portion of the project.

These participants represented a total of 28 organizations. Two forum

51
sessions were conducted, and 19 organizational representatives attended
each session. Five organizations were represented at both forums.

Eleven of the 19 participants at the first forum and 8 of the 19 partici-
pants at the second forum had previously served as interview respondents.
The distribution of participants across the seven organizational

types appears in Appendix L. These distributions were comparable
across forums, and each organizational category was represented by at
least one participant at each forum.

In order to retain the diversity of perspectives on energy program-
ming characteristic of the interview portion of the research, a non-
random sampling method was again utilized for the selection of forum
participants. To obtain the sample, all interview respondents were
contacted by mail (Appendix M ) and invited to participate in either
forum session. Each organizational representative who volunteered to
participate also was asked to select a fellow employee or member who
shared an interest in energy issues to participate in the session not
attended by the respondent. Two weeks after the mailing, all respon—

dents received follow-up phone calls to confirm the forum arrangements.

Forum Procedure

The two community energy forums were sponsored by the Michigan
State University Center for Urban Affairs, a university-affiliated commu-
mity development organization. As stated in the letter sent to those
individuals who indicated their willingness to participate (Appendix N)
the two major objectives of the forum were: (1) to identify, discuss,
and prioritize the energy conservation program needs for the Lansing-
East Lansing community; and (2) to facilitate coordination and commun-

ication between organizations interested in energy programming.

52

In order to accomplish the first objective, the Nominal Group Tech-
nique, or NGT (Delbecq 8 Van de Ven, 1975) was utilized. The agendas
for the two forum sessions appear in Appendix 0.

Agenda activities 8, C, and 0 represented the NGT procedures.
These activities involved the independent generation of ideas concerning
energy programming by respondents, and the subsequent clarification and
prioritization of these ideas in small group sessions.

Responses obtained from activities 8 and C (independently
generated ideas concerning needed programs and services, and problems)
were elicited by the following items:

What do you see as the major needs of the greater Lansing area

with regard to energy programs and services; that is, what specific

programs and services could make conservation easier for people?

(These could be either public sector or private sector programs).

What problems do you think people are running into when they actually
try to conserve energy?

For activity 0 (the small group discussion of programs). partici-
pants were divided into three small groups. The composition of these
groups was prearranged to attain maximum organizational heterogeneity.
The groups were led by specially trained project team members. For each
small group, one team member served as a group facilitator, while the other
functioned primarily as a recorder.

The small group activities involved (in sequential order):

(1) round-robin presentations of participants' independently-generated
ideas for needed programs and the listing of these ideas on poster paper;
(2) non-evaluative clarification and discussion of these ideas by the
participants; and (3) the independent rating of each idea by the parti-
cipants, using the same five-point "importance" scale which had been

employed in the interview phase of the project.

53

A final instrument administered at the forums was a questionnaire
designed to measure respondents' awareness of various community energy
programs, the perceived degree of community utilization of these programs,
and respondents' assesment of program effectiveness. (This questionnaire
appears in Appendix P-

The remaining activities listed in the forum agenda were designed
to encourage networking and knowledge exchange among the organizational
representatives. Across both forums, varying activities were utilized
in an attempt to maximize informal communication about local energy issues

among participants.

ScoringoProcedures

 

Virtually all of the items used for the community forums were iden-
tical to the items from the key informant needs identification interview.
These items are identified in Appendix 0.

Responses to the first three items (B, C, and 01) were amenable
to coding. These were the two “idea generation" questions concerned
with needed programs and problems and the small group presentations of
the independently generated ideas for programs. (The independently generated
and poster-listed program ideas were both coded to assess the possibility
that small group processes might affect the individually generated
conceptions of needed programs.) Since the items which were used to
elicit ideas for programs and problems were identical to the previously
coded interview items, Coding System #1 (Appendix G ) which had been used
to code these interview items, was also used to code the forum responses.
The logistical procedures for coding were virtually identical to those
employed for coding the interview items, with only slight modifications

necessary to accomodate written, as opposed to taped data.

54
Two research assistants who had served as coders during the first

phase of data coding coded the forum data. For both independently gene-
rated and small group responses, inter-coder reliability was checked using
the percent agreement method described above. Results of these analyses
indicated acceptable reliability, with mean percent agreement figures of
.91 and .88 for independently generated and small group responses,
respectively.

With regard to respondents' ratings of small group program ideas
on the five point importance scale, each rating was recorded on a com-
puter scoring sheet, along with the category code for the rated idea,
to be used in subsequent data analyses.

Finally, responses to items on the Existing Conservation Programs
Questionnaire (Appendix P) were tallied and summed to obtain simple
response frequencies.

Demographic Data and Energy Directory

 

The demographic data discussed in the present study was obtained from
the Tri-County Planning Commission of South Central Michigan. Three
staff members generously gave of their time to make the data available
and to discuss their implications.

The Energy Programs and Services Directory was based on the responses
to item 2a (Appendix D) which obtained information concerning existing
energy conservation programs. This information was updated immediately
prior to preparation of the final draft by means of informal telephone

follow-up interviews with key informants.

CHAPTER III
RESULTS

Overview

The bulk of the data collected in the present study consisted of
responses to open-ended items. These responses were coded or rated
using empirically developed category systems. Response categories were
then aggregated to produce either nominal level frequenoy scores or
ordinal level rating scores. In general, nonparametric statistical
techniques were employed to analyze the frequency data. Parametric
methods were utilized to analyze rating scores.

One cautionary note is in order regarding the results of the sta-
tistical tests applied to these data. Since it was possible for
individuals to generate multiple responses to particular open—ended items,
the assumption of independent observations was consistently violated.
Hence, the results of statistical tests applied to these data should
be viewed cautiously. The use of statistical tests herein should be
considered as a heuristic device through which meaningful relatibnships
could be isolated from the large bodv of data collected in this studv.

Sample Characteristics
Interview Sample

The interview sample was highly skewed on nearly all descriptive

variables (Table 011- It was characterized by significantly

more males than females, x2(l) = 16.90, p_< .0001, and significantly
55

56
more upper and middle level organizational employees/members than
lower level employees/members, x2(2) = 14.27, p_< .001. More large
organizations were represented than middle-sized or small organizations,
x2(3) = 31.51, p_< .0001, and a significantly greater number of older
than younger organizations were represented in the sample, x2(5), = 19.00,
p.< .0020. However, different types of organizations (e.g., state govern-
ment, local government, private service, energy related businesses and
associations, etc.) were represented fairly equally in the sample,
x2(6) = 3.76, go.

With regard to the importance of energy issues to organizations, a
significantly greater number of informants reported energy conservation
to be highly important to their organizations, x2(2) = 34.07, p_< .0001,
and that they expected their organizations to play an active role in
energy programming in the future, x2(2) = 43.48, p_< .0001. In addition,
a significantly greater number of informants expected their energy funding
to be continued rather than discontinued, x2(2) = 50.38, p_< .0001.

With regard to the organizations' existing energy programs, planning
stage programs, and informants' ideas for new programs for the organiza-
tion, all three frequency distributions were highly skewed (x2(4) = 172.42,
p_< .OOl; x2(4) = 58.5, p_< .001; and x2(4) = 41.90, p_< .OOl, respec-
tively). As can be seen in Table 01, the preponderance of programs
coded as Information, Knowledge, Awareness, Belief and as Planning,
Regulation, Coordination, Leadership, and Political Action *was resPOOSTble
in all three distributions for the highly significant differences
between category frequencies.

Forum Sample

 

The only descriptive information obtained for the forum sample

concerned the sex of the participants and the types of organizations

57
which they represented (Table Q2). Significantly more men participated
in the forums than women, x?(l) = 5.16, p_<.0219. Just as in the
interview sample, different types of organizations were represented
fairly equally in the forum sample, x2(6) = 4.00, gs.
Energy Program Funding

An additional set of analyses concerned the funding sources
for the organizations sampled in the interview portion of the study.
Three interview items were used to obtain information concerning
sources of funding. In the first item (3a, Appendix D) informants
were asked to list the funding sources for present energy programs in
their organizations. The second item (3b, Appendix D) obtained infor-
mants' perceptions concerning the likelihood of the funding to continue,
while the third item (3c, Appendix 0) obtained informants' ideas
for other possible funding sources for their organizations.

These responses were coded using system #4 (p. 47). The results
showed most programs to be funded from independent sources (i.e.
self-supporting); indirect federal sources (e.g. Community Development
Block Grants, Department of Energy funds channeled through the state
energy office, etc.); direct federal sources; and state sources
(Table Q3). Far fewer programs were supported by local government
funding or by foundations. The differences between these category
frequencies were statistically significant,X2(5) = 18.71, oj<.01.

As reported above, a significantly greater number of informants
expected their energy funding to be continued rather than discontinued
(Table Q1). With regard to the analysis of the third item (3c), a'
category-coding system was used which was nearly identical to the

system used to code responses to item 3a. The system used to code

58
responses concerning other funding sources contained one additional
category (Reallocating Existing Funds). The distribution of these
responses was even more highly skewed than for item 3a,xz(6) = 77.13,
p_‘;.001 (Table Q3). As can be seen from this table, by far the greatest
proportion of responses were coded as suggesting either direct federal
or state funding as potential sources of support for the energy conser-
vation programs of the informants' organizations.

A final analysis was performed to determine from what sources
different types of organizations obtained their funding. These results
could not be analyzed using the chi-square statistic, since the expected
values for all but one of the joint frequencies were less than five
(Table Q4). Summarizing these results, it appears that state govern-
ment agencies obtain the most direct federal and state funding.

Local government agencies obtain their funding from direct and indirect
federal sources, state sources, and local sources. Utilities and energy-
related businesses and associations are primarily self-supporting as
well, but also receive indirect federal funding. Finally, educational
and research activities related to energy are for the most part supported

by direct and indirect federal funding and by state monies.

59

Needed Programs and Perceived Problems

 

Impeding Conservation

 

Interviews

 

Table 1 shows the frequency distributions of needed programs and
problems impeding conservation. The extremely low number of responses
coded in the Assistance to Needy category required that this category
be combined with another category prior to chi-square analyses (Siegel,
' 1956). Due to the conceptual similarity between this category and
Incentives-Costs, these two categories were collapsed to form a single
category for all chi-square analyses. However, both the combined and
1 original frequencies for these data are reported in the tables.

As shown in Table 1, a large proportion of comments pertaining to
program needs was coded as Information, Knowledge, Awareness, and Belief
(hereafter abbreviated as Knowledge-Awareness). Another heavily used
category was labeled as Planning, Regulation, Coordination, Leader-
ship and Political Action(hereafter abbreviated as Planning-Regulation).
This clustering of program needs produced statistically significant
differences among category frequencies,5(2 (4) = 125.99, p_< .0001.

The distribution of comments concerning problems impeding conservation
showed a similar pattern (Table 1). However, note that more comments

were coded as related to Incentives-Costs and Lifestyle Change in the
problems data set compared to the data set for needed programs.

A chi-square test again revealed significant differences between category
frequencies, x2(4) = 46.61, p < .0001. The rank-order correlation '
between these two distributions (needed programs and problems impeding

conservation) was high but not statistically significant, = .77.

:5

60
EXPLANATORY NOTES: FORMAT FOR TABLES 1 - 11

Tables 1 - 11 and Table 16 all utilize the same format. Due to the
complexity of this format, the following notes are included to assist the
reader.

1. Identifyipg collapsed rows and columns: In order to identify

 

for the reader the rows and colums which have been collapsed for the pur-

poses of the chi-square analyses, the identifying number of each row or

column whose values have been combined with the values of another row or

column appears within parentheses, preceded by a "plus" sign (+). This

follows the identifying number of the row or column to which the values

have been added.

Examples:

1 (+6). This notation means that the values of column 6 have been added
to the corresponding values of column 1.

#3 (+#6). This notation means that the values of row #6 have been added

to the corresponding values of row #3.

2. Identifying specific modified values: To identify specific

 

values which have been modified, each original value is followed by the

modified value, in parentheses.

Example:

12 (14). This notation means that the original value 12 has been modified
to 14, for the purpose of the chi-square analysis.

3. Percentage values: Below each frequency value within the table

 

is a percentage value, which represents the column percentage of that

 

value. Below each marginal frequenoy value also appears a percentage

value, which represents column percentages for row marginals and row

 

percentages for column marginals. (Column percentages d0 "0t appear in

61
Table 1 and Table 2).

4. Additional information: The specific row and column combina-

 

tions for each table are summarized at the bottom of the table, with

any additional relevant information also included.

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62

 

 

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63

To further explore the relationship between perceptions of program
needs and perceptions of problems impeding conservation, a two-way (2 x 5)
chi-square was performed to compare the distributions. The significant
result of this test (x2(4) = 49.94, p_< .0001) indicated a difference
between the patterns of the two distributions. An examination of the
frequencies (Table 1) suggested that this difference was due to the
higher proportion of comments related to Incentives-Costs and Lifestyle
Change in the distribution of problems impeding conservation.
59m:

Recall that perceptions of program needs and problems impeding con-
servation obtained in the community forums were collected on two separate
occasions (April 3 and April 10, 1980). To determine if these data could
be combined for the purpose of statistical analysis, responses from the
two forums were compared using correlational techniques.

With regard to responses concerning problems impeding conservation,
the rank-order correlation of responses from the first forum with those

of the second forum was significant = .89, p_< .05. A similar cor-

’35
relational analysis performed on the needed program responses obtained

during the small group sessions also proved significant, = .98,

55
p_< .05. The correlation of the needed program responses obtained before
the small group sessions ("independently generated" responses) from the
first forum with those of the second forum was also quite high, 5% = .80.
However, this latter correlation did not attain the traditional .05 level
of significance. The magnitude of these three correlations indicated

that pooling the results from the two forum meetings would be appropriate.

64

Since the forum sample included both participants who had been
previously interviewed, as well as participants who had not been inter-
viewed, correlational analyses were also conducted to determine whether
these data could be pooled. Correlations were again uniformly high
(35 = 1.0, rs = .89, and rs = .80, for problems impeding conservation,
small group program needs, and independently generated program needs,
respectively). Based on these results, the data obtained from inter-
viewed and non-interviewed participants were combined for subsequent
analyses.

Table 2 shows that the distributions of responses concerning needed
programs and problems impeding conservation in the forum data set
exhibited similar patterns to the results obtained from the interviews.
Just as in the interviews, much greater proportions of responses were
coded as Information-Awareness and Planning-Regulation (for both forum
methods of recording program needs, "independent" and "small group").
In addition, the forum responses concerning problems impeding conserva-
tion were also coded for the most part in the Information-Awareness,
Planning-Regulation, and Incentives-Costs categories (Table 2). With
regard to comparisons between needed program responses and problem
responses obtained in the forums, both frequency distributions were
ordered similarly, I; = .89, p_< .05, corresponding to the interview
results. Also corresponding to the interview data set, there was a sig-
nificant 2 x 5 chi-square between the program and problem category dis-
tributions, indicating that the patterns of these distributions were.
different, x2(4) = 10.99, p_= .0268. An examination of the frequency
data (Table 2) revealed this difference to be due to greater homo-
geneity among problem category frequencies than among program category

frequencies.

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66

Relationships Between Perceptions of
Needed Programs and Problems Impeding
Conservation with Organizational
And Informant Characteristics

 

Needed Programs

 

In order to determine whether informants' perceptions of needed
programs were related to various characteristics of informants or
their organizations, a series of two-way chi-square analyses were per-
formed. Each of these chi-square matrices crossed the levels of an organ-
izational or informant characteristic with the needed program response
categories (see Table 3-6). Expected values for the levels of the
demographic characteristics were preset, according to the proportional
representation of each level in the sample.

These chi—square analyses revealed several significant relationships
between certain organizational and informant characteristics with the
types of energy programs perceived to be needed. Specifically, infor-
mants mentioned different types of programs if they were from different
types of organizations (Table 3), x2(l6) = 37.01, p_= .0030; if they were
from large organizations rather than middle-sized or small organizations
(Table 4), x2(8) = 24.20, p_= .0030; if they were from older rather than
younger organizations (Table 5), x2(l6) = 49.36, p_= .0001; and if they
perceived that their organization was likely to play an active role in
the energy area in the future (Table 6), x2(4) = 12.26, p_= .0160. No
significant differences were obtained for informants according to sex,
organizational job/task level, number of categories of employees/members
in the organization (an index of bureaucratization) or the importance
which they perceived energy issues to have for their organization at the

present time. Also, informants who perceived a greater extent of

67
conservation effort in the community did not differ from those who per-
ceived a lesser extent with regard to their perceptions of program needs.

Problems Impeding Conservation

 

Two-way chi-square analyses were again performed on the relationships
between informants' perceptions of problems impeding conservation and the
various informant and organizational characteristics. Expected values
for informant and organizational characteristics were preset as in the
previous program analyses. Again, several organizational characteristics
proved to be significant. Interestingly, four of the five significant
characteristics in these problems analyses were also significant in the
previous needed programs analyses. These were: type of organization
(Table 7), x2(16) = 38.94, p;=,0020; number of employees/members (Table 8),
x2(12) = 27.81, p_= .0070; age of the organization (Table 9), x2(20) =
41.83, p_= .0040; and the expected future role of the organization
(Table 10), x2(8) = 20.74, p_ = .0090. The degree of bureaucratization
(operationalized as the number of categories of employees/members
identified by the informant) had not proved to be a significant factor
for program needs, but was significant for responses concerning problems
(Table 11)- x2(3) = 41.78. p, = .00002. Coreesponding to the needed
programs data set, no significant differences in perceived problems were
obtained as a function of informant's sex, organizational job/task level,
the importance of energy programs for the organization, or for differences
in the perceived extent of conservation effort in the community.

Importance Ratings of Program Needs and
Problems Impeding_Conservation

Respondents' ratings of their own responses on a five-point impor-

tance scale (1 = important, 5 = not very important) were recorded for

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71

 

 

 

 

 

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73

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74

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75

 

 

 

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76

 

 

 

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77
three items: (1) perceived problems impeding conservation obtained
during the interviews; (2) perceived program needs obtained during the
interviews; and (3) perceived program needs obtained at the conclusion
of the community forum small group sessions. The "responses" which
informants rated during the interviews were actually the interviewer's
summary restatements of the informants' open-ended responses regarding
needed programs and problems impeding conservation. Therefore, to check
for possible bias on the part of the interviewer in summarizing or
restating these responses, the restated responses were correlated with
the informants' original responses. For both needed programs and
problems impeding conservation, the correlations between restatements
and original responses were high and statistically significant ([5 = .89,
p_< .05, and:5 = 1.00, p_< .01, for needed program and problem responses,
respectively). These results indicated acceptable reliability for the
interviewer restatement procedure.

Each set of importance ratings (interview problems, interview program
needs, and forum program needs) was analyzed using a three condition one-
way analysis of variance. In each analysis, the category coding groups
of Infermation-Awareness, Planning-Regulation, and Incentives-Costs served
as cells of the design. (The Physical Fix and Lifestyle Change categories
were excluded from these analyses since they were utilized so infrequently
by respondents.)

For the problems and needed program importance ratings obtained
during the interviews, no significant differences emerged from the analyses
of variance. ,A significant f_ value did result from the analysis of the
forum needed program importance ratings, f(2,308) = 3.87, p <;.02

(Table 12). A Scheffe multiple range test ( Nie, Hull, Jenkins.

78

Table 12

Analysis of Variance:
Needed Program Importance Ratings

 

 

Forum Results (Small Group Ratings)

 

1. Summary Table

Source of flS_ f_ p_
Between Groups 2 2.6951 3.868 .0219
Within Groups 308 .6968

 

11. Mean Importance Ratings as a Function of Coding Categories

 

 

 

 

Information- Planning-
Categories Awareness Regulation Incentives
Means 1.85 2.12 2.06

Number of
Responses .31 146 34

 

 

79

Steinbrenner & Bent, 1975) revealed a significant difference between
the ratings for Information-Awareness and Planning-Regulation at the .05
level, but no other contrasts were significant. Information-Awareness
programs were rated as more important than Planning-Regulation programs
(Table 12).

To determine the relationship between interview and forum ratings
of needed programs, a two-way (method x coding category) analysis of
variance was performed on the respective importance ratings. This analy-
sis revealed a significant main effect for data collection methods,
f(l,613) = 38.30, p_< .001 (Table 13). In general, forum participants
ranked programs as less important than did interview informants. The
analysis of variance also revealed a weak method by category interaction,
F(4,613) = 2.29, p_= .508. Scheffe tests performed on these simple
effects indicated that differences contributing to the interaction were
most pronounced between forum and interview ratings of the Planning-
Regulation and Physical Fix responses. As a final point of comparison,
the relative homogeneity of rating scores between interview and forum
methods was analyzed using Levene's test (Keppel, 1973). Interview pro-
gram need ratings proved to be more homogeneous across content categories
then forum program need ratings, [(1,8) = 17.41, p_< .01.

Individual Responses vs. Group Reoponses:
Needed Programs and Problems

 

In order to assess the effects of group influence on the generation
of ideas for needed programs and problems impeding conservation, several
correlational analyses were performed. In the first set of analyses,
needed programs and problem response frequencies obtained by the inter-
view were correlated with the independently generated program and problem

responses obtained in the forums. These two correlations were both

80

Table 13

Analysis of Variance
Needed Program Importance Ratings

 

 

METHOD

Interview x Forum Results

 

1. Summary Table

Source g:_ ‘MS _E .p

Main Effect 5 5.893 9.549 .001

Coding Category 4 1.070 1.718 .144

Method (i.e.. 1 23.865 38.303 .001
interviews
vs. forum)

Interaction 4 1.427 2.291 .058

Explained Variance 9 3.908 6.273 .001

Residual Variance 613 .623

 

II. Mean Importance Ratings as a Function of Method and Need Program
Coding Categories

 

 

 

 

CATEGORIES
Information- Planning- Physical Lifestyle
Awareness Regulation Incentives Fix Change
Y' N_ 7' N 7' N 7' N 7' N

Interview 1.16 117 1.53 108 1.64 39 1.74 27 1.47 15

Forum 1.85 131 2.12 146 2.06 34 3.00 3 1.00 3

 

 

81

significant (rs = 1.0, p_< .01, and r5 = .94, p_< .01, for needed pro-
grams and problems, respectively). These results indicated strong simi-
larity between the patterns of responses generated by the two "individual"
methods (interviews and forum independent idea generation).

