Northeast Utilities Appliance Pickup Program, environmental and other externalities

An overview of Northeast Utilities' experience in the design and implementation of an electric conservation program that encourages and facilitates the removal of second operating refrigerators and freezers from the homes of residential customers is presented. Beginning with conceptualization, the reserach that was conducted in support of marketing, and program justification are summarized. The benefit/cost ratios from the company's filing of the program with the Connecticut and Massachusetts regulatory authorities are compared and the estimated reduction in electric generation emissions resultant from the program's operation are quantified. Other effects of this innovative conservation program are also discussed. Included among them are the nonatmospheric venting of CFC refrigerators, proper PCB handling and disposal, and the displacement of landfill space through the recycling of metals. Further, discussion of the program's economic development potential within the NU territory is provided as an initial indicator of societal externalities