Case Studies

Market Research – Electric Reliability Council of Texas
For the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Opinion Dynamics conducts a broad-based survey effort to determine market participant perceptions of ERCOT’s performance in meeting its obligations to various stakeholders, and the protocols that guide ERCOT’s administration of the electricity market place in Texas. Opinion Dynamics fields a yearly modular Internet survey with ERCOT market participants that was designed with skip patterns, which tailor the survey to individual respondents based on the nature of their interactions with ERCOT and their knowledge of specific issues. The survey provides ERCOT with a measure of market participant perceptions of performance allowing for a comparison of perception to operating reality. This comparison allows ERCOT to identify important communications and performance gaps and provides the basis for an actionable plan to address these gaps.

Process Evaluation – Cape Light Compact
For the Cape Light Compact, Opinion Dynamics conducted a comprehensive process evaluation of the Compact’s three low-income programs: single family, multi-family, and new construction. The work included in-depth interviews with market actors, quantitative surveys with end users, review of program databases, on-site visits to assess the quality of the installations, and the development of actionable recommendations to improve program performance. Our evaluation provided a number of recommendations for improving program design and delivery and for the transition of the programs to a new implementation organization.

Market Assessment – Arizona Public Service
For Arizona Public Service, Opinion Dynamics is conducting a market assessment of the company’s residential and commercial customers. The work allows APS to understand its market as it embarks on the development of energy efficiency program efforts. Our work includes quantitative surveying of residential and commercial customers, in-depth interviews with market actors, secondary research, and an amalgamation of all data collected.

Contact: Brad Kates - bkates@opiniondynamics.com