The second comparison was performed between the independently
generated and small-group generated ideas obtained at the forums (prob—
lems were not discussed by the small groups). A rank-order correlation
of r5 = 1,0, p_< .01 emerged, indicating that independently generated
needs were highly correlated with needs identified in the small groups.

Finally, a comparison was performed between the individually gener-
ated needs obtained in the interviews and the forum small group needs. A

Spearman correlation of = 1.0, p_< .01 was obtained.

r5

The above rank-order analyses suggest that individual and group
generated response frequencies for both needed programs and problems
impeding conservation were highly similar.

Program Effectiveness Ratings and
Reasons for Effectiveness

 

 

Program Effectiveness

 

To obtain an assessment of informants' perceptions of the effective-
ness of energy programs, informants were asked to rate the effectiveness
of current or recently terminated energy programs in their own
organizations (item 7b, Appendix D). For these ratings, a five-point
scale was utilized (1 = Extremely Effective, 2 = Very Effective,

3 = Moderately Effective, 4 = Somewhat Effective, 5 = Not at All Effec-
tive). Informants were also asked to indicate their degree of certainty
concerning these judgements. These responses were also obtained on a
five point scale (1 = Extremely Certain, 2 = Very Certain, 3 = Moderately

Certain, 4 = Somewhat Certain, 5 = Not at All Certain).

82

These data were then analyzed in two steps. First, a weighted

average was computed for each pair of effectiveness-certainty ratings.

The formula for this computation was E E C , with E = effectiveness

 

rating, and C = certainty rating. The computation thus enabled the
weighting of each effectiveness rating by the felt certainty of the
informant concerning his/her rating.

In the second step, a one-way, four condition analysis of variance
was performed to determine if different types of programs differed in
rated effectiveness. Due to the lack of a sufficient number of responses,
two content categories were dropped from this analysis (Lifestyle Change
and Assistance to Needy). The remaining four categories constituted the
cells of the design. The analysis of variance indicated significant
differences between the judged effectiveness of different program types,
[(3, 157) = 6.445, p_= .0004 (Table 14). A Scheffé multiple range pro-
cedure (Nie, Hull, Jenkins, Steinbrenner, & Bent, 1975) indicated that
significant differences in effectiveness ratings occurred between
Information-Awareness and Incentive programs and also between Physical
Fix and Incentive programs. With regard to the ordering of the mean
effectiveness rating scores, Physical Fix programs were rated as most
effective, followed by Information-Awareness, Planning-Regulation, and
Incentive Programs.

Reasons for Effectiveness

 

The second interview item which addressed the issue of program
effectiveness obtained informants' perceptions of the reasons for the
effectiveness of those programs which they had rated as effective.

The data for this item were not subjected to statistical analyses

due to the lack of a sufficient number of joint frequencies (matrix

83

Table 14

Analysis of Variance:
Needed Program Certainty-Weighted Effectiveness Ratings

 

 

I. Summary Table

Source of MS f_ p_
Between Groups 3 2.1511 6.445 .0004
Within Groups 157 .3338

 

II. Mean Certainty-Weighted Effectiveness Ratings as a Function of
Coding Categories

 

 

 

 

Information- Planning- Physical
Categories Awareness Regulation Incentives Fix
Means 2.23 2.33 2.78 2.00

Number of
Responses 74 51 50 18

 

 

84

cells) whose expected value exceeded five. (Of a total of twenty joint
frequencies in the chi-square matrix [which crossed categories of reasons
for effectiveness with categories of programs coded as effective], only
four joint frequencies had expected values greater than five.) However,
the direction of the results is apparent from an examination of the
response percentages. As shown in Table 15, three-fourths of the reasons
were coded as either related to the Practical Nature of the Program

or to the Efficient Program Planning and General Functioning

of the Organization. Furthermore, of the programs rated as effective,
44% had been coded as Information-Awareness programs, while 34% were
Planning-Regulation programs. Of the reasons given for the effectiveness
of Information-Awareness programs, 50% were related to the Practical
Nature of the Program, and 30% were categorized as Efficient Program
Planning and General Functioning of the Organization. On the other

hand, of the reasons given for the effectiveness of Planning-Regulation
programs, 33% were related to the Automatic Effectiveness of the Program
Once the Program is Implemented, and 33% pertained to the Effective
Program Planning and General Functioning of the Organization.

Perceived Extent of Local Conservation Efforts
and Strategies People Have Used to Conserve

Item 4b.I (Appendix D ) elicited informants' perceptions concerning
the extent of local conservation efforts. Responses were coded dichoto-
mously (1 = relatively high level and/or widespread effort, 2 = relatively
low level and/or not widespread effort). Chi-square analyses revealed
that the key informant sample was fairly evenly divided in its opinions
concerning the extent of local conservation efforts, x2(l) = 2.05, gs,
with 24 responses coded as high level and 35 responses coded
as low level. Also, as reported above, two-way chi-square analyses

revealed that informants who perceived a greater extent of conservation

85

Table 15

Perceived Reasons for Effectiveness of Programs

 

 

 

 

Number of Percent of

Reasons for Effectiveness Responses Total Responses
Practical Nature of Program 24 34%
Efficient Program Planning 22 31%

and General Functioning of

Organization
Financial Incentive 7 10%
Automatic Effectiveness Once 13 1 %

Program is Implemented
Appealing Nature of Program 5 7%

 

100%

 

 

86

did not differ from other informants in their responses concerning needed
programs or responses concerning problems impeding conservation.

Item 4b2 (Appendix D ) obtained informants' perceptions concerning
strategies used locally to conserve. Coding system #2 (p. 45) was
used to code these responses. A two-way chivsquare analysis (strategies
by perceived extent) was performed to determine if respondents' percep-
tions concerning strategies were related systematically to their percep-
tions of the extent of conservation efforts in the community. These
results approached significance, X2(5) = 9.91, p.= .0781. However, as
shown in Table 16, This difference is probably not meaningful. The
difference which appears to account for the majority of the variance
stems from the high frequency of comments reflecting respondents' opinions
about the extent of conservation efforts, rather than specific strategies
RSENEE-

ExistingoEnergy Conservation Programs Questionnaire

This questionnaire (Appendix P ) was administered to participants
at both.community forums. The purpose of the questionnaire was twofold:
(l) to pilot-test the questionnaire for other research, in terms of
feasibility of administration, clarity of instructions, acceptability of
format, etc.; and (2) to obtain preliminary data from a small sample
of relatively well informed community residents concerning the extent
of familiarity with and reported effectiveness of the most visible
community energy conservation programs. No difficulties arose in the
administration of the questionnaire, and it was therefore considered
to be an acceptable data gathering instrument for later program planning
purposes. The data collected at the forums were not subjected to

statistical analyses, but were simply tallied and summed (Appendix P).

87

Table 16

Strategies Used to Conserve by Perceived Extent of Conservation

 

 

gen

High Level Low Level

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and/or and/or
Strategies Widespread Not Widespread

#1. Low Expense Residential 21 23 44
18.8 17.6 18.1

#2. High Expense Residential 24 18 42
21.4 13.7 17.3

#3. Commercial and Industrial 5 1 7
5.4 1 0.8 2.9

#4. Transportation 19 1 20 39
17.0 i 15.3 16.0

#5. Financial Incentives, and 19 1 28 47
Capital are Required 17.0 g 21.4 19.3

#6. Comment Reflects Opinions ‘ 23 i 41 64
on Extent 20.5 g 31.3 26.3

112 131 243
46.1 53.9 100.0

 

Expected values were not preset.

One-way chi-square (strategies) Two-way chi-square (Strategies x Extent)

 

 

x2 = 44.63 x2 = 9.91
o=5 .£=5
p_< .0001 p_= .0781

 

 

88

Demographic Data and Energy Directory

 

These data and the Energy Directory are presented in Appendices
R-V and Appendix W. Due to the qualitative nature of these results,

they are reviewed in the following chapter.

CHAPTER IV

DISCUSSION

Perceived Energy Conservation Program Needs

One of the major findings of the present study concerned the pat-
tern of perceived needs for energy conservation programs in the community.
Clearly, the informants sampled in the present study emphasized the need
for programs which would provide information about energy conservation
and would increase "energy awareness" in the community. Informants also
frequently mentioned new programs or modifications of existing programs
which would involve improvements in planning, regulation, coordination;
leadership, and political action activities.

Some of the Information-Awareness program needs which were mentioned
most frequently were the following:

(1) Systematic dissemination of practical information, by using
local energy directories, information clearinghouses, and telephone
"hotlines". For example, one informant remarked that "price lists should
be maintained of standard energy conservation items, with comparisons among
suppliers. It could be like a consumer market type of thing".

(2) Public relations approaches. As one informant claimed, "there
are lots of good things going on, but nobody knows about them . . . .

We need more public service announcements, regular newspaper how-to-do-it
columns . . . ."

(3) Hands-on demonstrations and workshops. For example, several

informants suggested constructing solar greenhouses using the "hands-on"

89

90

workshop approach, and then using the greenhouses for public tours.
(This type of project was actually in effect at the time of the inter-
views, sponsored by a local energy action organization, Urban Options
of East Lansing).

(4) Residential energy audits (home inspections). A number of in-
formants expressed the need for such programs. Several informants sug-
gested that local organizations, such as neighborhood associations or
church groups, could train their members to do audits in their neighbor-
hoods. This would provide a low-cost, easily coordinated service, and
would enhance the "sense of community" and trust in the energy auditors.

(5) Programs providing information on product safety, and quality
of workmanship and construction. A number of informants expressed con-
cern about "rip-offs" with shoddy construction and installation, faulty
manufacture, generally dangerous devices, etc. Some informants expressed
this concern in terms of increased information, while others called for
more and better regulation.

(6) Integration of energy education into existing formal education
settings. A number of informants suggested better utilization of public
school and college programs. According to one informant, "we could have
lots of kid projects . . . they could do block surveys, like how many
houses had snow on the roof [indicating sufficient insulation] or had
all their storm windows up. . . . Teachers could publicize what they
found."

(7) Information on incentive and assistance programs. For example,
one informant noted that "it's just crazy that with a 55% tax credit for
solar in this state, more people don't do something . . . . Why don't

we hear about programs like that?"

91

With regard to programs involving planning, regulation, coordination,
leadership, and political action, the following examples illustrate infor-
mants' concerns:

(1) Planning: "All the programs are surface programs where the gov-
ernment can point to and say 'aha, we saved energy right there . . . we
need to make investments in the things that need to be done over the long
run, like land-use planning and building designs."

(2) Regulation: "Two years ago Indiana cut back on its energy use
25% . . . our area in Michigan . . . did not put any teeth into asking the
heavy users to make any significant cutback." And, ". . . local building
codes right now are a bare minimum. . . we need something better."

(3) Coordination: "A lot of agencies. . . go off in separate di-
rections . . . a person might go to six offices where he might be better
served by going to one." And, ". . . it seems like everybody's reinvent-
ing the wheel . . . for every program there must be ten trying to do
the same thing, then some of them die out and new ones pop up."

(4) Leadership: "1 would think we don't have what we need higher
up in the state . . . some of these energy offices have a new director every
couple of months. . . we need some consistency in the programs, a long-
term view."

(5) Political Action: " If everybody would get together and stand
up to the oil companies, they wouldn't be able to raise prices so fast."
And, ". . . we need some kind of citizen intervenor in the rate cases,

so the consumer can have a voice in what's going on."

92

Perceptions of Problems Impeding Conservation

 

A second major finding concerns informants' perceptions of problems
which currently impede conservation. Although the frequency distributions
of comments pertaining to needed programs and problems impeding conservation
were ordered somewhat similarly (r5 = .77, ps, andr5 = .89, p_ .05, for
interview and forum data, respectively), chi-square tests revealed sig—
nificant differences between the patterns of programs and problems for
both interview and forum data sets. As shown in Tables 1 and 2, these
differences can be summarized in terms of the greater homogeneity of com-
ments across categories in the frequency distributions of problems, as
compared to the distributions of programs. Also evident in these tables
is the fact that this difference in homogeneity is due to the greater
use of the Incentives-Costs and the Lifestyle Change categories in cod-
ing problems, as contrasted with needed programs.

In considering the possible explanations for the greater salience
of Lifestyle Change and Incentives-Costs for problems rather than programs,
the concept of program feasibility plays a central role. First, programs
which directly address lifestyle changes (e.g. forced car-pooling, strict
enforcement of thermostat set-backs, banning less durable goods in the
market) are frequently perceived as alien to a democratic society.

However, the perception that energy conservation involves individual,
non-programmatic lifestyle change is-currently popular and hardly'controversial.

By the same token, although high energy costs are readily perceived
as a problem, the feasibility of implementing incentive programs was

questioned by many informants. For example, several informants

explicitly stated that they would rather see the "free market" provide

incentives for conservation rather than specific government programs.

93

And, others mentioned the difficulty of implementing incentive programs
at the local level. Conversely, activities related to information dissem-
ination and improvements in planning and regulation are readily seen as
areas for program development.

Although the reasons for conceptualizing programs in different con-
texts than problems are apparent, it should be noted that these differing
contexts for program vs. problem conceptualizations in themselves present

obstacles to effective local programming. In other words, if the problems

 

related to lifestyle changes and incentives are aspprevalent as indicated

by informants, then it would seem adviseable for planners to address

 

the difficult task of designinggprograms which deal directly with such
when.

Clearly, many informants held expectations that increasing infor-
mation and awareness would lead fairly automatically to lifestyle changes.
Unfortunately, there is a considerable body of research which describes
the general failure of "information only" approaches in increasing con-
servation behaviors (Shippee, 1980; Winett & Neale, 1979). And,
although.planning and regulation activities are likely to provide sup-
portive infrastructures for conservation, there is considerable evidence
that infrastructure support is necessary but not sufficient for increas-
ing conservation behaviors (e.g. Becker, Seligman, & Darley, 1979).

It is likely, therefore, that the problems relating to Incentives-Costs
and Lifestyle Change which were identified by informants need to be
directly addressed by innovative program solutions. Examples of such
solutions suggested by informants include the following:

"How about having a list of neighborhood conservation homes sent

out with utility bills, so people could visit their neighbors. . .

94

Homeowners could be given a discount on their utility bills to show
their neighbors around their energy-efficient homes."

"Landlords need tax abatements for conservation. . . their property
tax assessments should have special exceptions for conservation. . . we
can't have them paying more for doing a good job."

"Utilities should put their low-cost capital to further conservation

. for example, there could be a purchase-lease deal worked out where
money could be borrowed by the utility to buy co-generation equipment,
and the equipment could be leased to utility customers."

"Wichita supports a zero-interest insulation finance plan. . .
why not Lansing?"

The above comments are but a few of the many suggestions offered
by informants for innovative programs. A more in-depth understanding
of the specific concerns of informants related to Incentives-Costs and
Lifestyle Change problems is provided by the following passages:

"People are conserving in energy units, but their bills are in-
creasing. . . it's just demoralizing."

"Being such a mobile society . . . they look at it as 'why should
I do it now [insulate, weatherize, etc.] when I'll be moving soon."

"I live in a place where heat is included in the rent . . . these
people aren't dialing down . . . they think, why should they, someone
else pays for it."

“We're not exactly poor, but we can't afford, say, new storm windows,
and we don't qualify for the government poverty guidelines."

"You've got a long payback period, you need capital up front, and
money's hard to get these days."

“You talk to two builders, one says 'I built that home real energy-

95

efficient . . . but that's all covered up. The person coming down
the street, it's the mortgage payments that count . . . there‘s no way
of knowing the difference in value.'"

Although we have thus far stressed the dimensions of Incentives~
Costs and Lifestyle Change in this section (reflecting the greater
use of these categories in coding "problem“ responses compared to
"needed program“ responses) it should be recalled that the data rev
vealed roughly equivalent concern for problems related to Information-
Awareness and Planning, Regulation, Coordination, Leadership, and
Political Action (Tables 1 and 2). To provide.a more inedepth under-
standing, the following comments illustrate various problems related to
Information, Knowledge, Awareness, and Belief:

"There's no incentive to teach energy in schools, since the push
is big now for basic skills . . . teachers say, 'we don‘t have time
for standard science, how can we teach energy?*"

"If you say to a person, 'you could get an energy audit for $50',
they say that's a lot of money, but most of them don't realize they could
recoup that in less than a year."

"Some people don't even have the basic skills for caulking a house
or weatherstripping a door."

"The kids get conflicting messages . . . we tell them one thing in
school, they go home and their parents say it's a bunch of hogwash . . .
it's all the fault of the politicians, the oil companies, or whoever."

"Everyone has his or her tack on the problem, with little overview
. . . the problem is really the definition of the problem . . . the
whole energy business is seen as an electricity problem, because we

think of energy as wires running into our house . . but specifically,

96

.flflEEE.d° we need to conserve? We don't need to conserve . . . energy
as a whole . . . we need to conserve petroleum . . .use lower-grade
sources for space heating, that kind of thing."

"It's an interconnected systems kind of question . . . people
tend to reduce it to funny little things and get confused about what
to do."

"Utilities say, lsure, conserve, but that's not enough'. People
are confused about what to do."

"It's developing so fast with new products all the time, that one
day I can tell a person that the best thing you could do to your basement
would be furring strips and styrofoam sheeting, the next day I can find
out that there's a spray-on product . . . that's cheaper."

Turning to the comments involving Planning, Regulation, Coordination,
Leadership, and Political Action, the following are illustrative:

"N.E.C.P.A. [ National Energy Conservation Policy Act, the recently
adopted Federal conservation law] has a three-tiered auditing program,
local governments, schools, and hospitals . . . no reason for something
that complex . . . we could do it with a simple program."

"Local governments haven't come close to doing anything because
they haven't felt enough pressure from their constituents . . .and
when they have felt the pressure, they pass the buck to the Federal
government. Everybody's still fingervpointing . . .'it's your fault',
'no, it's your fault'".

"Our biggest problem is getting Federal dollars down to the local
level . . . that's the biggest problem government faces." I

"The Federal government has been mandating more and more requirements

. the cost of one of these new busses is $122,000 apiece, of course

97

bus fares are going up . . . we'll be lucky to keep mass transit going."

"I could ride a bike, but there’s no bike path . . . I was hit by a
car once riding a bike, and I don't want to risk that againi"

"These furnace guys buy a boxcar load of 100,000 BTU furnaces . . .
you could buy a 75,000 BTU instead, which would be adequate . , . but
it's a slow process since so many oversized units are in stock."

"Everytime we look left or right we've got environmental problems
and I think they all have to be addressed, not a specific one [i.e. just
energy, in isolation] because it's always 'catch-up game, band—aid
fixes' when we do that."

"Somehow we've got to live together . . . anytime we polarize,
nothing happens . . . it's easy to criticize, but it's much more difficult
to resolve problems. . . we have to have a total look at things."

These comments reflect the serious concerns of community leaders,
energy activists, and other concerned individuals with problems impeding
conservation. Earlier, their ideas for needed programs were illustrated.
To summarize a central theme running throughout these comments, the two
dimensions of program needs and problems impeding conservation clearly
overlap. However, as evident both from an examination of these verbatim
comments and from the statistical analyses summarized in the previous
discussion, the dimensions of program needs and problems impeding con-
servation appear to be sufficiently independent to warrant separate
and equal attention in future energy conservation needs assessments.

Organizational and Informant Characteristics
Two types of analyses of organizational and informant characteristics

were performed in this study. The first type consisted of one-way chi-

square analyses of each characteristic. The second type involved two-

98

way chi—square analyses in which levels of each characteristic were
crossed with response categories to determine if differences on charac-
teristics were associated with differences in response patterns.

The first set of analyses revealed that the sample was highly
skewed on most characteristics. In other words, different levels of
most characteristics were disproportionately represented in the sample.
In sum, there were more men than women, more upper and middle-level
employees/members than lower-level employees/members, more large than
middle-sized or small organizations, and a greater number of older than
younger organizations represented in the sample. With regard to the
importance of energy issues to organizations, a significantly greater num-
ber of informants reported energy conservation to be highly important
to their organizations, and that they expected their organizations to
play an active role in energy programming in the future. And, a sig—
nificantly greater number of informants expected their energy funding
to be continued in the future rather than discontinued.

However, it should be noted that the skewed nature of these dis-
tributions were a direct result of the purposive sampling method employed.

In essence, these differences provide evidence for the successful employo

ment of the method. For example, organizations were selected according to
their likely involvement in energy programming, and informants were mem-
bers of these organizations who had indicated their interest in local energy
issues. Therefore, it is not surprising that a significant number of in-
formants reported that their organizations considered energy to be a highly
important issue to their organizations. And, the greater

proportion of senior level employees/members perhaps reflects the greater

visibility of their interests in the organization. It should also be

99

noted that the fairly even distribution of different types of organiza-
tions (occuring in both interview and forum samples) indicates that the
purposive sampling procedure successfully resulted in the selection of
a broad cross-section of community organizations.

