Client: Northeast Utilities, NSTAR, National Grid, Fitchburg Gas & Electric.
Project: Scoping Study for Appliance Market Share Tracking

NMR developed a plan for tracking the market share of ENERGY STAR-labeled and non- ENERGY STAR-labeled appliances (clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and room air conditioners) in Massachusetts. The plan, based on review of existing data sources and extensive depth interviews with industry experts, not only developed recommendations for market share tracking in Massachusetts, but also explored possibilities for regional and national approaches to market share tracking.

Client: Northeast Utilities, NSTAR, National Grid, Cape Light Compact, Fitchburg Gas & Electric.
Project: Evaluation of Massachusetts ENERGY STAR Homes Program

NMR is leading a team to conduct a multi-year evaluation of the Massachusetts ENERGY STAR Homes Program. The evaluation tasks include surveys of recent home buyers; in-depth interviews with builders, multifamily developers, and subcontractors; process evaluation of the program's changed focus and response to market and standard changes; and an analysis of remaining opportunities as the program approaches its tenth year of operation. In the past year, the evaluation has also examined potentially complementary initiatives, such as green building programs.

Client: New Hampshire Gas and Electric Utilities
Project: Evaluation of New Hampshire ENERGY STAR Homes Program

Based on the evaluation for the Massachusetts ENERGY STAR Homes Program, NMR also conducted an evaluation of the New Hampshire ENERGY STAR Homes Program. The evaluation included with builders, subcontractors, property management firms, public housing officials, and homeowners to assess the market for ENERGY STAR homes in the state.

Client: Northeast Utilities, NSTAR, National Grid, Fitchburg Gas & Electric.
Project: Evaluation of Massachusetts ENERGY STAR Appliance Program

NMR is leading a team to conduct a multi-year evaluation of the Massachusetts ENERGY STAR Appliance Program. The evaluation tasks include market plan assessment and other secondary research; consumer surveys of recent purchasers and shoppers; and retailer surveys including mystery shopping. The project addresses market size and penetration of ENERGY STAR for four different appliances, as well as consumer awareness, perceptions and purchase intentions. Program effects and future efforts are also considered.

Client: Northeast Utilities, NSTAR, National Grid, Fitchburg Gas & Electric.
Project: Multi-Year Market Progress Evaluation and Reporting (MPER) Plans for Residential Energy-Efficiency Programs

Leading a team of nationally recognized experts in market transformation (Shel Feldman, Jane Peters, Ben Bronfman, and Dorothy Conant) NMR developed long-term evaluation and monitoring plans for lighting, appliances, and ENERGY STAR homes programs in Massachusetts. This involved explication of the theory behind the three programs, delineation of market indicators to measure the programs’ success, and designing data collection requirements. Sources of information include past research reports conducted in Massachusetts and other areas, as well as depth interviews with utility program staff, regulators, interveners, and implementation contractors.