Abstract

Evaluating the performance of DSM programs is complicated because the energy saved by programs cannot be measured directly. Utilities rely on evaluation methods which are drawn from a variety of academic disciplines, including engineering, statistics, social psychology, and economics. It is assumed that all evaluation methods provide some form of information, and the quantity and types of information depend on the intended purpose of the evaluation result. The cost of obtaining this information should be weighed against its worth. This study frames and begins to answer the following questions: 1) Do programs provide maximum results at minimum costs? and 2) Are they cost effective?