In the second set of these analyses several significant relation—
ships between organizational and informant characteristics and the re-
sponse categories utilized by informants emerged. These significant re-
lationships occured in both the needed program and problem data sets.
Specifically, informants mentioned divergent programs and problems if
they were from organizations differing on the dimensions of type, size,
age, and expected future role in the energy area. Degree of bureaucrat-
ization proved to be a distinguishing characteristic in the case of the
problems data set, but not for the programs data.

In general, no clear patterns characterized the relationships
between specific levels of organizational or informant characteristics
with the needed program responses category frequencies. However, some
specific observations were of interest. For example, although all types
of organizations clearly stressed Information-Awareness and Planning-
Regulation programs, informants from state government and private service
organizations were relatively more sensitive than other informants to
needs for Incentives. In contrast, informants from utilities and citizen
action organizations perceived relatively greater needs for Physical Fix
programs. Citizen action groups also emphasized Planning-Regulation
programs to a greater degree than other organizations. With regard to
the age of organizations in the sample, a curvilinear relationship was
obtained. That is, both the oldest and youngest organizations emphasized

the Information-Awareness and Planning-Regulation categories, while

100

informants from middle-aged organizations distributed their comments more
evenly among categories. Concerning the relationship between the per-
ceived future role of the organization in the energy area and perceived
program needs, informants who expected their organizations to play a more
active role placed fairly equal emphasis on Information—Awareness and
Planning-Regulation, while less active organizations emphasized Incentives
and Information-Awareness programs more than would be expected.

The relationships between problem responses and specific levels
of organizational and informant characteristics were also characterized
by the lack of a coherent conceptual pattern. However, there were some
specific relationships of interest. Some of the most noteworthy
comparisons occurred between the response patterns of the needed programs
vs. the problems data set. For example, state government informants per-
ceived a much smaller proportion of problems than needed programs to be
related to Planning-Regulation. This was also the case for informants
from utilities and energy-related businesses, but no others. Also,
while informants from local government offices and private service or-
.ganizations perceived a strong need for Information-Awareness programs,
these informants placed much less emphasis on the lack of Information-
Awareness as a problem when compared to other types of organizations.
Instead, informants from local government offices and private service
agencies placed much more emphasis on problems related to Incentives-
Costs. In general, informants from most types 0f organizations tended
to de-emphasize problems related to Information-Awareness and Planning-
Regulation while they strongly emphasized these two categories in the
needed programs data set. The notable exception to this generalization

were the citizen action and labor organizations. The informants from

101

these organizations identified both Information-Awareness and Planning-
Regulation as problems, and they also pr0posed a relatively large number
of programs for these problem areas.

This entire set of observations should be considered in the context
of the remarks made previously concerning the influence of perceived
program feasibility on informants' responses. These observations also
add considerable depth to an understanding of the community energy picture.
For example, the tendency of state government, utilities, and energy-
related businesses and associations to emphasize Planning-Regulation as
a dimension of program needs, but not to recognize Planning-Regulation as
a problem dimension has implications for community needs assessment and
program planning. Specifically, a reasonable hypothesis for these results
would be that bureaucratic incentives (e.g. organizational expansion,
increased access to resources, etc.) encourage informants from these
organizations to suggest program needs related to Planning-Regulation,
but at the same time prevent these informants from acknowledging problems
related to improvements in the planning, regulation, and coordination of
programs. If this hypothesis proved to be true, the further implications
for energy activists would be clear: in order to successfully address
problems related to improvements in the planning, regulation, and coordi-
nation of energy programs, one must explicitly take bureaucratic incentives
into account, by using appropriate persuasion techniques, facilitating
inter-organizational resource sharing, etc.

Energy Program Funding

The analyses of items which obtained information concerning

existing energy program funding and other possible funding sources

(items 3a and 3c, Appendix 0) suggest two observations of special interest.

102

First, as shown in Table Q3, funding patterns for existing government
programs form an intricate web, with both state and local agencies re-
ceiving support from a variety of sources. Second, by far the greatest
number of suggestions for other potential sources of funding were coded
as direct federal and state funding, with the majority of comments re-
lating to direct federal support (Table Q3). This suggests an unwilling-
ness on the part of community organizations to undertake the difficult
task of obtaining new funding from local and regional funding

sources. For instance, few informants suggested that conservation prog-
rams should become self-supporting, or that they should become line
items on local budgets.

Informants' Verbosity

 

One possible alternative explanation for the pattern of needs for
energy conservation programs and problems obtained from the project inter-
views was that the verbosity of informants might somehow have mediated
responses to the interviewers' questions. Recall that the number of actual
responses to particular items was allowed to vary across informants. It
could therefore be hypothesized that the types of programs and/or problems
identified by informants was determined by participants' verbosity, rather
than by actual perceptions of community needs.

This alternative explanation was assessed in a two-stage analysis.
In the first stage, informants were blocked by a three way median split
into "low verbosity", "medium verbosity", and "high verbosity" respondent
grOUps. In the second stage, each informant was assigned two verbosity
rating scores, one for needed programs responses and the second for prob-
lems responses, with l = low, 2 = medium, and 3 = high verbosity. Since

each rating score actually represented a range of frequencies, a two-way

103

chi-square analysis was employed (3 levels of verbosity by 5 levels of
response categories). In both needed programs and problems data sets,
response categories were demonstrated to be unrelated to verbosity,
x2(8) = 8.06, n_s, and x2(8) = 10.67, n_s, for needed programs and

problems respectively.

Importance Ratings

 

A major dependent variable included in the present study was
the importance rating by informants of their own responses concerning
needed programs and problems impeding conservation. Category-coding
of responses enabled the assignment of importance rating scores to each
content category. These importance rating scores were subjected to
several analyses.

In the first set of analyses, the importance rating scores for the
two major interview data sets (needed programs and problems) were sub-
jected to one-way analyses of variance, with each cell consisting of
rating scores for a particular content category. These analyses revealed
no significant differences between categories. However, an additional
analysis revealed that forum participants' importance ratings of different
types of responses differed significantly. Specifically, these participants
rated the Information-Awareness program ideas generated at the forums to
be more important than Planning-Regulation programs (see Table l2).

In a final analysis, needed programs importance ratings obtained
in both methods (interviews and forums) were contrasted in the same
analysis. Interestingly, a significant difference between the two needs

assessment methods emerged, and the method category interaction approached
significance. And, interview ratings of needed programs proved to be

significantly more homogeneous across content categories when compared to

104

the ratings of program needs obtained at the close of the small-group
sessions held during the community forums.

Before discussing the likely explanations for these findings,
the results of the various comparisons between data collected from indi-
viduals and data collected in the forum small group settings will be
reviewed.

Individual vs. Group Methods

 

Independent vs. Small GroupgResponses: Forums

One of the primary methodological issues assessed in the present
study concerned a comparison between perceptions elicited in the inde-
pendent forum activity with the responses recorded in the small group
forum sessions. To briefly review the forum activities, the community
forum procedure first called for participants to generate needed programs
and problems independently. Then, respondents were instructed to report
program responses during the small group sessions. The ideas for needed
programs were thus recorded twice: first independéndently, and then during
the small group sessions. (Responses concerning problems impeding conser-
vation were only recorded during the independent activity.)

Although the round-robin small group procedure was intended to
elicit complete and faithful reporting from participants, it could be
hypothesized that the dynamics of the small group sessions would lead to
systematic differences between individually generated and group generated
ideas for needed programs. For example, perhaps a group context might
lead to the suppression of responses not likely to be favored by the group.
Alternatively, the presence of others might lead to a tendency to report
only those responses felt to be acceptable by the group.

The literature on the Nominal Group Technique (e.g. Delbecq et al.,

l975) did not contain any reports of empirical tests of the group context

105

hypothesis. It was therefore decided to test this hypothesis using data
from the present study. Independent responses concerning needed programs
were correlated with the needed program responses listed on the small
group posters. The results of this analysis strongly contradicted the
hypothesis that the small groups influenced the needed program responses,
since the Spearman correlation produced by this analysis was highly sig-
nificant, r

_s
Interviews vs. Forums: Frequency Data

= 1.0, p_< .Ol.

 

A related methodological issue concerned the comparison of frequency
data from the two different methods (interviews and forums). As described
above, a two-way analysis of variance performed on importance rating scores
obtained by the two methods had revealed significant differences between
interviews and forums. However, rank-order correlational analyses of the
frequency distributions of category-coded interview and forum responses
revealed significant similarities between the results of the two methods.
In other words, needed program data from the interviews and the forums
were highly correlated (rs = l.0, p_< .Ol for correlations between inter-
view responses and forum independent responses, and also between interview
responses and forum small group responses.) Further, interview and
forum responses concerning problems impeding conservation were also
highly correlated (rs = .94, p_< .Ol.) In sum, while the interview-
forum comparison using importance ratings had revealed significant
differences between methods, interview-forum comparisons employing rank-
order correlations of response frequency distributions revealed close

correspondence between the results obtained by the two methods.

106

"Public" vs. "Private" Methods for Rating Program Importance

 

The discrepancy between program rankings and importance ratings
poses an intriguing question: Why were there significant differences
between methods for importance ratings but not for the ranking of
category frequencies? The high correlations for all possible individual
vs. group comparisons provided evidence to refute the hypothesis that
group influence played an important role. A more likely hypothesis
suggests that the difference in importance ratings may have resulted
because of differences between the importance rating procedures utilized
in the two methods. Recall that in the forums, a relatively confidential
or "private" rating procedure was employed, while a more "public" rating
procedure was utilized in the interviews. As a result, interview informants
who rated their own responses verbally in the presence of the interviewer
were less likely to use the "not very important" end of the importance
scale. This was probably a function of the perceived social inappropriate—
ness of denigrating ones' own ideas. As one informant remarked when asked
to rate his own ideas, "Well, of course all of our ideas are quite impor-
tant!" Forum participants, on the other hand, rated all of their small
groups' ideas using a paper-and-pencil procedure which was relatively
confidential or "private". As a result, forum participants could utilize
the "not very important" response without incurring negative social con-
sequences. ‘nuafindings which revealed greater heterogeneity of rating
scores across content categories for the forums when compared to the inter-
views is consistent with this interpretation.

Support for this explanation also emerged from the significant main
effect for method and the method x category interaction for the importance

ratings. The main effect indicated that all programs were rated as less

107

important in the forums. In addition, recall the Scheffe test results
which indicated significantly lower ratings for Planning-Regulation than
Information-Awareness programs during the forums, and significantly lower
ratings by forum participants of Planning-Regulation programs when com-
pared to interview informants. In other words, given the privacy of the
forum rating procedure, participants were relatively free to assign low
importance ratings to Planning-Regulation programs.

Program Effectiveness

 

The interviews with key informants provided a unique opportunity
for discussing issues involving program effectiveness with professionals
who have close daily contact with ongoing energy conservation programs.

Two items were used to obtain this information. The first of these asked
informants to rate their organizations' programs in terms of effectiveness.
These responses were weighted by informants' certainty ratings of their
effectiveness judgements. The second item called for informants' percep-
tions concerning the reasons for the effectiveness of programs they had
rated as effective.

Analyses of responses to the first item revealed that Physical Fix
programs were rated as most effective, followed by Infbrmation-Awareness,
Planning Regulation, and Incentive programs. The statistically significant
differences between effectiveness ratings were due to sizeable differences
between Physical Fix and Incentive program ratings, and betwen Information-
Awareness and Incentive programs. However, these results are somewhat
qualified by the relatively small number of Physical Fix and Incentive
programs which were ongoing in the organizations and therefore amenable
to rating (Table Ql).

Informants' perceptions of the reasons for program effectiveness

108

were coded using an empirically-based category system (Appendix I ).
Insufficient response frequencies did not permit statistical analyses

of these data. However, the results were aggregated according to the
relative percentages of responses falling into the categories (Table l5).
These results indicated that nearly three-fourths of the reasons given

for program effectiveness were coded as pertaining to either the Prac-
tical Nature of the Program or Efficient Program Planning and General
Functioning of the Organization. Of the reasons given for the effective-
ness of Information-Awareness programs, 50% were related to the Practical
Nature of the Program, and 30% were categorized as Efficient Program
Planning and General Functioning of the Organization. On the other hand,

of the reasons given for the effectiveness of Planning-Regulation programs,
33% were related to the Automatic Effectiveness of the Program Once the
Program is Implemented, and 33% pertained to the Effective Program Planning
and General Functioning of the Organization.

The meaningfulness of these results must be qualified by the small
size of the response sample, especially for responses coded as Physical
Fixes. With this caveat in mind, the following tentative conclusions
may be drawn:

(l) There is a tendency to perceive Physical Fixes as highly
effective. Once a building is insulated, once a computerized thermostat
control system is installed, and once a furnace flue damper 'is in place,
energy savings are perceived to follow automatically.

(2) Incentive programs are perceived to be the least effective
of existing programs. "Off-the—cuff" comments from informants indicated
at least two reasons for this perceived ineffectiveness. First, tax in-

centive and loan incentive programs are perceived as "too little, too late".

109

Second, they are perceived as poorly designed and implemented.

(3) A large proportion (75%) of the reasons given for program
effectiveness related to either the practical nature or the efficient
planning and functioning of the program. In other words, only 25% of
the reasons given were divided among the three remaining categories:
Financial Incentive, Automatic Effectiveness, and Appealing Nature of
the Program.

(4) Finally, an anomaly present in these data needs to be addressed.
That is, if Physical Fix programs are perceived to be so effective by
those familiar with them, why were they not suggested with greater
frequency by interview informants and forum participants?

There are several likely explanations. First, as evident in the
distribution of current energy program-types in the organizational sample
(Table Ql), relatively few Physical Fix programs were mentioned by in-
formants to be ongoing, while relatively large numbers of Information-
Awareness and Planning-Regulation programs were mentioned. It is likely,
therefore, that informants were oriented to suggest the kinds of programs
run by their own organizations. Second, out of bureaucratic self-interest,
informants might have sought to increase the number of programs which
their organizations would be able to handle. Third, the term "program"
more readily connOtes the centrally coordinated Information-Awareness,
Planning-Regulation, and Incentive types of operations than Physical
Fix Operations, and it is possible that the use of the term "program"
in the interview and forum items led informants and participants to.

ignore Physical Fix options.

Strategies People Have Used to Conserve

 

Informants' comments concerning local conservation strategies were

110

of interest on two counts. First, the relatively high pr0portion of
comments relating to residential conservation as opposed to other
sectors may indicate greater concern for this sector, and would there-
fore be of interest to local planners. However, the wording of item
4b (Appendix D) may have influenced informants to stress the resi-
dential sector, since it was mentioned first in the list of possible
sectors to be considered.

A more important observation concerning the necessity of using
the category "Financial Incentives and Capital are Required [to adopt
conservation strategies]" to code responses to item 4b, even though
the items did not include any reference to incentives or capital.

Note that nearly one-fifth of the responses to this item were coded
using this category. It should also be noted that these responses

were phrased in terms of problems rather than programs. This

would support the previous argument that the lack of sufficient in-
centives to conserve is perceived as a salient problem dimension,

and conversations concerning local efforts to conserve gave respondents

the opportunity to complain about this problem.
Demographic Data

A sample of the available demographic data relevant to energy
program planning is presented in Appendices R-V. These appendices
describe the availability of energy consumption data for this vicinity
(Appendix R), population estimates (Appendix 5), household estimates
(Appendix T), housing units (Appendix U) and a small sample of

111

the most up-to-date land-use data currently available (Appendix V).

Unfortunately, discussions with four local planners revealed
that conducting the types of secondary analyses originally en-
visioned as part of the present study would be well beyond the
scope of the available project resources.1 The following charac-
teristics of the currently available demographic data account for
this situation:

(1) Data relevant to energy planning is generally "buried"
in other data sets, since the importance of such data is a recently
perceived phenomenon. Such data are therefore rarely aggregated
in units that are useful to local program planning needs. For
example, a one-bedroom townhouse may use up to three times the
electricity of a single-bedroom apartment in a large multi-unit
structure. Yet these units are not disaggregated in any existing
data base. To cite another example, traffic flow data which is
aggregated in terms of total vehicles per stretch of road per unit
time presents a grossly inflated view of the the parking facility
needs of a community when compared to vehicle origin-and-desti-
nation data. However, the former data units are far more commonly

collected.

(2) Since these data are collected in large aggregations, they
are expensive and are collected infrequently. Therefore, they are
usually out of date (often by as much as S-lO years) and have question-

able value for planning in a field characterized by rapid changes in

112

price and availability of supplies, unpredictable technological develop-
ments, frequent shifts in federal and state policies impacting on local
policies, etc.

(3) Obtaining energy consumption data frequently requires negoti-
ating consent agreements with supply companies and customers. Such
agreements are often difficult to obtain, are violated unexpectedly, etc.
Also, much of this consumption data is in the hands of a large number
of decentralized sources (e.g. fuel oil and bottled gas suppliers)
whose records are often incomplete or not compiled in a standardized
form. Thus, the logistics of collecting such data present formidable
obstacles to the researcher.

(4) Energy supply data is seldom explicitly related to the kinds
of work supplies are best suited for. That is, energy is measured in
BTU values across different types of supplies (e.g. electricity and
natural gas), but these supplies are efficiently applied to different
kinds of end uses (e.g. lighting and mechanical applications for the
former, industrial process heating and residential heating for the
latter). Relating supplies to work quality and work demand requires
detailed and rather technical analyses of demographic data.

For these reasons, it was decided that an in-depth analysis of
demographic data relevant to energy planning would be far beyond the sc0pe
of the present study.

Energy Programs and Services Directory

 

The original intent of the present study with regard to the Energy
Programs and Services Directory was to organize and simplify the (data
collected on current energy programs into a format which would be most

useful to the general public. It was also proposed to make this infor-

113

mation widely available. However, due to the inablity of the project

to obtain sufficient funding to support such a venture, and due to the
start-up of a similar project supported by state agency funding at the
outset of the present study, it was decided instead to target the Directory
to a smaller, more select audience. Therefore, the Energy Programs and
Services Directory (Appendix W ) includes a considerable amount of
background information on the organizations sampled in the present

study, and is expected to be used primarily by the types of organizations
and informants selected in the sample, i.e. units of local government,
community planners, citizen action groups, human service organizations,
etc. To this end, the Directory is structured according to the key organi-
zations involved in local energy programming, and is intended to provide

a short but comprehensive overview of the local energy programming picture.
The Directory will be disseminated through the assistance of the Center

for Urban Affairs, the research-and-service affiliate of the Michigan
State University College of Urban Development.

Implications of the Present Research for Needs Assessment MethodOlogy

 

Clearly, the results of the present study may be utilized to address
the methodological questions which were posed earlier (p. 32).

First, the richness of detail and in-depth understanding provided
hy the open-ended interviews proved to be invaluable in developing the
conceptual categorizations of the present study. However, the actual
idea-generation procedures of the interviews and forums produced essen-
tially identical results in terms of the prioritizations of response
categories. Therefore, a direct recommendation for future needs assess—
ment effort is that a smaller number of open-ended interviews than under-

taken in this project (e.g. lO-ZO rather than 66) be conducted to provide

114

the material for conceptual category development. A direct outcome
of this strategy would be an increased benefit/cost value for future
energy program needs assessments.

Second, the "public" rating procedure of the interviews seemed to
have a reactive effect on informants. One solution to this procedural
problem would be to redesign this rating protocol to be more confi-
dential. However, it would seem that the additional time spent during
interviews to obtain such confidential ratings would be better spent
intensifying the in-depth discussion of issues with key informants. A
preferable solution would be to obtain confidential importanCe ratings
at structured community forums. Based on the present project such a
procedure would have secondary advantages as well. For instance, the
rating procedure utilized at the community forums seemed to provide
participants with a sense of closure, and contributed to substantive
discussions and informal "networking" at the close of the forums.

Therefore, it is suggested that importance ratings of responses
generated during needs assessments can be readily and efficiently
obtained using a confidential small group procedure such as that employed
in this project.

Implications for Future Energy Needs Assessments

 

Given the modifications suggested above, the procedures utilized
in the present study would appear to provide an excellent basis for
future needs assessments in the energy area. These modifications would
further maximize the cost-effectiveness and the data quality of the_
methods utilized in the present study. Three additional procedural
improvements based on the insight gained through the conduct of this

research are also suggested for future energy needs assessments.

115

First, the relatively technical, multi-disciplinary nature of
energy issues requires considerable background for developing adequate
< conceptualizations for research and for conducting meaningful data
analyses. Therefore, it is suggested that resources be obtained for
providing those involved in category development and coding open-ended
data with basic training in the energy field. From the experience
gained in the present project, a 4-6 week training program would
probably be sufficient.

Second, it is suggested that open-ended interview and community
forum procedures such as those utilized in the present study would be
of greater value if used as precursors to a more highly structured
survey approach. Such an approach could provide data which would be
more directly useful for answering program-planning questions, especially
if the survey items reflect the earlier gathered data.

Finally, it is suggested that systematic efforts be made from
the very beginning of the project to plan for the utilization of results
in actual program planning. Such efforts would involve discussions with
local policy makers at the early stages of the research, to determine
what information would be most useful to them and how such information
might best be collected.

On the whole, the cost effectiveness and data quality associated
with the methods utilized in the present study argue favorably for their
further use (with the recommended modifications) in the energy conservation
program planning area.

Summary and Conclusions
Although the present study utilized a complex set of procedures

and amassed a considerable amount of data, the major focii of the project

116

may be reduced to three brief questions:

(1) Is a specific set of qualitative methodologies (i.e. purposive
sampling method, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and
structured community forums utilizing the Nominal Group Technique) a
feasible and efficient means of obtaining perceptions concerning the
energy conservation program needs and problems impeding conservation
in a community?

(2) What are the perceptions of informed professionals concerning
the program needs and problems impeding conservation in the community?

