• The existing approach to Utility and Government collaboration with industry on program and policy design remains a challenging environment:

• When developing programs, policies, rate designs, and taxation regimes, utilities and governments need to employ a systematic approach to getting industry input on a continuous basis in a coordinated fashion.

• Industry should be viewed as a partner in these developments and given time and opportunity to be involved and provide input with vested interest.

• Potential unintended consequences should be evaluated with industry.

• Technical criteria, installation standards, program life, program consistency, and quality assurance need to be discussed with industry prior to making final program or policy decisions.

• Industry needs to be informed of plans at an early design stage, before details are worked out, and given ample time to prepare input and subsequently be kept informed of progress and allowed further input as the design moves ahead into program mobilization and management.

• Industry input should be valued and incorporated where needed. When input is not fully utilized, communication should be provided on decision-making.

• Once an initiative is implemented, industry must be kept informed of progress and changes on an ongoing basis.

• Mobilizing the residential HVAC industry to actively participate and fully engage with Utilities
and Government in program and policy design remains a barrier:

• The industry must take an active role in assisting with program and policy design and set
up a simple and reliable mechanism for utilities and governments to get industry input
and to facilitate ongoing collaboration, rather than ad hoc discussions.
• The industry must work to ensure that all industry members have the opportunity to
provide their input.
• The industry must recognize that a modest investment of time to provide input on
programs and policies will provide long-term value in improving program and policy
design and implementation.