Attendees

OWRT: Cliff Carwile
Gobind Jagtiani
Doug Kaempf
Tom Sheahen (for Paul Scheihing)
Lou Sousa

EEUISD: Transportation & Industrial Branch Lynda Carlson
John Preston
Bob Adler
Mark Schipper
Cindy Magee
Mike Margreta

Due to the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT), the Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey (MECS) has become a biennial collection, instead of triennial, starting with the 1994 collection. In addition, it is expected that the sample size will be expanded to accommodate data reporting on the basis of census division. OWRT agreed that data at the division level would be more helpful than region-level data.

Interest was expressed in MECS data at levels below four digits of Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Codes. However, such a collection would be prohibitively expensive and time consuming, and most likely, data would need to be withheld in a number of categories to avoid disclosure for individual establishments.

Mr. Carwile and Mr. Kaempf both expressed an interest in solar power as an energy source, including quantities used, at the level of four-digit SICs. Since solar power consumption is in its nascent stages, disclosure problems would result for data reporting at virtually every level, except national. They replied that national-level data would still be useful. Mr. Carwile offered to provide a list of four-digit SICs where solar energy use is especially prevalent, and the MECS team will then pursue survey redesign to collect energy generation from solar power and its direct uses.

Generally, large establishments participate in some type of energy-efficiency (EE) activity, be it utility/supplier sponsored, their own EE programs, and/or government-sponsored EE programs, such as Green Lights and Motor Challenge. OWRT would like to add MECS questions dealing with program awareness, program participation, and even decision-making changes resulting from the program. The MECS team is receptive to including dichotomous-type questions (only a response of "yes" or "no" permitted for an answer) on the survey, but questions requiring quantification of energy savings could prove burdensome for amounts that are not easily measurable.

Mr. Sheahen, representing the Motor Challenge program, stated that he would prefer fewer survey questions on fossil fuels and more on industrial practices, especially as they relate to Motor Challenge issues. For example, does an establishment have a corporate policy that every motor be energy efficient or that only energy-efficient motors be used when replacement is necessary? Also, is old equipment retired based upon life-cycle costing or only upon breakdown? Plus, how many electric motors were installed during the year, including horsepower range? Mr. Sousa also championed the cause to find out more about electric motor usage.

Although such questions are beyond the scope of the MECS collection, Mr. Preston suggested focus groups as a means to discuss motor usage with knowledgeable energy managers in manufacturing. Mr. Sheahen supported this idea. Likewise, Mr. Sousa agreed that it is not necessary to survey thousands of establishments to get a general idea of electric motor usage.

The MECS staff would be happy to provide input on how to organize a focus group and how to contact "the right types" of people to attend. However, a professional marketing firm should be employed to preside at the focus groups and to handle the organizational details.

In conclusion, all of the attendees were encouraged to submit by the end of May a list of priority questions that each would like included on the next MECS. The Motor Challenge program is reviewing such a list. As of now, the MECS staff is prepared to add survey questions concerning awareness and participation in government-sponsored EE programs, such as Green Lights, Motor Challenge, and any others that are suggested. Depending on Mr. Carwile's list of four-digit SICs, other questions could be developed for solar power usage, along with any other renewables.

Contact:

robert.adler@eia.doe.gov

Robert Adler

Project Manager

Phone: (202) 586-1134

Fax: (202) 586-0018