(3) How do the program needs and problems obtained through the
use of semi-structured interviews compare with the needs and problems
obtained through the use of structured community forums?

The qualitative methodologies utilized in the present study proved
to be relatively efficient and easy to administer. As a result of the
project experience, several procedural improvements were suggested.

These included providing more training in energy issues for those involved
in category coding and data coding, and planning for utilization of
project results during the early stages of the study.

Both program needs and problems impeding conservation were expressed
in terms of the same general concepts. The concept categories were
Information, Knowledge, Awareness, and Belief; Planning, Regulation,
Coordination, Leadership, and Political Action; Incentives and Costs;
Physical Fixes; Lifestyle Change; and Assistance to the Needy. There was
some similarity in the prioritization of these needs and problems. For
example, Information-Awareness and Planning-Regulation were emphasized
both as problems and as needed programs, when compared to other categories.

However, this emphasis was much greater in the case of needed programs.

117

Incentives-Costs and Lifestyle Change were considerably more salient
as problems impeding conservation than as dimensions of program needs.
Physical Fixes and Assistance to the Needy were mentioned relatively
infrequently in both program and problem contexts.

Comparisons between interviews and forums showed that the two
methods produced essentially identical prioritizations of program needs
and problems. However, a comparison of program importance ratings
revealed differences between the two methods. Forum participants util-
ized the importance rating scale more fully than interview informants,
and consequently there was a greater use of the lower end of the impor-
tance scale at the forums. It is likely that this difference resulted
from the greater confidentiality of the forum rating procedure. From
the insight gained in this project, it was concluded that interviews
and forums may be effectively used in conjunction. However, a smaller
sample of interviews than utilized in the present study would likely be
adequate for providing a conceptualization of the problem area. Forums
were found to be a more efficient means of obtaining prioritizations
and ratings of program needs and problems. In addition, the forums
provided activists from different organizations the opportunity to share
ideas and to create or renew communication networks between organizations.

In conclusion, it should be realized that as in the case of all
productive research, the present study has raised additional questions
requiring further research. These include:

(1) Why are Physical Fix programs perceived to be highly effective,
' yet are much less popular than Information-Awareness and Planning-

Regulation programs when it comes to the generation of program ideas?

118

(2) Given the considerable literature documenting the inadequacy
of Information-Awareness and Planning-Regulation programs in increasing
conservation behavior, and given the results of the present study
showing these to be the most popular types of programs, what other kinds
of innovative programs can be implemented which address Incentives-Costs
and Lifestyle Change areas? How can such innovative programs be
designed to receive enthusiastic community support?

(3) The present study was conducted with a sample of individuals
who have identified themselves as highly concerned and involved with
energy issues. Furthermore, the present study was conducted in a
medium-sized north midwestern community with a relatively severe winter
climate. Would the results of this study be replicated in a different
community with different respondents, a different climate, or communities
of varying sizes?

Clearly, a considerable amount of additional research is required

to address these issues.

REFERENCES

119

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FOOTNOTE

126

Footnote
1It should be noted that at the time of the present research, the
Tri-County Regional Planning Commission of South Central Michigan was
attempting to obtain a large federal grant to prepare an energy planning
demographic data base, and to conduct the types of secondary analyses
originally envisioned as part of the present study. Conversation with
planning commission staff mambers led to the decision that such secondary

analyses would be beyond the resources available to the present research.

127

APPENDICES

128

APPENDIX A
KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEW SAMPLE

129

APPENDIX A
KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEW SAMPLE

 

 

TYPE OF ORGANIZATION POSITION OF RESPONDENT
(Generic Names)a
IN ORGANIZATION

 

State Government

State Senate Senator

State House of Representatives Representative

State Energy Office Program Manager

State Public Service Technical Advisor, Energy
Commission Conservation Specialist

State Housing Development Energy Conservation Manager
Authority

State Office on Aging Energy and Transportation

Specialist
State Community Services Office Program Development Specialist
State Department of Director, Assistance Programs

Social Services

State Consumer Council Consumer Counselor

 

aGeneric organizational names were used whenever possible, to
protect confidentiality.

130

131

TYPE OF ORGANIZATION POSITION 0F RESPONDENT
(Generic Names)
IN ORGANIZATION

 

Local Government

Regional Planning Commission Program Director (staff)

Regional Office on Aging Energy Counselor

Regional Transoprtation Public relations and Marketing
Authority Specialist

County Energy Commission Chairperson

County Department of Director

Social Services

City Department of Building, Director
Public Safety, and
Community Development

City Planning Department Director, Transportation Division
City Departments of General Manager
Administrative Services
City Department of Planning, Group Leader
Housing, and Community
Development
City Department of Director

Building and Zoning
City Energy Program Coordinator

 

132

TYPE OF ORGANIZATION
(Generic Names)

POSITION 0F RESPONDENT
IN ORGANIZATION

Private Service Agencies

Private Service Agency #1
(minorities)

Private Service Agency #2
(minorities)

Private Service Agency #3
(minorities)

Private Service Agency #4
(minorities)

Council of Churches

Housing Agency

Community Development Agency
Human Services Association

Tenants' Information
Association

Community Action Weatherization
Program

Director

Program Director

Office Manager

Assistant Director

Executive Director
Consumer Counselor
Director

Legislative Analyst

Director

Director

 

Utilities and Other Energy-Related
Businesses and Associations

Utility Company
Utility Company
Fuel Oil Company

Energy Conservation Device Company
Supplier and Installer)

Solar Home Building Company
Builders Association (local)
Home Building Company
Realtor's Association (local)

Landlord's Association (local)

Public Relations Director

SeniOr Energy Management Specialist
Office Manager

Owner

President
President
Salesman

President

President

 

133

TYPE OF ORGANIZATION POSITION OF RESPONDENT
(Generic Names)
IN ORGANIZATION

Citizen Action and Neighborhood Associations

Consumers'Organization (state) Legal Director

Public Interest Organization Energy Program Director
(state)

Energy Citizen Action Group Member
(local)

Energy and Appropriate President

Technology Citizen Action
Group (local)

Student Housing Group Maintenance Committee Chairman
(local)

Neighborhood Association Staff Member

Neighborhood Association President

 

Education and Research

University-Based Envirenmental Director
Research Center
University-Based Human Ecology Researcher
Energy Research Program
University-Based Science and Director
Mathematics Teaching Center
University-Based Cooperative Energy Specialist
Extension Service
Community College Energy Studies Professor
Public School System Director, Environmental Education

Public School System Assistant Superintendent

 

134

TYPE OF ORGANIZATION POSITION OF RESPONDENT
(Generic Names)
IN ORGANIZATION

 

Labor Organizations

Labor Newspaper (UAW) Editor

Building Trades Council (state) Investigator
Teachers Union (state) Legislative Analyst
Professional Educator's Legislative Analyst

Association (state)

United Auto Workers Union Local Chairman, Education Committee

 

APPENDIX B
LETTER TO INITIAL CONTACTS

135.

136
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

 

DI-ZPAR‘I‘MEN'I‘ OP PSYCHOLOGY EAST LANSING ' MICHIGAN ' 48824
SNYDER HALL

October 12, 1979

Dear

We are about to begin an energy conservation project that has as its objectives

(a) increasing the involvement of local citizens in planning for energy conserva-
tion; (b) increasing the responsiveness of local government to the needs of citizens,
with regard to energy conservation programs; and (c) facilitating c00peration and
communication between members of local organizations (e.g., business groups, labor
unions, neighborhood associations, financial organizations, etc.) who are concerned
with energy conservation programs and services.

Among the products of this work will be the following:

(1) A series of community forums, which will involve the exchange of ideas about
conservation programs between members of local organizations, and the development
of communication-cooperation networks;

(2) The publication of an Energy Services Directory, which will contain listings of
all Greater Lansing organizations which are involved in energy conservation programs,
with brief descriptions of the organizations and their services;

 

(3) A final report which will summarize the results of interviews with members of
local organizations and other local citizens. These interviews will obtain infor-
mation concerning current energy conservation programs in Greater Lansing, what
people are currently doing to conserve energy, and what services or programs would
facilitate conservation. This report will also summarize an analysis of demographic
data (e.g., energy consumption patterns, housing and business site patterns, etc.)
that will give a picture of the distribution of local energy use which will aid

in designing ‘ effective conservation programs.

 

The purpose of this letter is to acquaint you with our project and to find out
whether you or another member of your organization would be willing to be inter—
viewed as part of the project. (Total interview time will be about one half-hour).
Therefore, we would appreciate your answering the three questions on the attached
sheet and returning the questionnarie to us.

Sincerely,

David Roitman
Telephone: 353-5015
355-0861

1)

2)

3)

137

,Questionnaire

 

Would you or another member of your organization be willing to be inter—
viewed for this project? (Total interview time: half-hour).

YES NO

To arrange for an interview, what number should be called?

Tel. No.

Best time to call

 

Please check the appropriate statement(s) for your organization:

____a) My organization would probably be interested in participating
in the community forums.

b) My organization would probably want to receive the Energy Ser-
vices Directory.

c) My organization would probably want to receive the final report

of the project, including summary reports of the interviews and

demographic data.

APPENDIX C
KEY INFORMANT CONSENT FORM

138

3.

4.

5.

CONSENT FORM

I understand the intent of the interview in which I am now
serving as a respondent, and all questions which I have con-
cerning the procedures have been answered to my satisfaction.
I realize that I may freely choose to discontinue my participation
at any time.

I understand that all results will be treated with strict con-
fidence and that my name will not be used in any reports or
discussions of this interview.

I realize that I will be able to obtain any reports which in-
clude reference to the interview in which I am participating.
I realize that all interview tapes for the project in which I
am participating will be erased upon completion of the final
report.

I hereby freely give my consent to participate as a respondent

in the interview.

SIGNATURE OF RESPONDENT

 

DATE OF INTERVIEW

 

139

APPENDIX 0

KEY INFORMANT NEEDS IDENTIFICATION
INTERVIEW GUIDESHEET

140

APPENDIX 0
KEY INFORMANT NEEDS IDENTIFICATION INTERVIEW
GUIDESHEET

Introduction

"Basically, what we're trying to do is get a feel for peoples'
ideas about energy conservation programs This isn't easy to pin
down, because it's a new area with a lot Of things going on, with
people in both the public and private sectors doing different things
about conservation. Right now, we're going around talking to people
from a lot of different groups--uti1ity conpanies, builders' associ-
ations, city planning departments, neighborhood associations--and
we're trying to get a broad picture of what people want and what
people think will work.

If it's all right with you, I'd like to tape-record our conver-
sation. We'll probably talk about a lot of different ideas, and it
would be hard for me to write everything down."

AFTER RESPONDENT GIVES O.K., TAKE OUT TAPE RECORDER AND SET UP.

“O.K., before we begin, do you have any questions?"

ANSWER QUESTIONS

"O.K., now I'd like to read this, and if you agree with all

of the statements on it, just sign your name at the bottom."

GIVE RESPONDENT CONSENT FORM. AFTER SIGNATURE, START TAPE RECORDER.
(1) Organizational Profile
O.K., first I need to have some general information about
your organization--just a quick overview, about five minutes.
a) What is your official position in (NAME OF ORGANIZATION)?
b) About how many employees or members do you have?
c) Briefly, what are the general categories of employees or

' membership for this organization--management, service staff, board

141

142

of directors, steering committee, etc.

d) About how long have you been in existence?

e) In general, how is the organization funded?

f) Can you give me a very brief overview of the decision
structure--in other words, what's the chain of command, what kinds
of decisions are made at different levels of the organization,
things like that...

9) Now can you give me a really broad overview of your activities
--just a couple of sentences on the purpose and goals of the organi-

zation.

BEFORE CONCLUDING THIS SECTION, MAKE SURE THE RESPONDENT HAS CLARIFIED
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THIS ORGANIZATION AND OTHER CLOSELY RELATED
ORGANIZATIONS, AND BETWEEN THIS DIVISION AND THE LARGER ORGANIZATION.

(2)

TAKE

Energy Programs of the Organization

a) Now, I'd like to know if your organization is doing anything
right now to make energy conservation easier for people-~in other
words, do you have any specific existing programs that encourage
conservation?
NOTES

b) Does your organization have any specific programs related

to energy conservation that are in the planning stages that you

 

could tell me about?
c) Do you personally have any ideas for specific programs
which could be run by your organization that you think would help

people to conserve, other than those you've mentioned?

(3)

(4)

TAKE

TAKE
(5)

143

Funding for Organization's Energy Programs

a) How does your organization obtain funding for your present
conservation programs?

b) DO you expect this funding to continue in the future?

c) What other specific sources do you think could be tapped
by your organization for funding conservation programs?
Respondents' Ideas Concerning Energy and the Community

a) What do you see as the major needs of the greater Lansing
area with regard to energy conservation programs and services; that
is, what specific programs and services could make conservation easier
for people? We're talking about the private sector now.
NOTES

b1) Now I'd like your opinion about to what extent do you think
people in the greater Lansing area have really tried to conserve,
around their homes, in their businesses, and on the road.

b2) What strategies do you think people have used? This is
just your impressions.

c) O.K.,now, what problems do you think people are running into
when they actually try to conserve energy?
NOTES

Respondents' Ratings of Their Ideas in Terms of Importance.

 

O.K., I've been writing down the general areas you've covered
and I'm wondering if you could rate the areas in terms of their
importance. I'll read the needs and the problems which you mentioned,
and I'd like you to rate each one on a scale of one to five, with
one being "very important" and five being "not very important".

In other words, I'd like you to rate them, not rank them; you could
rate each need or problem with a one if you felt they were all very
inportant, or only one of them with a one. First for the needs
which you mentioned:

144

a1) READ NEEDS ONE AT A TIME
a2) RECORD RATINGS
Now for the problems:
b1) READ PROBLEMS ONE AT A TIME
b2) RECORD RATINGS
(6) Importance of Energy Issues to the Organization

a) O.K., now I'd like to know your impression of how important

the whole energy conservation issue is to your organization; i.e.,how
is it perceived by the people who make the decisions in your organi-
zation?

b) What role do you see your organization taking in the energy
conservation area in the future? Do you think you'll be initiating
programs? 00 you think your role will be more or less passive?

(7) Program Effectiveness

a) Now I'm going to review the existing programs which you

mentioned earlier in the interview.

READ LIST FROM NOTES
Are there any other programs related to energy conservation which
you can think of?

ADD TO LIST

b1) O.K., now I'd like you to rate each of these programs in
terms of how effective they are in helping people to actually conserve
energy, rather than to just think about it or talk about it. I'd
like you to use this rating system:

SHOW RATING SCALE CARD AND EXPLAIN. ANSWER QUESTIONS.

145

EFFECTIVENESS CERTAINTY»

 

1 = Extremely Effective Extremely Certain

Very Effective Very Certain

Moderately Effective Moderately Certain

Somewhat Effective Somewhat Certain

01 b on N

II I

01 b on N H
II

Not At All Effective Not At All Certain

 

b2) RECORD EFFECTIVENESS AND CERTAINTY RATINGS FOR EACH

EXISTING PROGRAM.

c) Now, what is it about the programs which you rated as most
effective that makes them effective?

READ PROGRAMS RATED "1" ONE AT A TIME.

APPENDIX E
SUMMARY OF INTERVIEW GUIDESHEET

146

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

APPENDIX E

SUMMARY OF INTERVIEW GUIDESHEET

9rganigationg] Profile

a) Level of respondent

b) Number of employees/members

c) Categories of employees/members
d) Age of organization

e) Funding sources

f) Decision structure

9) Activities, purposes, goals

Energy Programs of the Organization
a Current programs

b Planning-stage programs
c) Respondent's ideas for additional programs for organization

Egnding for Organization's Energy Programs

a) Present sources
b) Expectation for continuation of funding
c) Other possible sources

Respondents' Ideas Concerning Energy and the Community

a) Needed programs

b Extent of current conservation efforts

b§ Strategies people have used to save energy

c Problems people run into when trying to conserve

Respondents' Ratings of their Ideas in Terms of Importance

a1) Interviewer's restatement of respondent's ideas for needed
programs

a2) Respondent's rating of ideas for needed programs

b1) Interviewer' s restatement of respondent's ideas about problems
b2) Respondent' 5 rating of ideas about problems

Imporsgnce of Energy Issges to the Organization

a) Present importance to the organization
b) Future role of the organization

147

148

(7) Progpgm Effectiveness

a) Interviewer's review of organization's programs (listed)

b1) Intervgewer's restatement Of organization's programs (one at
a time

b ) Perceived effectiveness of organization's programs

c1 Reasons for effectiveness of organization's programs

APPENDIX F

ISSUE AREAS AND ITEMS SUITABLE
FOR CODING

149

APPENDIX F

Issue Areas and Items Suitable for Coding

Issue Area I--Conservation Programs

Items

2a. Current programs
2b. Planning-stage programs
2c. Respondent's ideas for additional programs for organization
4a. Needed programs for the community
Sal. Interviewer's restatement Of respondent's ideas for
needed programs (for importance rating)
7a. Interviewer's review of organization's programs (listed)
7b1. Interviewer's restatement of organization's programs
(one at a time, for effectiveness rating)
Issue Area II--Conservation Strategies People Have Used

Items

4b2. Strategies people have used in trying to conserve energy
Issue Area III--Problems People Run Into When Trying to Conserve

Items

4c. Problems people run into when trying to conserve
5b1. Interviewer's restatement of respondent's ideas about
problems (for importance rating)
Issue Area IV--Reasons for Effectiveness
Items
7c. Reasons for effectiveness of organization's programs
Issue Area V--Energy Funding

Items

 

3a. Present sources
3b. Expectation for continuation of funding
3c. Other possible sources

150

151

Issue Area VI-- Organizational Profile

Items

1a.
1b.
1c.
1d.

Level of respondent

Number of employees/members
Categories of employees/members
Age of organization

APPENDIX G
CODING SYSTEM #1

152

APPENDIX 0

CODING SYSTEM #1

General Instructions

 

- The categories in this coding system will be used to code the
following items:

(2a) Current programs

(2b) Planning-stage programs

(2c) Respondents' ideas for additional programs for the organiza-
tion

(4a) Needed programs
(4c) Problems people run into when trying to conserve

(5a1) Interviewer's restatement of needed programs
(Sbl) Interviewer's restatement of problems

(7a) Interviewer's review of organization's programs
(7b1) Interviewer's restatement of organization's programs for
effectiveness ratings

- The symbol “rp” is used to indicate a repeated idea or program.
Check to make sure that the idea or program is really a repeat.
If you disagree, fill out an index card (see below).

- Index Cards: Everytime you have a question, problem in coding,
Observation, etc., fill out an index card with the following
information:

TAPE NUMBER QUESTION NUMBER UNIT NUMBERS
YOUR COMMENT
Then attach the index card(s) to the interview Opscan sheets.
We will go over your comments and questions at out meetings.
- As a general rule, don't hang your hat on buzz words--

TREAT EACH COMMENT AS A GESTALT

153

154

APPENDIX G (cont'd.)

Categories
#1. Information, Knowledge, Awareness, Belief
#2 Planning, Regulation, Coordination, Leadership, Political Action
#3. Incentives to Encourage Conservation, Cost of Conservation
Actions
#4. Physical Fixes: Buildings, Vehicles, and Appliances
#5. Lifestyle Changes
#6. Assistance: Programs/Problems Focused on the Needy

#9. Not Codeable

- Use #9 for:
-“rp's" (repeats)
- any response to a specific question which does not address
that question
- any response which you have considerable difficulty in coding,
and which you think cannot be coded.
BUT: If you don't understand the comment, don't code it--

Fill out an index card on it.

155

APPENDIX G (cont ' d.)

Category #1: Information, Knowledge, Awareness, and Belief

Examples

-residential audits -counseling clients

-demonstration projects -seminars

-workshops -films

-hotline -TV and radio publicity

-referral service -Publicizing existing programs
-consulting, advising -ride boards

-lectures -pamphlets

-outreach -newsletters

~advertising -reference materials

-confusion among experts -training in schools

-lack of credible sources -people need help determining priorities
-lack of self-help skills -people need help understanding benefits
-complexity of the problem of conservation

-lack of understanding -publicize role-models

-distrust of corporations -get conservation hardware more
-consumer price surveys acceptable

Rules

* CODE "lack of information about financial incentives" and “need
to publicize fihancial programs" HERE, NOT in #3.

 

* CODE information about codes and standards HERE, NOT in #2.

* CODE HERE comments relating to lack of knowledge of comparative energy
efficiency values of products or residences, UNLESS comment refers
specifically to labeling, certification, truth in heating, disclosure,
or fraud. These are primariTy REGULATION issues; CODE these in #2,

NOT HERE.

 

 

 

 

* CODE HERE if the comment relates to the failure to perceive an incentive
which really exists. For example:

- People don't think about weatherizing until it's too cold to do the work.
CODE HERE. But:

* If the comment relates to a failure to perceive an incentive, PLUS the

lack of a real incentive, CODE in #3. For example:

- People are using less energy. but their bills keep going up. Why

should they conserve? CODE in #3.

156

APPENDIX (3 (cont'd.)

