The study should:

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• Align with California’s decarbonization, electrification, and load flexibility goals.

• Identify barriers preventing DAC and HTR customers from adopting targeted technologies.

• Evaluate whether technologies are commercially available but underutilized in these communities.

• Provide recommendations that support IOU portfolio integration.

 

The research questions should explicitly connect equity, market potential, and measurable energy or GHG impacts.

A high-quality study clearly defines and differentiates target segments.

 

DAC Identification

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• Use CalEnviroScreen and other state-recognized metrics.

• Map geographic concentration of eligible communities.

 

HTR Segmentation

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• Include renters, multifamily housing, small businesses, rural communities, non-English-speaking households, and income-qualified customers.

• Consider structural barriers such as split incentives, limited access to capital, and limited contractor availability.

 

If multiple dimensions are being evaluated, a segmentation matrix is essential:

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• Segment Type

  • DAC Multifamily

  • RuralSmall Business

• Key Characteristics

  • High renter population

  • Limited contractor access

• Primary Barriers

  • Split incentives

  • Financing gaps

• Opportunity Areas

  • Electrification retrofits

  • HVAC upgrades

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An impactful study uses both quantitative and qualitative methods:

 

Quantitative Analysis

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• Market size estimation

• Adoption rate modeling

• Energy savings potential

• Load shape and grid impact analysis

• Cost-effectiveness considerations

 

Qualitative Research

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• Stakeholder interviews: community-based organizations (CBOs), contractors, property managers

• Focus groups with residents or business owners

• Surveys translated into multiple languages

 

Community engagement must be culturally competent and compensated when appropriate.

The study should systematically evaluate:

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• Financial barriers (upfront cost, credit constraints)

• Informational barriers (awareness, trust gaps)

• Structural barriers (tenant-landlord split incentives)

• Market infrastructure gaps (contractor capacity)

 

It should also identify enabling factors such as:

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• Existing incentive stacking opportunities

• Local workforce development programs

• Trusted community-based organizations

Beyond energy savings, the study should assess:

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• Health and comfort improvements

• Bill reduction potential

• Resilience benefits

• Workforce development opportunities in DAC communities

 

Impacts should be quantified where possible and contextualized qualitatively.

A CalNEXT-aligned study must go beyond analysis and provide:

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• Program design recommendations

• Targeted outreach strategies

• Delivery channel improvements

• Pilot project concepts

• Policy or regulatory considerations

 

Recommendations should be prioritized by feasibility, scalability, and potential portfolio impact.

The study should conclude with:

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• Near-term pilot actions

• Data gaps requiring further validation

• Key performance indicators

• Suggested partnerships