Engaging Manufactured Home Park Residents

CERTs has found success when a willing utility partner is involved with the engagement effort from the beginning. An effort can start with either the gas or electric utility, but we have found that being able to address all of a homes’ energy use (electric and gas) is very helpful to the residents. Whenever possible, it’s best to have both involved. Manufactured home parks served by delivered fuels (propane) can have thermal energy savings addressed by the electric utility, as long as the weatherization assistance provider is involved. Planning needs to begin at least 3 months in advance of an anticipated event.

CERTs has a list of 900+ manufactured home parks to aid in selection. As a utility, you may want to “go big” or choose something moderately-sized, depending on your goals. You may choose to target parks in HUD Opportunity Zones, or other areas of high energy burden, for maximum impact.

A local champion is essential to the success of this type of activity. CERTs typically asks the local champion questions to determine what type of activity might be the best fit, including: whether residents are responsible for their own utility bills, confirm which utilities serve the homes, determine language needs, and find out if there is an existing event to consider coordinating with and if not, learn about the community to determine a good time within a month (rent pay day) or within a day (school bus drop-off). The local champion is relied upon for promoting the effort with the community ahead of the activity.

The Community Action Programs (CAPs) are an additional partner to bring into the mix. Many utilities already partner with CAPs for income-eligible programming. If not yet partnered, for an activity like this, CAPs not only to address other energy-related topics like Energy Assistance Programs and Weatherization Assistance Programs, but also programs such as Head Start early learning and SNAP-Ed food and nutrition. For municipal utilities, welcoming other city departments, like water and sewer might be appropriate. Depending on the community, there may be other organizations to invite.

Residents appreciate receiving something that will result in immediate energy savings.

• Gas utilities — and electric utilities if there are electric water heaters — may provide pipe insulation, efficient showerheads and faucet aerators, or cards for water heater temperature setback.
• Gas utilities — and electric utilities working with the weatherization provider in delivered-fuel areas — may include items related to space heating such as window films, foam weather stripping, caulk, or spray foam.
• Electric utilities may give out LED light bulbs, holiday light strands, or smart powerstrips.

Additionally, these events are a great opportunity to promote other utility offerings (home energy visits, online bill pay, saver-switch programs, rebates). When Xcel Energy or CenterPoint Energy are involved, sign-up homes for Home Energy Squad visits.

CERTs also has a heat tape installation supply list and installation instructional video that is popular at these events since freezing water pipes can be a frequent issue for manufactured homes.

An optional component is to raffle off a high value energy item, like a smart thermostat, or hand out additional items for free, such as utility marketing items (chip-clips, pens, etc.), items from CAPs (kitchen tools, kids books, etc.), and seasonal items (school supplies in late summer and Halloween freebies). Lastly, who doesn’t love food? Single-serve treats like ice cream or cookies are popular.

Dedicate time from at least one staff person from each partnering organization to be present on the day of the event. It means a lot to residents to have access to these resources. It is also meaningful to get to meet someone who works for their local utility(ies) to have you come to them. Be ready to answer questions.