Category #2: Planning, Regulation, Coordination, Leadership, Political Action

Rules and Examples

* ENYIONIAEREganiIatiOEEI activity involving LEGISLATION and REGU-
, un ess '

INFORMATION. F25_|r_.__(_e_;_amp(Ia‘egomment primarily involves INCENTIVES or
- We have a bill in session on lifeline rates. CODE in #3
' I think the utility incentive struture ought to be changed. CODE in #3
- Office staff should be better trained for energy counseling. CODE in #1
- Builders don't care about energy conservation, because the market

value of a house doesn't depend on its energy efficiency. DODE in #3

* CODE HERE all comments related to putting pressure on government or
other institutions to achieve change. *FOr exampTe:
- Lobbying —Advocacy
-Research on codes -Sponsoring legislation

* CODE HERE comments related to planning. For example:
- building, mechanical, plumbing codes

- land use planning - zoning ordinances
-gasoline rationing -urban sprawl
- recycling solid waste - solar access

* CODE HERE problems which are primarily related to political action,
legislation, and regulation. For example, CODE HERE:

- inconsistencies in regulations

- codes aren't strong enough

not enough funding for mass transit

fl,

CODE HERE problems related to leadership. For example:
Government officials have a crisis orientation; the're always taking
the short term view, since they're worried about re'election.

* CODE HERE system physical fixes which involve planning and/or regulation
of systems by organizations. For example:

~mass-transit planning comments

- cogeneration and district heating

* CODE physical fixes which do not primarily involve planning and'or
regulation in #4. See #4 for examples.

* CODE HERE needs and problems related to program coordination.

157

APPENDIX G (cont'd.)

Category #3: Incentives to Encourage Conservation, Cost of
Conservation Actions

Examples
- Tax credits - Tax exempt energy bonds
- Low interest loans - Loans for weatherizing

- Housing Improvement Program (HIP)
3913s

* CODE HERE comments which relate to disincentives as well as incentives.
* DO NOT CODE HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS HERE-—CODE in #6.

* CODE information about financial incentives in #1, NOT HERE.

 

* CODE financial incentives which are related to physical fixes or
regulation HERE, NOT in #4 or #2. For example:

-subsidize bus passes - eliminate free downtown parking

- have utilities change appartments to individual metering

-lifeline rates

* DO NOT CODE “need for program funding: here. If it is a need for
information program funding, CODE in#1; if it is a need for
system physical fix funding, CODE in #2; if it is a need for
physical-fix program funds, code in #4,etc.

* CODE "reinforcements to conserve" HERE, UNLESS it is clear that
the comment primarily relates to information.

* DO NOT CODE HERE comments which imply incentives or disincentives,
but which primarily relate to "life-style“, "mind—set", "self-
perception", etc.

158

APPENDIX G (cont'd.)

Category #4: Physical Fixes: Buildings, Vehicles, and Appliances
Examples

Weatherization (i.e. insulation, weatherstripping, caulking,
double-glazing windows, sealing cracks, etc.)

- Delamping - using flourescent bulbs
- More efficient engines - remodelling or retrofitting
- R&D on voltage regulators - maintenance

* DO NOT CODE HERE comments which primarily relate to the

lannin pg_re ulation of large systems (communities, organ-
izations; ; CODE these in #2. For example:
- more bike paths - more busses on Sunday
- centralize urban planning - need more high-density planning

* DO NOT CODE HERE comments which relate primarily to life-style
changes. CODE these in #5. For example:

 

-car pooling - turning Off lights
- planning trips around town - dialing down thermostat
- less use of recreational vehicles

* DO NOT CODE HERE comments about providing information on
physical fixes. CODE these in #1. For example:
hands-on weatherization workshops -teaching automobile maintenance

* DO NOT CODE HERE residential or program audits. These are
primarily informatiOn programs. However, CODE audits of
institutional buildings HERE; they are the first stage of
a physical fix.

 

* DO NOT CODE HERE comments about shortages of supplies for physical
fixes. These are problems requiring better program coordination
and management, and should be coded in #2. For example:

There are so many peOple switching from oil to gas, the utilities
can't handle the rush.

There's a shortage of skilled people to retrofit buildings.

* CODE HERE safety and danger in installation, Unless regulation is
specifically mentioned or implied.

In

CODE HERE research and development (R&D) unless the comment primarily
involves coordination, dissemination, demonstration, etc.

159

APPENDIX G (cont‘d)

Category #5: Lifestyle Changes

Examples

-changing habits and values -apathy

-not willing to make sacrifices -lack Of discipline

~tOO independent (to carpool or -conflicts within the family
use mass transit about energy use

-we need an energy ethic -social pressure keeps people

—people waste energy by leaving from conserving
lights on

Rules

* CODE the actual failure to perceive an incentive in #1, KNOWLEDGE.

* CODE comments about the lack of INFORMATION that could enable peOple
to perveive the benefits of conservation in #1.

* CODE HERE comments relating to lifestyle changes needed to adapt
to physical fixes and physical fix systems. For example:

-car pooling

-moving closer to where I work

-leave the house earlier to take the bus

-making telephone calls instead of driving

* CODE HERE comments primarily related to individuals and_society
But:

* DO NOT CODE HERE comments related to actions by specific organizations
--CODE THESE IN #2. For Example:

-Because we rely on Olds, State Gov't...we have a natural hub around
which we can car pool.

* DO NOT CODE HERE information programs which are geared to influencing
life style changes-CODE IN #1.

* CODE comments about the DISPOSITION OF INDIVIDUALS not to perceive
the benefits of conservation HERE. For example, CODE HERE -people
take the short term view.

160

APPENDIX G (cont'd)

Category #6: Assistance: Programs/Problems Focused on the Needy

Examples

-We need more financial assistance for poor people, the elderly, so
they can have their homes fixed up.

- A lot of the people who rent around here are senior citizens, if their
landlord doesn't want to insulate, who's going to pay for it?

-I feel sorry for all the people who can't pay their heating bills
this winter--they're going to need more help than the government is
prepared to give.

* Only CODE HERE if the comment relates to a NEEDY POPULATION (poor,
elderly, handicapped, etc.) If this is not specified, CODE IN #3.

APPENDIX H
CODING SYSTEM #2

161

APPENDIX H

CODING SYSTEM #2

General Instructions

- The categories in this coding system will be used to code the
following item:

(4b2) ‘Strategies people have used to save energy

Categories

#1
#2
#3
#4
#5

#8

#9

Relatively Low Expense Residential Conservation

Relatively High Expense Residential Conservation

Commercial and Industrial Conservation (Buildings and Lots)
Transportation Conservation

Financial Incentives and Capital Availability are Required for
conservation

Comment reflects respondent's opinion about EXTENT OF CONSERVATION
EFFORTS, (but it is not codeable in categories #1 - #5)

Not codeable

162

163

APPENDIX H (cont'd)

Category #1: Relatively Low Expense Residential Conservation
Rule

* CODE gERE if there is a high probability that this strategy costs less
than 50.

Examples

-weatherization -weatherstripping

-caulking -furnace retrofit devices (e.g.
-dialing down vent dampers, flue restrictors)
~plastic storm windows ~dressing warmer

-sealing cracks -turning off lights

-using appliances less -not using all rooms

-insulate hot water pipes -furnace maintenance, tune-up,
-appliance maintenance reconditioned

Category #2: Relatively High Expense Residential Conservation
Rule

* §ODE HERE if there is a high likelihood the strategy cost more than
50.

Examples

-insulation -remodelling

-glass storm windows (or storm -insulated shutters or curtains
windows, if material is -installing fireplace or wood stove
unspecified -replacing windows

-new furnace -renting insulation equipment
-solar greenhouse -gardens

-repair leakage in roof -remodel for conservation
-windmills

-photovotaic cells

and solar

-building energy efficient
residential developments

164

APPENDIX Ii(cont'd)

Category #3: Commercial and Industrial Conservation (In Buildings
and Lots)

Examples

-"most Offices are a lot colder"

-mall parking lots are cutting down on lighting

-office buildings are dialing down

-Oldsmobile has a conservation program for its buildings

Category #4: Transportation Conservation

Examples

-bus ridership is up -car pooling

-walking more -biking

-buying gas efficient car -city is buying more busses

Category #5: Financial Incentives are Required for Conservation

Examples

-People won't conserve until they feel it in their pocketbooks
-people are beginning to conserve, mainly because of the cost of
heating their homes

-it's been cyclical. . . people tried to conserve on their driving
when they saw gasoline prices rising rapidly

-we haven't felt the impact yet

Rule

* Comments CODED HERE state or clearly imply that there is a direct
relationship between the cost of energy and conservation actions.

165

APPENDIX H (cont'd)

Category #8: Comment Reflects Respondent's Opinion About EXTENT OF
CONSERVATION Efforts, But is Not Codeable in Any Other
Category

Exa les

-My guess is that the average guy is doing far less than he could be doing
-People are just about doing the bare minimum

-1 think people were conserving more last year than this year, but energy
use is probably down a lot since before the Oil embargo

-There's a political awareness of conservation built up in our town

Category #9: Not Codeable
Rules

* CODE HERE if comment is not relevant to any preceding categories, or
if comment is an “rp” (repeated comment)

* CODE HERE if comment is COMPLETELY LIMITED to the RESPONDENT AND RESPON-
DENT'S FAMILY'S conservation-related behavior. E.g. Well, I don't
know about anyone else, but I've cut down on my driving, and so has
my wife

BUT:

Well, I know we've added new storm windows. . . and I guess a lot of
people we know have also--CODE in #2

We've been driving a lot less for our business travel, and trying to
share rides whenever we can--CODE in #4

APPENDIX I
CODING SYSTEM #3

166

APPENDIX I

CODING SYSTEM #3
General Instructions
- This coding system will be used to code the following item:

(7c) Reasons for effectiveness of organization's programs

Categories
#1. Practical Nature of Program

#2. Efficient Program Planning and General Functioning of Organization
#3. Financial Incentive

#4. Automatic Effectiveness Once Program is Implemented

#5. Appealing Nature of Program

#9. Not Codeable

Category #1: Practical Nature of Program

Examples

-accessible

-hands-on

-accurate

-re1evant to our situation
-concrete

-specific

-one-to-one

-requested by the user
-substantive
-availability
-specific

Rule

* IN GENERAL, these are program characteristics, not orgenizational
characteristics.

 

167

168

APPENDIX I (cont'd)

Category #2: Efficient Program Planning and General Functioning of
Organization

Examples

-clear objectives

-useful conceptual framework

-built of previous work

-well organized

-functioned effectively

-high agency commitment, so the job gets well done

-highly qualified staff

-past successes

-we're not trying to sell something

-we have a clear identity; people recognize our service

-ability to mobilize resources

-its a very stable program. . . maintains a continuity of purpose
-there's pressure from the top to really take it seriously

-the guy teaching the course took it seriously. . . that had a lot of
impact

Category #3: Financial Incentive

Examples

-industry sees that it's a way they could make money
-people want to lower their energy bills

Category #4: Automatic Effectiveness Once Program is Implemented

Examples

-there's an absolute reduction in energy consumption

-measurable, quantifiable

-we're finding tremendous inefficiencies and remedying them

-based on the Federal figures, we're realizing these efficiencies

-the mandatory nature of the program

-the rule-making nature Of the organization; its authority, power, and
control

-it's a minimum standard; there's no option

-technological fixes are immediately effective

169

APPENDIX I (cont'd)

Category #5: Appealing Nature of Program
Examples

~exciting

-popular

-saleable«

-it's in high demand

-there was a high interest level and participation

-it attracted new people

-it's popular in the legislature, so it's easy to introduce energy
legislation

APPENDIX J
SAMPLE CODING SHEET

170

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I

APPENDIX K

CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR DEMARCATION
0F DISCRETE CODING UNITS

172

APPENDIX K

Criteria and Procedures for Demarcation

of Discrete Coding Units

The criteria and procedures for the demarcation of discrete coding units
were developed by the category development team, which included the
project director and three research assistants. First, each of the
four team members listened to the same three interviews (three of the
"category development" set of tapes) and each team member set the
tapes up into discrete units independently, using the same format.

The team members then compared their decisions and discussed the
criteria which they had implicitly used to establish boundaries between
units.

The section of the interviews concerned with organizational variables
(questions la through lg) presented no "set-up" (demarcation) difficulties.
However, serious problems were encountered in setting up the "idea
generation" sections of the interviews, especially the sections which
dealt with the first three issue areas---Meeded Programs, Conservation
Strategies, and Problems. The basic procedure seemed relatively
straightforward: Each question called for the respondent to discuss
an issue area by listing relevant ideas, e.g. "ideas for needed conservation
programs". However, three major difficulties were encountered.

First, the exploratory nature of the interview allowed for discus-

sions relevant to one issue area (e.g. Needed Programs) to be discussed

173

174

in another section of the tape (e.g. Problems) if it came up in
conversation. In which section of the Opscan sheet should it be set
up? And, how should ideas repeated from one section to another (or
within a section) be handled?

Secondly, it was difficult for persons unfamiliar with energy
programs and issues to know where one idea started and another stopped.
For example, should an idea about a home energy audit program be
broken into two coding units if both mail-out and in-person audits
were proposed? Or, if more financial assistance programs were suggested
by a respondent, should an idea concerning loans be considered as
separate from one concerning grants?

Finally, it was also difficult for the research assistants to
decide when the respondent had stopped talking about a program, if
the program idea followed from the discussion of the problem.

The difficulties were resolved as follows. First, the ideas
concerning Needed Programs, Conservation Strategies, and Problems
People Faced in Trying to Conserve were broken out of whatever section
of the tape in which they occured, and were placed on the Opscan
sheet in the appropriate issue area. However, there was one exception
to this rule: Problems People Faced in Trying to Conserve were not
broken out of the section of the interview dealing with Conservation
Strategies (question 3b2) since in this case the interviewer consis-
tently repeated, at the beginning of the next question (3c) the problems
the respondent had mentioned during question 3b;, and asked if there
were any additional problems which came to mind. Rather than contin-

ually repeating these problems in the coding units, it was decided to

175

leave them in the Conservation Strategies section. In fact, the
unexpectedly high frequency of Problems mentioned by respondents when
asked about Conservation Strategies was an interesting finding of the
study.

Concerning the problem of repeated ideas, it was decided that the
set-up person would indicate repeated ideas with a symbol on the
Opscan sheet ("rp") so they would not be coded twice. However, coders
would be encouraged to check the work of the set-up person; if a
unit designated "rp" did not seem to be a repeated idea, coders would
bring the unit to the attetion of the set-up person, and the set-up
would be double-checked.

Finally, it was realized that the unfamiliarity of the research
assistants with energy issues presented a serious difficulty to their
assisting in the set-up work: the amount of training required would
easily exceed the duration of the assistants' contracts. Consequently,
although it had been hoped that the assistants would aid in the set-
up work, it was decided that the Project Director would set up all
units. However, the research assistant who was most familiar with
energy issues was trained in the set-up procedure and was employed
to check a random sample of the tape set-ups, to verify that the
Project Director was consistently following the set-up procedure.

This assistant checked twelve of the sixty-five tapes, and disagree-

ments were discussed with the project director.

APPENDIX L

COMMUNITY FORUMS: DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICIPANTS
BY ORGANIZATIONAL TYPE

176

APPENDIX L

COMMUNITY FORUMS:

DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICIPANTS

BY ORGANIZATIONAL TYPE

 

 

 

Organizational Category Number of Number of
Participants Participants
at Forum #1 at Forum #2
(April 13) (April 10)
1) State Govt. 5 3
2) Local Govt. 4 3
3) Private Service 3 1
Organization
4) Utilities and 2 3
Other Energy-
Related Businesses
and Associations
5) Citizens Action Groups 2 1
and Neighborhood
Associations
6) Education and 2 5
Research Organizations
7) Labor Organizations 1 3
Total = 19 Total = 19

 

177

APPENDIX M

COMMUNITY FORUMS:
LETTER OF INVITATION

178

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

 

CENTER FOR URBAN AFFAIRS IsOI wesr MAIN STREET
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMPONENT LANSING . MICHIGAN 48913
TELEPHONE: (517) 353-9555

January 11, 1980

Thank you for your participation thus far in our Energy Conservation Project.
We hOpe you will be able to attend the two upcoming Community Energy Forums,
which will be sponsored by the Center for Urban Affairs. These forums will follow
a workshop format and will be geared to accomplish two major goals: (1) to find
out what you think the action priorities are for energy conservation programming
in the greater Lansing area; and (2) to facilitate cooperation and coordination
among organizations with similar program interests.

 

The dates for the forums have not been finalized yet, because we would like
to find out which dates and times would be most convenient for you. We would
therefore appreciate your filling in the information requested on the enclosed
form. It will be helpful to us if you get your response in the mail by January 18.

You will be notified as soon as the time, place and overall agenda for the
forums are set.

Thank you for your help and we look forward to your attendance at the forums.
Sincerely, ,
(d&)ArOL(
David Roitman
Project Coordinator

Enclosure

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APPENDIX N

COMMUNITY FORUMS:
LETTER TO PARTICIPANTS

181

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

 

CENTER FOR URBAN AFFAIRS 1801 WEST MAIN STREET
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMPONENT LANSING - MICHIGAN 48915
TELEPHONE: (517) 353-9555

February 20, 1980

The Center for Urban Affairs of Michigan State University is sponsoring
two Community Energy Forums to be held on Thursday, April 3, 1980 and on
Thursday, April 10, 1980 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. The
Forums will take place at the community meeting room of the Marshall Street
Fire Station, which is located at the southwest corner of the intersection
of Marshall Avenue and Oakland Street (see enclosed map).

The two major objectives of these forums will be to (1) identify, discuss
and prioritize the energy conservation program needs for the greater Lansing
area; and (2) facilitate coordination and communication between organizations
which are interested in similar energy programs. In addition, this will be
an opportunity to publicize any of your organization's energy programs.

We hope you will be able to attend these meetings. If you cannot attend,
please ask another member of your organization to attend. If the forums are
to succeed, there needs to be a broad representation of the greater Lansing
community, and we hope your organization will be represented. Please return
the enclosed fOrm indicating whether you or another member of your organization
will be able to attend.

It is unfortunately all too evident that our national, long-term energy
problems will become increasingly serious in the coming years. Given the current
lack of a strong Federal conservation program, the need for local initiatives
is extremely important if we are to minimize the hardships which will occur as
energy supplies become more scarce. We feel that identifying and prioritizing
the program needs in this community, and facilitating coordination and com-
munication between organizations, will be a useful step towards dealing with
energy problems on the local level. We hope you agree and we hope to see you
at the Energy Forums.

Sincerely,

David Roitman . 182
Program Coordinator

Enclosure

APPENDIX 0
COMMUNITY FORUMS: AGENDAS

183

April 3, 1980

Agenda For Center for Urban Affairs

Community Energy Forums

TIME ACTIVITY

(In minutes)

 

A. Introduction

3 I. Objectives of Forum

5 2. Overview of Forum Procedures
l5 B. Needed Programs and Services

IO C. Perceived Problems

D. Small Group Discussions of Programs

20 l. Listing

60 2. Clarification and Discussion

IO 3. Break

IO 4. Rating

l0 5. Tallylng E and Existing Programs Questionnaire J

E. Networking

IS I. Program Presentation

5 2. Breakdown Into Small Groups, Based on Program Interests
5 3. Listing of Names, Organizations, and Telephone Numbers
5 4. Selection of Contact People

IO F. Program Publicity: Displays, Brochures, etc.

184

TIME

(in minutes)

 

10

15
10

20
60
IO
IO
25

185 April 10. 1980

Agenda for Center fbr Urban Affairs

Community Energy Forums

ACTIVITY

. Introduction

I. Introduction of Participants
2. Forum Objectives

3. Brief Overview of Forum Procedures

. Needed Programs and Services
. Perceived Probiems

. Small Group Discussions of Programs

1. Listing
2. Clarification and Discussion

3. Rating

J5

. Taiiying (and Existing Programs Questionnaire)

. Informal Networking

. Report of Program Taiiy Resuits

APPENDIX P
COMMUNITY FORUMS: QUESTIONNAIRE

NOTE: Response frequencies summed across forums are entered in this
Appendix.

186

187

 

 

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APPENDIX Q
INTERVIEW SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS

AND
FORUM SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS

190

APPENDIX D
Table 01

Interview Sample Characteristics

 

191

Characteristic Level Freguency §_ XE. gf_ .9
Sex of Males 45 76 16.29 l <.0001
Informant Females 14 23
Organizational Upper 27 46 14.27 2 <.OOl
Level of Middle 26 44
Informant Lower 6 10
Size of X 5,10 5 8 31.51 3 <.OOOl
Organization 10‘=X :_20 5 8
(Number of 20“X 3,50 18 32
Employees/ 50 < X 31 52
Members)

Age of X :_ 3 9 15 19.00 5 .0020
Organization 3<:X :_ 5 6 10
(in years) 5<:x : 7 6 10

7< X :10 7 12

lO< X _<_ 20 9 15

20< X 22 37
Type of State Govt. 9 16 3.76 6 .7090,
Organization Local Govt. 12 15 g§_

Private 9 16

Service

Utilities& En. 9 l4

Businesses

& Associations

Citizen Action 9 19

& Neighbor-

hood Associ-

ations

Education & 6 14

Research

Labor 5 6
Perceived Very Import. 40 69 34.07 2_ <.OOOl
Importance of Moderately 12 21
Energy Issues Import.
to Organiza— Not Very 6 10
tion Import.

Characteristic

 

Future Role
of Organiza-
tion

Expectation
For Continua-
tion of Fund-
ing

Current
Energy
Programs

Planning
Stage
Programs

Respondents'
Ideas For
New Programs
For the
Organization

192

APPENDIX Q - Table 01 (cont.)

