ERMUSR MISC ITEMS 09-21-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Wait Till Eight Survey Results The Wait Till Eight survey was sent to all 7,700 ERMU electric customers with their July bill. Of that total, 866 were commercial accounts. While the Program targets residential accounts,commercial accounts received the survey to help "spead the word"even though we knew few would respond (four were identified). 1,132 surveys were returned as of Aug 17 for a 16.6% response rate. The survey had three goals: To further inform our customers about the importance of curtailing electric use during peak hours of the day. (A supplement to the brochure sent out in June.) To determine the readership of our mailers. To determine the willingness of our customers to voluntarily cut back at peak times. Results: Of the total 1,132 surveys returned, 836 (74%) indicated they had seen the Wait Till Eight brochure. Impossible to determine how that number applies to the other 5,702 that didn't respond. (The Wait Till Eight brochure was mailed with their June bill.) Of the 836 who indicated they had seen the brochure, 658 (79%) said they had implemented at least two of the energy saving ideas listed in the brochure. While 296 (26%)had not seen the Wait Till Eight brochure, several requested that we send them one—that was done if they included an address. A number indicated they did not see the brochure because they new customers. 296 respondents indicated they participate in our Cycled AC program. Seems high Many of the respondents added their own tidbits to the survey -these are some of the more interesting ones: -"I don't understand the statement"referring to turning up the AC 5 degrees at 5PM. -"I think your advertising will help people save on electric." - "I do wonder why the local schools water their fields mid-day, especially when there are watering restrictions in Elk River." -"I now only buy energy star appliances." -"And it didn't do one darn bit of good in my bill." -"I water on my designated day but it irritates me that businesses water whenever they want even when it's mining out." -"Wait Till Eight has Great Ideas!' - "My bill is always high, it's like I'm doing someone elses bill. Please check." -"Off-Peak is great. Everyone should use CFLs." -"I have pets that have to be kept cool or they will die." -"I would absolutely participate in this whenever I can, I just never read it." -"My husband is diabetic and can't wait till after eight to eat." -"Are you kidding?" -"It was easier for me to learn about Wait Till Eight by reading question 2." - "Are you running out of garbage to burn?" -"Bring back your Off-Peak program. Great program!" -"My husband is an electrician with Xcel so we understand the shortage." -"My bill is already as low as in can go because my parents taught me to conserve"