Three ways to optimize energy efficiency rebate processing
Utility energy efficiency programs offer customers a wide range of cost-saving rebates on efficient equipment for their homes or facilities. However, the rebate application and submission process can often be time-consuming and burdensome for customers and Trade Allies – with strict requirements around customer and equipment eligibility as well as supporting project documentation. These hurdles can adversely impact customer and Trade Ally participation, satisfaction ratings, and overall energy savings. In addition, a tedious and manual rebate application process can slow down technical reviews and rebate payment fulfillment. By streamlining the energy efficiency rebate process, utilities can encourage greater program participation, a higher level of customer and Trade Ally satisfaction, and increased energy savings.
Areas for Rebate Processing Optimization
Simple user experience through an easy-to-use interface
A simple user experience will enhance the satisfaction and participation from key program stakeholders – including customers, Trade Allies, contractors, and other utility partners. An easy-to-use, intuitive application interface will gain participation from Trade Allies who submit hundreds of projects as well as customers who turn in just a single project application. It is important to reduce the number of application inputs to the fullest extent possible, instead using utility data connections to populate customer information such as service address, contact details, and account types. This type of enhancement will not only improve the user experience, but also cut down on the number of application errors and missing information.
Better rebate process efficiency through automation
Automation can play a significant role in streamlining the rebate application process on both the front and back ends. During the application submission process, automated processes can help verify customer and equipment eligibility, pull in required equipment specifications, and calculate rebate amounts – increasing the consistency and accuracy of applications. In determining automation opportunities, it is crucial to consider customer and Trade Ally pain points or hurdles in the application process. In addition, automated processes can streamline the back-end process with data verification and technical review by handling tedious, repetitive tasks and allowing program staff to handle a larger volume of rebate applications.
Faster technical reviews through a centralized application dashboard
In addition to streamlining the rebate process with an easy to use interface and automation, it is important to improve the efficiency of technical reviews and data verification. Technical review and application administration should be centralized in a single, easy-to-manage dashboard where account details, key project information, and supporting documentation are readily available for program staff. Through this centralized dashboard approach, the technical review process can be completed in just minutes and provide faster rebate payments.
The AMPLIFY™ Platform
For more than 10 years, Leidos has been using its innovative AMPLIFY energy efficiency platform to help utility partners streamline program operations, leverage real time data to inform decision making, and provide fast application processing and rebate fulfillment. The AMPLIFY platform focuses providing an exceptional user experience through an easy-to-use interface and the integration of new technologies. Key features include:
Instant customer eligibility verification
- Using secure connections to utility account data, the AMPLIFY platform performs instant customer eligibility checks to ensure that only eligible customers are submitting applications for energy efficiency rebates.
Product eligibility integration
- AMPLIFY has several integrated databases of qualified products – including connections to ENERGY STAR; Design Lights Consortium; and the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) – to instantly verify equipment eligibility and simplify the application process for customers and Trade Allies.
Locational targeting to deliver enhanced incentives
- AMPLIFY is capable of integrating a tailored incentive structure within the platform – allowing utilities to deliver enhanced incentives to regions and communities that are economically disadvantaged, have suffered effects of natural disasters, or are located within capacity-constrained grid regions.
Use of Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
- RPA performs many of the tedious technical review and data verification tasks needed for each application—cutting the time required to review and approve energy efficiency projects by as much as 70 percent and allowing program staff to focus their time on other projects.
Leidos’ innovative AMPLIFY platform provides features and automation to help utility partners streamline the energy efficiency rebate process and provide deeper project engagement with customers and Trade Allies. To learn more about Leidos and our AMPLIFY rebate processing solution, contact our team.