Level

Active
Moderately
Active
Not Very
Active

Yes
Not Sure
No

Information-
Awareness
Planning-
Regulation
Incentives
Physical
Fix
Lifestyle
Change

Information-
Awareness
Planning-
Regulation
Incentives
Physical
Fix
Lifestyle
Change

Information-
Awareness
Planning-
Regulation
Incentives
Physical
Fix
Lifestyle
Change

Freguency .%
43 74

8 l4

7 12

39 81

7 15

2 4

114 44
72 27

29 (34) 11
32 12

6 2

44 32

53 38

11 (18) 12
19 14

4 3

26 46

19 34

5 9

l 2

5 9

43.48

50.38

172.42

58.50

41

.9

<.0001

<.0001

.0001

A

A

.0001

.0001

A

Characteristic

Sex of
Participant

Type of
Organization

APPENDIX Q
Table 02

193

Forum Sample Characteristics

 

Freguency

Level

Males 26
Females 12
State Govt. 8
Local Govt. 7
Public 4
Service

Utilities & 5
Energy

Businesses

& Associa-

tions

Citizen Action
& Neighbor-
hood Associ-
ations

Education &
Research

Labor

:/._

68
32

21
18
11

13

18
11

4.00

.0219

.6792,

1'15

194

Table 03

Energy Program Funding Sources and Ideas
for Other Possible Sources of Funding

 

 

Funding Source

 

th—i

U‘l

. Direct Federal

. State Government
Local Government
. Indirect Federal
. Self-Supporting

. Foundations

18.71

><
11

Energy Program
Funding Sources

 

_N_
20
21
10
23
25

5

104

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19
20
10
22
24

5
100%

 

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. Local Government

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0'1

16. Foundations

7. Reallocating
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2 = 77.13

IQ ><
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03

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Ideas for Other
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of Funding

 

u
29
1

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57

f/3_
51
25
3
7
3
7
3

99%
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APPENDIX R

AVAILABILITY OF ENERGY USE DATA FOR
THE GREATER LANSING AREA

196

II.

III.

IV.

NOTE:

APPENDIX R
Availability of Energy Use Data for

the Greater Lansing Area

Natural Gas

A. Industrial Use: Data may be obtained directly from Consumers
Power Company.

8. Residential Use: Customer consent is required.
Fuel Oil

A. All Uses: There are about two dozen individual fuel oil
suppliers in the area. Records are dispersed and non-uniform.
A list of suppliers is available from the Michigan Energy
Administration, Data Section.

Electricity

A. The Lansing Board of Water and Light has electricity use data
for its customers. Customer consent is required for release.

Transportation Data

A. Data on traffic flow and mass transit is available from
several sources: Capital Area Transportation Authority,
Tri-County Planning Commission, and the Lansing Department of
Planning (Transportation Division).

Telephone numbers and addresses for organizations are listed in
the Energy Directony, Appendix w.

 

197

APPENDIX S
POPULATION ESTIMATES

198

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APPENDIX T
HOUSEHOLD ESTIMATES

201

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mmnos wmvHam ownw H000 HOHH H000 H00 H0.40 H00 H0.40 0.H0 0.00 0.00
mmnoz wmvwam azu 040 000 004 04H 00.00 000 00.04 0.00 0.04 0.00
mmnos etc 000 000 000 0H4 00.00 000 00.00 0.0H 0.00 0.00
onmsa rmamm 0Hn< H040 0000 0000 000 00.00 400 00.00 0.0H 0.00 0.40
:mBHH: azv 004 0H0 000 H00 00.40 H4H 04.00 0.00 0.04 0.00
memBo 680 000 00H 000 H04 00.00 HHO 00.00 0.04 0.00 0.0H
rmamwdn nwn< hbhv 000 H000 H04H 400 000.04 404 0HH.00 0.04 0.00
chHme: <HHH H00 H04 H00 \H0 H0w00 Mm H0.H0 0m00 .
0HH<mn ownw 000 000 000 H0 0.0H H0 0.40 0.00 0.00 0.44
Odeam Had 400 000 000 000 00 04 000 00.0H 0.00 0.00 0.00
wonan<MHHm 0Hn< 000 000 000 H00 00.00 H00 00.00 0.00 0.H0 0.H0
woxmsa azv 000 000 000 00 00.40 00 04.H0 0.00 0.H0 0.00
mcsmHmHa azd 000 0H0 000 00 00.00 00 00.00 0.00 0.0H 0.H4
mCDmHmHa <HHH H00 H00 H00 00 H4.04 00 H0.40 0.H0 0.00 0.00
<mflBosn<HHHm 680 004 000 000 40 0H.00 00 00.40 0.00 0.00 0.H0
<mNB03n<HHHm <HHH 000 000 000 0 .H4 H .00 0.04 0.04 0.00
zmHnos Had 000 000 000 H00 00.04 H40 00.00 0.0H 0.H0 0.H0
szamou ash Iwbwm lwwmm H040 000 00.00 000 00.00 0.00 0.00 0.0H
H0040 04004 00004 40H0 00.00 0040 00.H0 0.00 0.00 0.0H

APPENDIX U
HOUSING UNITS

204

NUMBER OF UNITS

70001

 

HOUSING AU THOR/Z E D B Y
BU/L D/NG PE RM/ 7'3
TRI- COUNTY REG/0N

 

 

. 6/86
ENDCXD-
5294.
5000-
4000-
5578,
346/-
319/
3OOOJ °
2907- TOTAL umrs
.‘ - 2400
2275-
2:03
. ix
2000d - [I \\\ °.
- - 1898 -
.- / \ °. ‘~~ .’795
1524. I 01778 , 1775' I’ -- on: umr PER
.' I \\ '. / .I680 smucnmz
. ’ 0.? 1537 \ I - °.
[537 o \ I4I5 I
\ ’ I '
\ I
\202 , ’ .
. ”72 I"; uuéanE wwrs
- 10033. .' ' P R
'000 . ... .0 985 STRUCTURE
738 .0 o
' ’304
T I I l I I I I 1
I970 I97l I972 l973 I974 I975 I976 I977 I978
SOURCE:
YEAR
Till-COUNTY REGOONAI.

’ '.' '0 .'Juvvm 0.0:.”

WCW .AN'.m« . w. H. ..*..r 4....

205

O>hmzc>w <m>w HOH>hm

mocmHzn CZHHm >CH$OWHNMU mm wchUHzo meZHHm Awmw2>zmza mHfiCOHCWmmV*

HOH>b
H040 H04H H040 H040 H040 H040 H040 H044 H040 H040:
H040
0HH5nos OOCSnw
0H50Hm wmaHHw 000 00H 000 000 000 000 0H0 004 000 0000
880 mwaHHw 0 H0 H0 H0 0 00 0 0 H0 H00
chnHva mmBHHV 0 H00 00 00 00 00 0 H0 0 000
mmnos Goadnw
mwsmHm meHHw 004 400 000 000 000 000 000 400 000 0040
H20 wmaHHw 00 00 00 H0 0 H0 00 00 00 000
chnHUHm mmaHHw 00 000 000 000 HHO 0HH 00H 000 000 0HHO
Hdmvma oocsnw
mHDmHm mmaHHw 000 04H 44H 4H0 0H4 000 040 000 044 0040
eso meHH< 00 000 000 0H0 40 40 00 00 40 HH00
chnHva meHHw 00H H000 0H00 00H0 440 000 000 HHH4 000 H0000
HHHnnochw Hoan
0% 000m 00 mnnconcnm
mHUmHm waHHV H004 H004 0H00 H440 H000 HH40 HOH0 H000 H400 H0000
380 meHH% H00 000 000 000 00 H00 HHO 00 H00 HO0H
chnHva meHHw 0H0 H000 0000 0H00 0H0 000 004 H000 000 H0000
HNH:oocnnw Canm
owbzu Hoa>b 0040 000H 0000 0H00 0000 H440 0000 0040 0004 00000
»
Hrmmm noanm no son Hancam mnw mocnom" 45.0%:

MVMN fl 2:01.0DZ ><fl

gag r>2m_zo, 2:01.95 0005

vanaHnm Hmmcma mom BOUHHm roamm.

03h

APPENDIX V
MAJOR RETAIL CENTERS

207

 

LANSING-EAST LANSING, MICH.
Central Business District and Major Retail Centers

 

    

iNGHAM CO.

0 l 2 3 MILES

. Cami Bum District
9 (D Maia w Cum (3: a 1 a: bow.
nah mgr)
Octal Chi.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Social and Economic Sminic Administration BUREAU or THE causus

208

91,017

23-68 MlCHIGAN—LANSING-EAST LANSING SMSA

TABLE 1. Maior Retail Centers in the Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area: 1972

MAJOR RETAIL CENTERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard Lansing Lansing Major retail centers
metropolitan cmtval (See descriptions below)
1972 statistical business
SIC code Kind at business area district
No. 1 No. 2
Retail stores. total '
Number ..... . .................................... 2 975 1 026 108 53 33
Sales ...................................... SUI!) 991 1167 029 001 05 019 16 531 32 972
Payroll,entirsyeer .......................... .81 11“ 8941 so 997 9 291 2 995 J 745
Paid employees for trash including “12.1972 ......... 23 6041 10 6118 1 907 759 600
54. 58. 591 Come-trance goods stores
r ................................................ l 035 380 28 1 1 1 3
Sales ............................................ $1,000 293 693 (o) 6 195 2 921 9 518
53. 6, 7; 594 Shopping goods none 161“"):
Number ................................................ 759 269 60 35 9
Sales ............................................ $1,000 300 222 to) 33 '165 12 nos (0)
52.55.59. All other stores
ex. 591,4 Number ................................................ 1 151 377 20 7 11
Sales ............................................ $1,000 397 552 1741 9111 5 359 1 1‘65 (0)
NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS
Retail stores. totai' .................................... 2 975 1 026 108 53 33
52 Building materials. hardware, arden apply. and mobile home dealers . . 168 ‘il 3 2 2
525 Hardware stores .......................................... 68 11 - 1 1
52 ex. 525 Other .................................................. 100 JO 3 1 1
53 General merchandise woup stores .............................. 82 30 7 3 J
531 Department stores ........................................ 21 12 2 t 2
533 Variety stores ............................................ 36 13 5 - 1
539 Miscellaneous mat M. stores ....................... 23 5 - 2 -
54 Food stores ............................................... 375 125 7 1 ti
65u.554 Automotivedeaiers 229 66 J - 2
55 pt. (5541 Gasoline service stations ...................................... 961 169 2 - 5
56 Appareiandaooenory stores .................................. 212 6“ 25 15 1
562. 3. 8 Women's domino. Matty stores. tuniers ..................... 75 20 9 7 -
562 Women's ready-tow star. ............................. 53 14 6 6 -
561 Men's end boys' clothing and tumidtings stores .................. 53 16 7 5 1
565 Family clothing stores ..................................... 22 7 - - -
566 9“). stores .............................................. 51 15 6 2 -
664. 9 Other apparel and seesnory stores ............................ l 1 6 l 1 -
57 Furniture. home tumidrin’. and equipment stores ................. 2‘10 101 1 1 5 2
5712 Furniture stores ........... . ........... . .................. 62 22 it 1 1
Other 571 Home turnidting stores .................................... 63 33 3 - 1
672. 573 Household appliance. radio. television. end music stores ........... 1 15 46 ii ‘1 -
58 Eating and thinking pines .................................... 571 222 1 9 7 8
5812 Eatingplacss ............................................ 011 156 16 7 6
5813 Drinking places (alcoholic Maps) .......................... 160 66 J - 2
5991.159" Drugstores-mommy”: .............................. 89 33 2 J 1
59 ex. 501. 6 Miaosflaneous retail Iorss’ ................................... 5416 173 29 17 5
592 Liquor stores ............................................ 33 11 l - 1
594 Miscellaneous drooping posh stones .......................... 225 7‘1 17 12 3
5992 Florists ................................................. 99 16 1 2 ..
Standard lotes: - Ispreaenta zero. 0 lltlheld to avold dlsclosure . 1M lot avallable .
'txcludes boosters retailers (Ian-order bousss . dlreot selling . and Isrcbastdlslng nacbttse operators) 810 596 .
”Stores to the general leechestdtse . apparel . turntture and appllabos groups . and tboae aaktttg up the uacellaneous show“! [00!!- category. 'ntcse

stores apsclaltu 1a depart-eat store type aerobaadlse.
’lacludes data {or those blade of bust-ess lo 010 69 (enospt 601 and 606) not covered to any o! the ltaes below.

Includes the area been as ”OI-m Center" sad establish-ents 1n the area bounded by Albert 8t. , aorta etde at Ann 51.. out etc. o:
aarles at” Great] alrea- Arm. sad rest alde or Abbott ad. (last healing clty) (la tract 41)

HC lo. 1.

.0 lo. 2. Includes the planned osater have as ”Logan lbopptag Cutter" and eetabllslt-ents 1a 3100 to 3600 blocks ot South Logan St. and 921 to

1600 block at Vest lollsa Id. (la-slag) (la tract 57)

209

TAIL CENTERS

LANSING-EAST LANSING SMSA—MICHIGAN 23°69

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tBLE 1. Manor Retail Centers in the Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area: 1972—Continued
Iajor retail centers—Continued
(see descriptions below)
2 Kind oi hrsiness
No. 3 R0. 4 No; 5 No.6
Retail stores. total '
.......................... 57 23 56 49
Sales ..................................... 31.1!» 97 592 11 916 30 666 24 737
Payroll. entire year .......................... 91. 11 979 1 596 It 275 3 189
Fatderruoysas for week including March 12,1972 ......... 1 796 340 969 791i
Convemsrtoe goods stores.
Nu ................................................ 17 6 12 8
Sales ........................................... 31.1“) 16 553 5 663 (D) (D)
M Stopping pods alone (GAF’I
................................................ 29 7 92 '39
Sales ........................................... .81,“ 341 577 9 698 26 543 23 103
All other stores
1 Number ................................................ 1 1 6 2 2
Sales ............................................ $10!) no 1162 1 107 (D) (0)
NUMBER OF EST ABLISHMENTS
Retell stores. totel' ....... . ............................ 57 23 56 49
Bu“dingmeteriels.hard\tnre..prdenaipptyartdntobilshorttedeslen .. 1 z - -
Herdenrestoree .......................................... 1 1 - -
Other .................................................. - 1 - -
General merchandise poup stores .............................. 6 3 q 3
Department stores ......... . ...... . ....................... 3 1 3 2
Variety stores ............................................ 2 1 1 1
Miscellanea» 'nsral rrterchandiae stores ....................... 1 1 - -
Food stores ............................................... 7 3 5 u
I Autmm “9f! ......................................... “ 1 o o
4) Gasoline nrvioe stations ...................................... 6 q 1 ..
Apparel and accessory stores .................................. 12 2 20 23
Women's clothing. specialty stores. turriere ..................... 1 1 6 10
Women's ready-to-wesr stores ............................. 1 1 5 7
Men's and boys‘ clothing ltd tumldtinp atom .................. 6 1 6 a
Family clothing stores ..................................... - - - 1
Stoe stores ..................... . ........................ a - 7 7
Other apparel and aeoenory nor. ............................ 1 - 1 1
Furniture. home turnidtings. and 900W! stores ................. 2 1 6 5
Furniture stores ............... . .......................... - .. - -
l Home tumishinp stores . . . ................................. 1 - 1 2
Houdtold appliance, radio. television. and mueiestores ........... 1 1 5 3
Eating ltd chatting places .................................... 6 3 5 .1
Walnut ........ . .......... . .. .......... ............ 5 3 5 41
Omlting places (electrons beverage) .......................... 3 .. - -
N) Drug stern and proprietary stores .............................. 2 2 2 -
'1. 6 Miscellaneous retail stores’ ...................................
Liquor stores ............................................ 2 .2. 13 12
Muslim dropping pet stores . ........................ 9 1 12 8
Florists ...................... . .......................... - - - -
dard hates : - Iapresents earn. 0 Isthheld to aveld dlsclosure. IA lot avallable .
hides unstore retailers (nan-order houses. dlsect selllng. and nsrohandlslng nachlns operators) 910 696.
res tn the general nerchandtse . apparel. tut-utters and appllanos groups. and those nahlng up the nlacellaneous shopping goods category. These

spectaltae 1n depart-ant store type nsrohandlse.

:ludes data for those kinda of buslneee 1a 910 69 (swept 691 and 6“) not covered to any of the ltnea below.

Includes the planned center known as "m lhopplng Center" and establlshnute 1a the area bonded by the north side or East Grand

as": Are.. rest alde o! Ianney Park. brgnn lane. south alde of I1ch1gan Are“ and lorth Cllppert 9t.

30.01)

(lanalng)

(In tracts 30 and

lnoledes the planed cutters tan-a as ”Hg-oat lhopplag Center" and "Ieet Iagtnae Plaza" and establlahnenta on Iest eagtnae {roe
Ig-oat bled. te Tho-as 1.. les-hay. (been Oomty) (la tracts 94. 901.01. and 901.02)

Includes the planned center than as "lanatng fill” and eetabltahnents bonded ”.31-cod, lest Bagtnae ltlghesy, and heat Iran

or. (lhton Con") (la tract 909)

lacltnee the planned center hove as "Isrtdlan .11” and north property
hrah M., hat “and River Ave” and the east property llne.

(laghan Oat-ty)

210

houdary eatahllahents bonded by the north property llne,
(la tract 49.01)

23.70

MlCHIGAN—LANSING-EAST LANSING SMSA

MAJOR RETAIL CENTERS

TABLE 2. Maior Retail Centers With room More Retail Establishments: 1972

(Table 2 omitted because there were no major retail centers with 100 retail establishments

or more in the Lansing-East Lansing SMSA in 1972)

TABLE 3. The Central Business District: 1972

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lansing

Establislelents Sales Payroll, Payroll, irrst Paid employees

entire year quarter 1972 lor week

I972 . . including

SIC code I‘m“ °‘ WW” March 12

(MW) (31,”) (SLW) (SLED) (number)

Retailstoree.total' .................................... 108 115 019 9 291 1 99a 1 907
52 9uildingmtsrids.hardveers.prdannlpply.andmobilehomsdseiers .. 3 (0) 101 (D) (D)
525 Hardwarsstoras .......................................... - - - - -
5201.525 Other .................................................. 3 10) (D) (D) (D)
53 Gsnerelmardtntdieemstorse .............................. '7 17 001 3 679 716 799
531 Departmentstoree ........................................ 2 t0) (D) (D) (0)
533 Varietystores ............................................ 5 (0) (D) (D) (D)
539 Misesllataouspnsrelmsrdtmdisestores ....................... ~ - - - -
54 Foodstores ................. 7 666 69 15 27
55e1t.58 Autornotivsrhalers ........................................ (0) (D) (D) (0)
55pt15541 Gaeotineeervicestations ..................................... (01 (0) (D) (0)
Apparelandaccsseorystores ................................. 25 7 7‘19 1 992 333 277
562.3 9 Women'sclothing. osciatty storas.1umera .................... 9 2 660 534 128 130
562 Women'sready-to-veearstores ............................ 6 2 660 095 110 119
561 M'W clothingendtumidtinpstorss ................. 7 3 360 633 193 99
565 Fanflwudodungsuues ..................................... - - - - -
566 Stoestorss .............................................. 6 (D) (0) (D) (0)
564.9 Othermparelandaeca-orystores ............................ 1 (0) t0) (0) (D)
57 Fumiture,home1umidtinp.andequipmantstores ................. 11 3 905 6‘12 211 125
6712 Fumltursstores .......................................... ll (0) (D) (01 (D1
Othsr571 Homefumidtinpstorea .................................... 3 1 750 326 115 69
572. 673 Householdapplianee.radlo.tslsvidon.andnusicstores ........... ll (01 t0) (0) (0)
58 Eatingandrtinltingplu .................................... 19 9 202 1 360 321 406
5812 Eatirtgplaus ............................................ 16 9 039 1 315 309 3741
5813 Drinlthgplacaslaicoholicbsvaragasl .......................... 3 163 95 12 32
59m.1691) Drugstuasntdpmprieurystores .............................. 2 1 325 £175 96 75
59er.691.6 Micelhuomretarlcorsa’ ................................... 29 6 333 l 003 2‘10 219
592 Limorstoras ............................................ l 10) (0) (D) (0)
594 Miseellansouadtoppinggoodsstores .......................... 17 5 235 837 199 183
5992 Florists ................................................. 1 (D) (0) (D) (D)

 

Itandard Notes:

- Represents ears. 0 Itthlaeld to avoid disclosure.

211

M lot avallable.
’lxcludes nonstore retallers (hall-order houses. dlrect aelllng. and nerchandlslng nachlne operators) 810 696.
'lncludea data tor those blade of bualnsss 1n 610 69 (except 691 and 696) not covered 1n any or the llnes below.

t RETAIL CENTERS

LANSING-EAST LANSING SMSA—MICHIGAN 23-71

TABLE 4. The City: 1972

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lansing

Establishnents Sales Payroll, Payroll, tirst Pald employees

entire year quarter 1972 I01 week

1972 . . 10011101113

3 code Kind oi busrness March 12

(wallet) (81.001) ($1.010) ($1.000) (number)

Retail stores, total' .................................... 1 026 929 001 59 997 12 555 10 698
Building materials, hardware. prdsn napply. era! mobile home dealers . . 91 17 965 1 619 390 201
Hardin-restores .......................................... 11 (D) (D) (D) (D)
.525 Other .................................................. 30 (o) (o) (o) to)
Gsnerelmsrdtandisep’oupstores .............................. 30 (D) 1‘1 241 3 105 2 738
Mment stores ........................................ 12 90 950 13 397 2 909 2 997
Varietystorss ............................................ 13 3 926 (0) (D) (D)
Miscdlansouspneral merchandiestoree ....................... 5 (D) (0) (0) (0)
Food stores ............................................... 325 53 701 9 762 1 060 692
.554 Automotive dealers ......................................... 68 120 304 10 099 2 317 1 0‘“)
. (554) Gasoline service stations ...................................... 169 25 059 2 929 599 607
Apparelendaocessorystores .................................. 69 15 601 2 539 566 501
3, 8 Women’s clothing. oeoialty stores. furriers ..................... 20 5 39 1 (O) (D) (0)
Women's raady-to-wear stores ............................. 19 ii 602 602 166 1 all
Men's and boys' clothing and furnishing stores .................. 16 (D) 905 195 l 52
Familydothingstores ..................................... 7 (D) (0) (D) (0)
910a stores ....................... . ...................... 15 2 1196 3901 91 76
9 Otherapparelandaocasorystores ............................ 6 (D) 95 21 20
Furniture. home tumidlings. artd equipment stores ................. 101 27 590 9 150 1 038 626
2 Furniture stores .......................................... 22 6 030 1 309 266 103
.'l 571 Home tumishing stores .................................... 33 9 360 1 276 353 206
573 Household appliance, radio, television. artd music stores ........... 96 10 200 1 563 399 237
Eating and drinking places .................................... 222 37 550 10 003 2 3211 3 089
2 Eating places ............................................ 156 (o) 1 936 1 850 2 11211
3 Drinking places (alcoholic saver-on) .......................... 66 lo) 2 105 are 665
11.0.5911 Drug storssandproprietary stores .............................. 33 (D) 1 697 939 3641
1x.591,5 Miscellaneous retail stores’ ................................... 173 21 965 3 on 700 sec
Liquor stores ............................................ 11 2 924 196 97 95
Micsllansous droppinggoo¢stores .......................... 79 9 952 1 232 279 273
2 Fkxku ............................................... .. 16 1 396 329 73 72

 

Stand: I'd Not-9:

- Represents aero.

D 91thheld to avold dlsclosure.

IA lot avallable.
‘Escludes nonators rstallsra (natl-order houssa, dtrect selling, and nsrchandlalnx nachlne operators) BIC 696.
'lucludoa data for those hsnds u! bunlnuna lo 610 69 (except 691 and 696) not covered 1n any at the llnea boloe.

212

23-72 MICHIGAN—LANSING-EAST LANSING SMSA

TABLE 5. The Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area: 1972

MAJOR RETAIL CENTERS

 

 

Establisllcnts Sales Payroll, Payroll, tilst Paid employees
entire year Quarter 1972 for week
1972 . . including
5": code Klnd oi blslness “a,“ 12
(MW) (SLIM) (11.00) (11,001) (number)

Retail stores, total' .................................... 2 975 991 967 119 899 26 529 23 89“

52 6uildingnuterials.hardeere.prdsnwmlv.erldmobiiehornedealers . . 166 53 065 5 101 1 061 710
525 Herdwerestorss .......................................... 66 6 939 976 206 207
52 ex. 525 Other .................................................. 100 99 131 9 125 675 503
53 General nerdtar'ldissgroup stores .............................. 62 179 972 23 079 5 195 9 692
531 Department stores ........................................ 21 161 921 20 653 9 595 3 959
533 Variety m ............................................ 311 (o) 1 769 4109 1199
539 Micsllaneousmneral merchandiastores ....................... 23 (D) 632 191 139
54 Food stores ....................................... . ....... 375 166 666 15 663 3 one 3 100
55 ex. 559 Automotive dealers ......................................... 229 296 562 20 925 9 637 2 293
55 pt. (559) Gasoline service stations ...................................... 961 69 979 6 761 1 653 1 769
56 Apparel urdaccaory stores .................................. 212 93 266 6 075 1 933 1 380
562, 3. 6 Women's clothing. specialty stores. lurriers ..................... 75 16 175 2 377 565 690
562 Women's ready-to-wsar stores ............................. 53 (o) 2 199 525 see
561 Men's and boys' clothing and lumishings stores .................. 53 13 169 1 975 959 352
565 Family clothing stores ..................................... 22 3 69 l 996 1 11 120
566 Shoe stores .............................................. 51 7 361 1 109 255 2110
569.9 Othermslandaccsnorystores ............................ 11 695 121 26 29
57 Furniture, home furnidlings. and equiprnant stores ................. 290 99 571 6 656 1 631 1 077
5712 Furniture stores .......................................... 62 16 601 2 962 569 366
Other 571 Home furnishing stores .................................... 63 12 299 1 633 937 251
572. 573 Household applim. radio. television, and music stores ........... 1 15 20 671 2 591 610 928
56 Eating and drinking places .................................... 511 19 069 20 109 9 599 a 6.15
5812 Eatingplaces ............................................ 911 63 018 16 695 3 819 5 512
5613 Drinking placu Mic beverages) .......................... 160 16 096 3 919 765 l 103
59 pt. (591) Drug stores and proprietary stores .............................. 69 27 763 3 602 902 767
56“. 591, 6 Miscellaneous retail stores’ ................................... 596 53 329 6 706 1 595 1 976
592 Liquorstorss ............................................ 33 6 919 1175 121 1111
599 Micdlmrsmoppingpoorhstorss .......................... 225 27 393 3 392 790 619
5992 Florists ................................................. 99 3 571 762 171 166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard Notes:

- Represents aero. D Isthheld to avotd dlacloeurs.

213

1M Not avallable.
'lacludee nonstore retallera (nan-order houses, dlrsct aelllng, and norchandsalng naohsns operators) 616 696.
'lncludes data {or those hlnds o! buslnsaa 1n 61¢ 69 (except 691 and 696) not covered 1n any of the llnsa beloe.

APPENDIX N
ENERGY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES DIRECTORY
FOR THE GREATER LANSING AREA

214

ENERGY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
DIRECTORY FOR THE GREATER LANSING AREA

INTRODUCTION

Purpose

This Directory is an overview of the current Lansing and East
Lansing energy conservation programs and services. Brief descriptions
of the organizations which manage the programs and services are included.

Disclaimer

 

The Directory is primarily intended to aid future conservation pro-
gram planning and research by describing the organizational resources
of the community. It is not intended in any way to promote the programs
or products of any of the organizations. The only energy related busi-
ness organizations included are the local utility companies and the
Oldsmobile Division of General Motors. The conservation programming of
these organizations is described since they play such a prominent role
in the community. However, it is not the intent of this Directory to
promote their products or services.

In order to provide information concerning energy products, the

appropriate categories from the Michigan Bell Lansing Area Telephone

 

Directory are listed at the end of the Directory.

Acknowledgements

 

We wish to thank Rex Lamore and Dr. Jack Bains of the Michigan
State University Center for Urban Affairs for their support in carrying
out this project. We also wish to thank Nathan Hampton and Wanda Haneline

of the East Lansing Energy Consciousness Team for their assistance.
215

215 a

Format
Each entry in the Directory uses the following format:
NAME OF ORGANIZATION and brief description.

 

INFO-ED

- Information and education programs of the organization.
ASSISTANCE

- Financial assistance programs of the organization.
TRANSPO

- Transportation programs and services designed to provide alter-
natives to the single-driver automobile.

ADVOCACY

- Political action programs of the organization.

PLAN-REG

- Activities of the organization involving planning and regulation
related to energy use.

CONTACT: Under each program entry a contact (name of contact

person and/or phone number) is listed if information about the
contact was available at the time the Directory was prepared.

The CONTACT entry refers to all programs listed above it.

Limitations

Since energy programming changes rapidly and frequently, it is
difficult and costly to prepare a comprehensive, up-to-date listing of
information. This Directory, therefore, will be to some extent out-of-
date the day it is printed. However, since its listings are according

to organizations, interested users can easily up-date information which

 

they find to be important.
The final up-dating of the Directory took place in the Fall of l980.

216

LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS

CAPITOL AREA COMMUNITY SERVICES (C.A.C.S.)

CAPITOL AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY (CATA)

CONSUMERS POWER COMPANY

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE (CES), INGHAM COUNTY OFFICE
CRISTO RAY COMMUNITY CENTER

EAST LANSING DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND ZONING

EAST LANSING DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, HOUSING, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (EL-PHC)
EAST LANSING ENERGY CONSCIOUSNESS TEAM (ELECT)
HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION (HAF)

INGHAM COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (053)
INGHAM COUNTY ENERGY COMMISSION

INGHAM COUNTY ENERGY OFFICE

LANSING BOARD OF WATER AND LIGHT (BWL)

LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE (LCC)

LANSING DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

LANSING DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING. SAFETY, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
LANSING SCHOOL SYSTEM ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONS

MICHIGAN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL
MICHIGAN CITIZEN'S LOBBY (MCL)

MICHIGAN ECONOMICS FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (M.E.H.D.)
MICHIGAN ENERGY ADMINISTRATION (MEA)

MICHIGAN ENERGY COALITION

MICHIGAN LEAGUE FOR HUMAN SERVICES

MICHIGAN STATE BUREAU OF COMMUNITY SERVICES

MICHIGAN STATE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION
MICHIGAN STATE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY

MICHIGAN STATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (MSHDA)
MICHIGAN STATE LEGISLATURE

MICHIGAN STATE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (MPSC)
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR URBAN AFFAIRS (CUA)
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS ACTIVE IN ENERGY

OLDSMOBILE

PIRGIM

RATEPAYERS UNITED

TENANTS RESOURCES CENTER OF EAST LANSING (TRC)
TRI-COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING

TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (TCRPC)

URBAN OPTIONS

UNITED AUTO WORKERS (UAW)

URBAN LEAGUE

217

CAPITOL AREA COMMUNITY SERVICES (C.A.C.S.) operates the largest weather-
ization program for low-income persons in the greater Lansing area.
Capitol Area is involved with a number of services for the needy
(e.g., Crisis Assistance, Headstart). It serves as the local CAP
agency (Community Action Program), and it is funded by grants and
contracts from the Federal Community Services Administration and other
agencies. It is under the supervision of the Michigan State Bureau of
Community Services. Capitol Area has several offices in the Lansing
area, and works with a number of other agencies to get people involved
in their programs.

INFO-ED

- General information on weatherization and assistance programs.
CONTACT: 372-9140

- Youth Program: On-the-job training in basic construction skills
related to energy conservation (carpentry, etc.) for high school age
youth.

CONTACT: Virginia Massey, 372-9140

ASSISTANCE

- Weatherization: Crews come to your house and install insulation,
weatherstripping, etc. You must meet income requirements and have
proof of ownership of home.

CONTACT: 372-9140

- Crisis Assistance: Emergency financial assistance in case of utility/
fuel shut-offs. Fuel delivery, temporary clothes, food, medicine, and
emergency housing repairs. Program details change frequently; call
for assistance.

CONTACT: 482-6281

COMPLETE LIST OF C.A.C.S. CONTACTS:
Clinton County, 224-6702

Cristo Rey, 1314 Ballard, 482-1387
East side, 1710 E. Kalamazoo, 372-9010
Eaton County, 543-5465

Ingham County, 676-1065

Kingsley Center, 1222 W. Kalamazoo, 487-1370
North side, 101 E. Willow, 372-9140
Shiawasee County, 743-5648

West side, 428 W. Lenawee, 485-0155

 

CAPITOL AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY (CATA) provides the greater Lansing area
with mass transit service. CATA is governed by a Board of Directors
which includes members of local governments (e.g., Lansing City
Council) and is funded mostly by federal, state and local grants;
only about 25% of its funds come from bus fares.

INFO-ED and TRANSPO

- Bus routes and schedules.

CONTACT: 394-1000 '

- Handicapper program: CATA provides SPEC-TRAN (special transportation)
serv1ce.

CONTACT: Mrs. Walfston, 394-6230

- Park-and-Ride: You can park in lots in outlying locations and ride
CATA buses into greater Lansing.

CONTACT: Mr. Frolich, 394-1100

 

218

- Van pooling: CATA is the local contact for the Michigan Department
of Transportation Program. Vans are supplied to individuals who have
lined up ten riders. Reasonable monthly rates.

CONTACT: Ms. Nan Casey, 394-1100

- Ride sharing: CATA will also be coordinating ride sharing for
individuals who wish to use their own cars. They are accumulating
names and addresses of those interested in car-pooling in the greater
Lansing area.

CONTACT: Ms. Nan Casey, 394-1100

CONSUMERS POWER COMPANY is one of the two major utility companies serving
the greater Lansing area. (The other is the Lansing Board of Water
and Light). Consumers Power is basically the onl supplier of natural
ga§_in Central Michigan. Consumers does ngthsuppIy Lansing and East
Lansing with electricity, but has customers elsewhere in Ingham County.

INFSOEBumers Power is a "public utility" owned by its stockholders.

- Pamphlets and general information on energy conservation, especially
insulation and appliances.

- Speakers bureau: Speakers on general energy conservation, insulation,
etc.

- Solar energy: Names of all local dealers are supplied.

CONTACT: 373-6100, ext. 323 or 324 (use this number for all INFO-ED
questions).

ASSISTANCE

- Home insulation loan program: To be eligible, you MUST BE A CONSUMERS
POWER RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER. You may apply for a loan up to $300. A
20% down payment is required. If you repay the loan within 3 months,
there are no interest or financial charges; if you make monthly pay-
ments with you gas bill, the annual interest rate is 1% per month
(12% per year). Consumers pays the insulation contractor. AT PRESENT,
ONLY CEILING INSULATION IS COVERED. However, the new Residential
Conservation Service Program (RCS) will REQUIRE Consumers to offer a
package of additional services. See PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION in this
Director for information about the new RCS.

- RCS (Residential Conservation Service Program): Still in planning
stages. Will involve utilities in conducting home energy audits and
helping to finance home weatherization. Should be in action by
Winter 1980-81.

- Wind-buy-back: If you have a wind-powered generator, you can hook
into Consumers' lines and be paid for your electricity when the wind's
blowing.

CONTACT: 373-6100 (use this number for all ASSISTANCE questions).

 

 

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE (CES), INGHAM COUNTY OFFICE: CES is one of
the largest and most active organizations working to promote energy
conservation in Michigan. CES is a complex network of organizations,
involving eighty county extension offices and 130 faculty specialists
from several Michigan State University departments. CES is supported
by county government funds, Michigan State University, and various
grants.

219

INFO-ED

- General information: Call or stop by the Ingham County office for
information on gasahol, minimum tillage farming, gardening and canning,
home appliances, solar, wind, and biomass energy, etc.

- Lectures and films on various energy topics.

CONTACT: Ingham County CES Office: 676-5222, ext. 361

- Research: Some of the research projects include the Home Energy Audit

Program, Farm Energy Audit Program, Alcohol Fuel Project, monitoring
of energy policy, etc.
CONTACT: These research projects are spread out across Michigan State
University and the CES network. Three good sources for information on
CES research projects are: Dr. Adjer Carrol, 355-0118; Dr. Bill Stout,
355-4720; Dr. Tom Edens, 353-8697.

- Energy Fact Sheets: Over 40 bulletins are available. Readable and
informative. Titles include Home Hot Water Heating with Solanynergy;
Energy Conservation, the Tax Approach; Window Treatments for Thermal
Comforts; etc. The bulletins range between 5¢ and 15¢ for single
copies.

CONTACT: CES Bulletin Office, 355-0240

 

CRISTO RAY COMMUNITY CENTER provides counseling and assistance to the
low-income and the needy. This organization has especially close
ties with the Hispanic community, and its programs are coordinated
with other local service agencies, such as Capitol Area Community
Services and Ingham County Department of Social Services.

INFO-ED

- General information and counseling: Information on home energy
conservation and financial assistance programs. Information and
pamphlets in English and Spanish.

CONTACT: 372-4700

 

EAST LANSING DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND ZONING is in charge of inspecting
n§y_construction to check compliance with local building codes and
ordinances.

INFO-ED

- Information on building codes and ordinances. (SEE BELOW.)

PLAN-REG

- Building codes and ordinances: East Lansing's codes are currently
in accordance with ASHRAE 90-75, a nationwide model code which requires
a minimal amount of conservation related steps. However, this area is
changing rapidly. For example, new developments with the East Lansing
Comprehensive Plan (see above entry) and the Federal D.O.E. "B.E.P.S.
codes" will affect the regulation enforced by the East Lansing Depart-
ment of Building and Zoning.

CONTACT: 337-l731, ext. 203

220

EAST LANSING DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, HOUSING, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
(EL-PHC) is responsible for planning and regulation for the use of
land, existing housing, and multi-purpose developments in East Lansing.
It has a large number of activities and programs which are related to
energy conservation.

INFO-ED

- Information on assistance programs (see below).

ASSISTANCE

Housing repairs: There are currently grant and loan programs. In

general, these programs provide financial assistance for energy

related and other repairs, including weatherization, electrical,
mechanical, etc. These programs include:

Neighborhood Improvement Loan Program

Home Improvement Loan Program

Neighborhood Strategy Programs

Section 312 Loans

East Lansing Home Insulation Grants

Housing Rehabilitation Program

CONTACT: Rosie Norris, Housing Administrator, 337-1731

PLAN- REG
Comprehensive Plan: EL-PHC has coordinated the research and planning
activity for the new Comprehensive Plan. Several citizen advisory
committees assisted by EL-PHC staff researched existing codes and
ordinances and considered various options for revision. These com-
mittees studied such areas as energy, housing, waste and water manage-
ment, and land use. The committees' suggestions are currently being
integrated into a Comprehensive Plan, which is expected to be complete
by Fall of 1980
CONTACT: Robert Owen, 337-1731

 

EAST LANSING ENERGY CONSCIOUSNESS TEAM (ELECT) has been one of the most
active organizations promoting energy awareness in East Lansing.

ELECT is housed in the East Lansing Department of Planning, Housing,
and Community Development (see above), and is a "temporary" organiza-
tion, funded by a short-term (lB-month) grant. The intent of ELECT
has been to mobilize East Lansing activities to work on energy
awareness projects and to promote energy awareness in a number of
different ways. ELECT serves East Lansing exclusively.

INFO-ED

- School City Activity Program (SCAP) Workshops: These ELECT community
education programs have had high attendance and will be continued after
termination of ELECT funding. They have covered a broad variety of
energy topics.

- Weekly radio program: WKAR- AM' 5 Mid- -Michigan Morning Show, Wednesday' 5
from 11:35 to 11:50 will continue to feature informal talks with local
energy experts. Sponsored by ELECT.

- Speakers Bureau: Speakers for a variety of energy t0pics. Free ser-
vice to schools and other organizations.

- Media events: Six events, including a highly successful tour of solar
homes, have been held.

- Energy directory: ELECT has published a concise,comprehensive
directory for energy related services, including not only local
services, but also state and national services. Easy to use. Avail-
able from ELECT.

CONTACT: Wanda Haneline, 337-1731

221

HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION (HAF) of Lansing is a non-profit service
agency which operates a number of housing and consumer related ser-
vices such as financial counseling, information-and-training work-
shops, etc.

INFO-ED

- General information and pamphlets are available in the HAF office.

- Winterization workshops: Workshops will be held for organizations on
request. Workshop includes lecture, pamphlets, and visual aid presen-
tations.

ASSISTANCE

- Home Repair Program: The Housing Assistant Foundation is the contact
for the Lansing Youth Development Corps (YDC) Home Repair Program.

The program works as follows: (1) Call HAF; (2) staff person will
inspect your home; (3) a contract is drawn up for work to be performed;
(4) a YDC crew will come to your home to do the work. Crews include
youths up to 24 years of age.

CONTACT: Scott Velduis or Charlie Roland, 487-5488

 

INGHAM COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (085) administers Michigan
055 programs in this county.

INFO-ED on assistance programs.

ASSISTANCE

- Emergency Needs Program: Assistance in paying heating bills and
deposits. Low-income persons and families may apply. Eligibility
determined by 055.

- Volunteer Heating Fuel Program: 055 clients who are Consumers Power
customers can have their monthly heating fuel allowance deducted from
their assistance grants and paid directly to Consumers by 055.
CONTACT: 373-6420

 

INGHAM COUNTY ENERGY COMMISSION serves as an advisory group to the Ingham
County Board of Commissioners on energy matters. (The Board of
Commissioners, the major elected executive body for the county govern-
ment, appoints the nine members of the Energy Commission.)

PLAN-REG and ADVOCACY

- Ingham County Energy Office: The Energy Commission serves as a policy
board for the Energy Office (SEE ENTRY BELOW for details on the Office).

- County Energy Policy: The Energy Commission attempts to serve as the
county "energy watchdog." They advise all units of county government
on energy matters when requested. They are currently negotiating to
have a stronger voice in county energy related affairs, by requiring
Commission reviews of county energy related projects.

- County Jail Co-Generation Facility: The Energy Commission has been
instrumental in advocating and planning for this future facility
("co-generation refers to the use of 'waste' steam from electric
generation in the heating of buildings). This highly energy efficient
project is still in the planning and funding stages.

 

222

INGHAM COUNTY ENERGY OFFICE is one of the major energy information
agencies in the greater Lansing area. Until January, 1980, it was
part of the Ingham County Cooperative Extension Service Operation.
It is presently housed in the Ingham County Department of Purchasing
and Property.

INFO- ED
Home Energy Audit: Free service. Call office and request audit.
Auditor will inspect home with you and point out places you can save
energy and money. After the inspection, you'll receive information
on how long-it would take for each conservation step to pay for itself
in reduced fuel bills.

- Hotline: Call the office with any energy question.

- Pamphlets: Good selection. Will mail on request.

- Speakers and films: Films and slides on energy savers (e.g., solar
greenhouses), lectures on conservation for community groups.
CONTACT: 676-3550

LANSING BOARD OF WATER AND LIGHT (BWL) is the major electric utility for
the greater Lansing area. It is a "municipal" (city-owned, non-
profit) utility. Appointments to its Board of Directors are made by
the mayor, and must be approved by the Lansing City Council.

INFO-ED

- Pamphlets: BWL has a selection of pamphlets on appliances, conserva-
tion, home safety, etc. Some are in Spanish as well as English.

- Speakers: Presentations to community groups on conservation.

CONTACT: Dennis Casteele, 487-4974

PLAN- REG and ADVOCACY
Although in former years the BWL has been criticized for not backing
conservation as strongly as it might, recent actions indicate increased
support for conservation, including:

- Citizens Task Forces on Conservation, Public Energy Education, and
Rates. For inquiries concerning the Conservation Task Force:

CONTACT: Tony Benevitas (BWL Board Member), 372-4700

- RCS: BWL, although not regulated by MI-PSC, has decided to voluntarily
comply with the RC5 regulations. Taking effect in March, 1981, these
will require utilities to provide residential audits and financial
assistance for weatherization (see MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
be ow .

- Rates: BWL has a "mildly inverted" rate structure somewhat favorable
to conservation, and has a special rate program for senior citizens
which favors conservation.

CONTACT: 487-4890

 

LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE (LCC) has a relatively progressive energy
management operation, and has training programs for people seeking
jobs in energy conservation fields.

INFO-ED

- Solar Design and Energy Efficiency Training Program: Located in
Department of Engineering Technology. One year certificate or two
year degree in Architectural Solar Design.

CONTACT: Dr. Cernyw Kline, 373-9975

223

- Applied Technology Courses: Training in heatin and air conditioning
(including solar installation, heat pumps, etc. and alternative
sources of energy.

CONTACT: Thom Peterson, 373-7173

- Social Science Courses: Energy policies, energy and the environment,
etc.

CONTACT: John Ducat, 373-7229

- Ecology Club: Various information services, e.g., car-pool ride
boards, environmental films, information on CATA, etc.
CONTACT: John Ducat, 373-7229

- Other programs: Energy forums, conferences, etc. (contact any of the
above).

ADVOCACY

- Ecology Club: Promotes conservation and energy awareness on campuses.
See INFO-ED above.

PLAN-REG

- Energy Committee: Members are staff and administrators. Campus-wide
energy planning and regulation. Has been very effective with a large
number of activities, including: computerized temperature controls,
de-lamping, building audits, insulating and window treatments, etc.

A good model for institutional planning and regulation.

LANSING DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES is in charge of a number of
municipal operations which involve energy use.

PLAN-REG

- This office has adopted an aggressive conservation policy for its own
jurisdiction, involving the following: Rehauling the city's motor
fleet (obtaining diesel-engine cars, improved maintenance, etc.);
encouraging car-pooling and mass transit use for city employees,
using financial incentives; monitoring building energy use; increasing
maintenance; insulating city buildings; disseminating conservation
information to Lansing city employees.

LANSING DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING, SAFETY, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
INFO- E0 on ASSISTANCE and PLAN- REG programs (see below).
ASSISTANCE
Housing repairs: There are currently seven grant and loan programs.
In general, these programs provide financial assistance for energy
related and other repairs including weatherization, electrical,
mechanical, etc. For specific information on each program:
Community Development in Neighborhood Development Areas.
Community Development in Peripheral Housing Target Areas.
Section 312 in Neighborhood Strategy Areas.
Neighborhood Improvement Program.
Neighborhood Strategy Area Section 8 (Rental Property)
CONTACT: Ron Stonehouse, Redevelopment D1vision, 487- 1020
- Community Development City-wide (extremelylow income)
CONTACT: Housing Rehabilitation DiVision, 487-1250
- Home Improvement Program: See Michigan Housing Development Authority
below.

 

 

 

224

PLAN-REG

- This office is responsible for administering and enforcing Lansing’s
building, planning, mechanical and electrical codes. Citizen's
Commission advises the Department is each area. Call the Department
for specific information.
CONTACT: James Kzeski: 487-1250

LANSING SCHOOL SYSTEM ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

INFO- ED
Science and Environmental Education is highly decentralized. The
school system operates a training and consultation center for teachers
to promote environmental education. Their basic philosophy is that
energy issues must be integrated into a "total systems" educational
approach. The school system also has a nearby large outdoors facility
for environmental education.
CONTACT: Dave Cross, 374-4343

LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONS

PLAN-REG

- There are a large number of commissions in Lansing and East Lansing
with appointed or volunteer membership that advise on energy related
policies, e.g., Housing and Community Development, Planning, Transpor-
tation, etc. Contact the public information offices or Planning
Department in Lansing or East Lansing.

MICHIGAN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL is a coalition of
unions representing seventeen trades. Activities include public
education and community action.

INFO- ED and ADVOCACY
Michigan Committee on Jobs and Energy: Affiliated with the Council.
Researches, lobbies, and promotes labor interests related to energy.
CONTACT: 484-1456

- General Energy Education: Promotes energy forums, speakers, demon-
stration projects, mall shows, etc.

CONTACT: Burt Lee, 485-0323

 

MICHIGAN CITIZEN'S LOBBY (MCL) is the largest citizen action group in
Michigan. Programs include lobbying, utility intervention, and
consumer education.

ADVOCACY

- Utility Company Project: MCL has an ongoing program to support con-
sumer interests vis-a-vis the state's utilities and the Public Service
Commission. This involves litigation, rate-case intervention, and
lobbying at state and federal levels.

CONTACT: Alan Barak, 372-7111

225

MICHIGAN ECONOMICS FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (M.E.H.D.; formerly United
Migrants for Opportunity) is the largest and most active Michigan
organization concerned with migrant issues. They are a private, non-
profit social agency, and provide migrant and seasonal farm workers
with employment training, help in obtaining permanent housing,
emergency relief, child care, etc. Their main office is located in
Grand Ledge, and they have a number of other offices around the state.

INFO- ED and ASSISTANCE
The Weatherization Program involves training crews of migrant workers
in construction skills, and providing substantial weatherization labor
and materials for migrant residences.

- General Energy Education: M.E.H.D. is attempting to integrate more
energy education into their on-going program, involving consumer
education, nutrition, adult basic eduction, etc.

- Other Assistance Programs: M.E.H.D. offices provide various energy
related assistance services to migrants, e.g., car tune-ups, housing
rehab, etc.

CONTACT: 482-5571

MICHIGAN ENERGY ADMINISTRATION (MEA) is the major state agency for develop-
ing, coordinating, and promoting energy programs. MEA is a division
of the state Department of Commerce, and is funded primarily by the
U.S. Department of Energy.

INFO-ED

- Clearinghouse: MEA has a vase amount of publications on energy,

from general to highly technical. The Clearinghouse operates the

TOLL FREE ENERGY HOTLINE. You can call this number for answers to

energy questions, and you will be sent publications relevant to your

questions.

CONTACT: 373-0480

TOLL FREE HOTLINE: l -800— 292- 4704

Other MEA public information programs include the following:

Conservation and Consumer Assistance (including Fraud Prevention).

Energy Education Program (to increase energy education in schools).

Residential Conservation (see MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION entry

below .

- Senior Energy Project (see TRI-COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING below).

- Small Business Program
CONTACT: (For all the above programs), 373-0480

- Data, Research, and Evaluation.

CONTACT: 373-8340

- Agriculture and Appropriate Technology Research.
CONTACT: 373-6430

- Institutional Conservation and Transportation.
CONTACT: 373-7543

PLAN-REG

- Policy and Planning

- State and Federal Legislation
CONTACT: 374-9090

226

MICHIGAN ENERGY COALITION is a large, loosely bound coalition of
approximately 50 groups, which promotes the interests of consumers,
low-income people, and the needy in energy affairs.

ADVOCACY

- Lobbying, litigation, and public education. Focuses on issues such
as Lifeline rates, funding of public utility intervention, "truth-in-
heating," regulation of power plant siting and construction, etc.
CONTACT: Terry Black, 482-1193

MICHIGAN LEAGUE FOR HUMAN SERVICES is a non-profit research and advocacy
organization funded by the United Way.

INFO-ED and ADVOCACY

- Energy and the Poor: The League has prepared an excellent, well
researched summary of the effect of various energy issues on the poor.

- Lifeline: The League has been active in lobbying for the recently
passed "Lifeline" bill (see MICHIGAN STATE LEGISLATURE below).
CONTACT: 487-5436

 

MICHIGAN STATE BUREAU OF COMMUNITY SERVICES, a division of Michigan's
Department of Labor, supervises the state's Community Action Program's
(CAP's) and has been active in energy policy-making and programming.
For details on Ingham County CAP energy programs, see above, CAPITOL

AREA MMUN SERV CES Fo information on BCS ener activit ;
CONTA : Wii iam Hoit: 322-1726 9y Y

MICHIGAN STATE DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

INFO-ED and PLAN-REG

- Information on service records for contractors and builders.
CONTACT: 373-1870 or 373-0678

 

MICHIGAN STATE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY administers tax incentive programs
for conservation and solar.
CONTACT: MEA HOTLINE: 1-800-292-4704 or 373-0480

MICHIGAN STATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (MSHDA) was established to
help low and middle income residents to obtain decent housing, and is
a major intermediary for buyers, owners, and builders to obtain housing
related financing.
INFO-ED on ASSISTANCE programs.
ASSISTANCE
Home owner programs:
- Home Improvement Loan Program (H.I.P.): This popular program helps
low income residential owners (below $14,000/year) obtain bank loans
for home improvements, specifically including energy improvement.
Maximum loan: $15,000. Maximum term: 15 years. Interest rates on
income levels.
CONTACT: Howard Miles, 373-8016, or
Lansing Department of Building, Safety, and Community Development, or
East Lansing Department of Planning, Housing, and Community Development
(see above entries).

 

 

227

- Energy Saver Plus Prggram: This program offers homeowners reduced
interest rates and higher mortgage ceilings for conservation. TWO
options: conservation and conservation plus solar.

CONTACT: 373-6840

ASSISTANCE

- Rental unit programs: Builders and developers constructing MSHDA
assisted multi-unit housing must conform to MSHDA conservation stan-
dards, which are progressive and well researched. MSHDA also encourages
tenants in these developments to conserve.

 

 

MICHIGAN STATE LEGISLATURE

PLAN- REG and ASSISTANCE
Energy legiSlation: In recent years, a large number of bills related
to energy have been passed; e.g., in January, 1980 there were about
75 bills in process. Some key pieces of legislation include: the
Lifeline rate bill; solar tax credits; home heating tax credits;
truth in heating; power plant siting; and public intervenor.
CONTACT: Call the MEA Hotline (373-0480) or the MEA Office of
State and Federal Legislation (373-9090) for specific information.

 

MICHIGAN STATE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (MPSC) regulates the state's
major utilities, including electricity and natural gas suppliers. The
Commission sets policies and is supported by a large staff of technical
assistants. As well as regulation and enforcement, MPSC is involved
in a number of energy related research and planning activities.

INFO-ED

- Utility customer information: General and technical information on
policies, regulations, etc. Call MPSC. Also some active dissemina-
tion (brochures, energy fairs, tours, etc.).

CONTACT: 373-8530

- Information on Residential Conservation Service (RCS): (See below
for description of RC5 and CONTACT).

PLAN-REG

- Rate setting: MPSC sets rates after hearing evidence from interested
parties.

- Power plant efficiency: Supervises maintenance improvements.

- Research and development: Internal and external research on energy
devices, alternative energy sources, etc.

- Residential Conservation Service (RC5) and other residential financing
programs: In 1978 the federal governmentlegislated requirements for
all U.S. utilities to become involved in residential energy audits and
weatherization financing. MPSC coordinated a large-scale,state-wide
effort to develop a state RCS plan. This plan is currently being
piloted in Ann Arbor and will be implemented state-wide in 1981. The
plan will supersede or supplement current utility residential insulation
financial assistance programs. For information on the RC8 or other
MPSC conservation projects:

CONTACT: Geoffrey Crandall or Cheryl Garbuthis, 373-8681

 

228

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY is one of the largest universities in the
country, and has a multitude of energy related activities in progress.

INFO-ED

- Courses: Some of the departments offering energy courses include:
Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Education, Geography,
Human Ecology, Resource Development, Sociology, and the Science-
Mathematics Teaching Center. This is not a complete list, since such
courses change frequently.

- Research: All of the above-mentioned departments have active research
programs and again, this list is not comprehensive. Much of the
research conducted in these departments is related to community energy
planning.

PLAN-REG

- MSU has a relatively progressive energy management system, including
the following components: co-generation; life-cycle costing; pro-
gressive construction guidelines; efficient monitoring of energy use
and feedback control.

CONTACT: MSU Physical Plant
OTHER CONTACTS: (Not comprehensive list)
Bill Stout: Agricultural Engineering
Adjer Carrol: Agricultural Economics
Herman Koenig: Center for Environmental Quality
Robert Muth: Education
Lawrence Somers: Geography
Joanne Keith and Bonnie Morrison: Human Ecology
Tom Edens: Resource Development
Craig Harris: Sociology
Marty Hetherington: Science-Mathematics Teaching Center

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR URBAN AFFAIRS (CUA) is the service-
and-research division of the MSU College of Urban Development. MSU
faculty and students work together with community members on CUA pro-
grams, which deal with housing, community development, health services,
organizing neighborhoodsfkn~self-help and impact on government, and
other areas of social concern.

INFO-ED

- Energy Forums and Energy Directory: CUA has co-sponsored two compo-
nents of our Needs Assessment project, including two Community Energy
Forums (held in Spring, 1980) and this Directory. TheTforums involved
discussion among local energy policy-makers and activists concerning
energy programming issues.

- Other Energy Programs: CUA supports community energy education when-
ever budget and staff constraints permit. In the past, CUA has con-
ducted home conservation workshops, issued energy public service
announcements, conducted surveys addressing energy questions, etc.
CONTACT: Rex Lamore, 353-9555

 

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NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS ACTIVE IN ENERGY: These programs vary from
month to month. Consult the latest Lansing Star Community Handbook
for names and addresses of local neighborhood associations.

ADVOCACY
Citizens concerned about Logan Corridor: This neighborhood group
has had an on- going energy related program for several years. They
have conducted traffic flow research and other activities related
to organizing opposition to the expansion of Logan Street into a
north-south highway.

- Other neighborhood associations which have had energy programs include

North Lansin Ea t Side, an South Central.
CONTACT: Langinga tar Community Handbook, or MSU Center for Urban Affairs.

 

OLDSMOBILE: Lansing's largest private enterprise employer.

PLAN- REG
Energy management: Oldsmobile has a well coordinated, though not
extremely innovative, energy management system.
CONTACT: Bill Geisenhafer, 377-4371

- Car-pooling: Oldsmobile has been active since 1973 encouraging
employee ride-sharing, and is currently phasing in a computerized
system to make it easier for people who live in the same area to
form a car-pool.
CONTACT: Bob Shong, 377-4713

PIRGIM (Public Interest Research Group in Michigan) is a large research-
and-advocacy student organization with 40,000 members on five campuses.
Its major activities include lobbying, intervention on behalf of con-
sumer interests, and public education.

INFO- ED and ADVOCACY
Utility Project: PIRGIM's energy staff person serves as an "inter-
venor" in rate cases, representing consumer interests.

- Legislation and policy: PIRGIM has been active in drafting and
lobbying for various energy policies, including the recently passed
Lifeline rates bill; a "truth-in-heating" bill requiring disclosure
of landlords on previous property owners of energy bills at the time
of leasing or sale; the State Residential Conservation Service Plan
(see MICHIGAN STATE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION) and legislation on
power plant siting.

— Other research and advocacy: PIRGIM coordinates independent student
research and advocacy on various energy topics. Much of this research
deals with issues related to nuclear power.

- Workshops and pamphlets: On various energy related topics, such as
rental housing issues, weatherization, appliances, etc.

CONTACT: Ron Wilson, 487—6001

 

RATEPAYERS UNITED is a coalition of labor unions, citizen action groups,
human service organizations, and concerned citizens.

INFO-ED and ADVOCACY

- This group has been active in opposing expansion and "nuclear buy-in"
activity by the Board of Water and Light. Its members advocate main-
taining local control over Lansing's electric utility, and increasing

 

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utility support for energy conservation. Rather than an on-going
organization, Ratepayers United is an issue-oriented group which
becomes active when the Board of Water and Light indicates that it is
considering action which Ratepayers United opposes. Two of the
leaders of this organization are Marty Bakken of the LCC Labor
Studies program, and Dick Holmes, editor of the Lansing Labor News.

TENANTS RESOURCES CENTER OF EAST LANSING (TRC) is a non-profit organiza-
Sion, supported by the City of East Lansing and other grant funding.
INF ED
Tenant counseling: TRC provides counseling to East Lansing tenants
on their rights with landlords. In many cases, this relates to energy
conservation, e.g., landlord housing code violations causing "leaky"
dwellings which prevent conservation. Tenants can visit TRC for
counseling, or call the TRC "hotline."
CONTACT: 337-9795
- Research: TRC conducts research on tenant issues.

TRI- COUNTY OFFICE ON AGING is one of Michigan's Area Agencies on Aging
(AAA) and works to improve the quality of life for senior citizens.

INFO- ED
Senior Energy Adviser: As an AAA, Tri-County has a VISTA volunteer
who specializes in energy counseling and other activities related to
energy education for seniors. These include lectures, films, work-
shops, and conferences on energy problems.

- Referrals: This agency takes an active role in seeing that senior
citizens with energy problems (shut-offs, maintenance problems, etc.)
are served by local ASSISTANCE programs. Has information on all
local ASSISTANCE programs.
CONTACT: Hale McKinney, 487-1066

 

TRI-COUNTY REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (TCRPC) is the regional, "inter-
governmental" planning agency for Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties.
TCRPC conducts research and planning in the areas of housing, land
use, transportation and water quality.

INFO-ED and PLAN-REG

- General information on demographic data: TCRPC holds most of the
available energy related demographic data. Staff members are very
helpful in accessing this data, and will answer energy related plan-
ning questions.

- Community assistance: TCRPC provides staff assistance to any community
organizations requiring help with planning, i.e., zoning, housing,
traffic, public service costs, etc. Short- term assistance is free;
long- -term aid is performed under contract.

- A-95 Review: TCRPC reviews many locally generated grant proposals to
the federal government (including energy related proposals) to deter-
mine conformity to regulations. They will assist in modifying pro-
posals to fit requirements.

- Energy related planning is involved in much of TCRPC's regular activity.
Some effort is being made to fund special attention to energy problems,
e.g., preparing and up-dating a useful energy data base.

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URBAN OPTIONS of East Lansing is a citizen's group formed to provide
local residents with information on low-cost, self—help methods for
saving and generating energY, and appropriate energy technologies
such as solar energy.

INFO- ED
Demonstration House: Urban Options operates the Energy House in East
Lansing, an old two- —story frame residence retrofitted for energy
efficiency. The house has a large number of exhibits, including an
attached passive solar greenhouse, wall sections showing different
types of insulation, insulated shutters and shades, etc.

- Hands-on workshops: Much of the work in the Energy House is
accomplished through "hands-on" workshops, where persons with any
level of skill can learn more about weatherization and other energy
saving improvements by actually doing the work. These workshops
are also conducted outside of the Energy House for interested groups
in the community.

- Lectures and films: Covering a broad range of energy topics, includ-
ing passive solar house construction, greenhouses, etc.

- Referral service: Urban Options is developing a comprehensive "hot-
line" service to answer questions on any energy matter with general
or detailed and technical information.

ADVOCACY and PLAN- REG
Task forces: Urban Options has coordinated research and advocacy
activities related to building and housing, waste and water manage-
ment (including recycling). transportation, and urban agriculture.
These activities include research on existing codes and ordinances
and providing testimony at city hearings supporting energy conserva-
tion approaches.

CONTACT: Energy House, 351-3757

 

UNITED AUTO WORKERS (UAW) is the largest labor union in greater Lansing.
INFO- ED and ADVOCACY supported by UAW:
Lansing Labor News: This publication covers the labor scene in the
greater Lansing area. The editor, Dick Holmes, is an active spokes-
man for energy conservation, and includes energy related articles in
the Labor News. Mr. Holmes is familiar with current labor activity
related to energy conservation, and has helped coordinate labor
support for RATEPAYERS UNITED (see above).
CONTACT: Dick Holmes, 484-7408

 

- Local 724 Energy Education: The chairman of 724's education committee.
Chris Beauchamp is interested in energy and is attempting to start

an active energy education program in this local.
CONTACT: Chris Beauchamp: UAW Local 724.
- Other local unions which have been active in advocating energy con-
servation programs include:
- Plumber and Pipefitters Union Local #388
CONTACT: Doug Griffith
- Sheet Metal Workers Local #360
CONTACT: Arthur James

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URBAN LEAGUE of greater Lansing is a non-profit service organization
supported primarily by United Way funds which works to improve the
quality of life for minorities and low-income persons.

INFO-ED

- Cable TV Energy Environment Series: The Urban League is starting a
regular program dealing with energy issues and practical energy
education.

CONTACT: Jim Nelson, 487-3608

ASSISTANCE

- Weatherization: The Urban League has operated weatherization programs
serving low-income residents and employing seniors and disadvantaged
youths, and expects to renew these operations in the future.

ADVOCACY

- Coalitions: The Urban League is an active member of such state-wide
energy action coalitions as the Michigan Energy Coalition and the
Governor's Energy Task Force.

CONTACT: Charles Mitchner, 487-3608

 

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ENERGY SUPPLIES AND PRODUCTS are listed in the greater Lansing Yellow
Pages under the following entries:

Air Conditioning Equipment

Chimney Builders, Cleaners
Draperies and Curtains

Furnaces, Heating, Repair and Cleaning
Gas Appliances, Burners, Servicing
Heat Exchangers

Heat Pumps .

Insulation

Light Bulbs and Tubes

Screen Doors

Storm Doors

Stoves, Coal and Wood

Stoves, Heating

Thermostats

Washing Machines, Dryers

Water Heaters

Windows

Window Shades

Wood