Review of Self-Direct Demand Side Management Programs

December 17, 2012

Researchers at the Environmental Energy Technologies Division recently provided technical assistance funded by the U.S. Department of Energy to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to inform their decision-making about changes to their existing self-direct program for commercial and industrial customers. Self-direct programs are usually targeted at large industrial customers with specialized needs or strong in-house energy engineering capacity. These programs are found in more than 20 states, and there is significant variety in how they are structured—with important implications for the additionality and reliability of the energy savings that result. EETD reviewed existing programs and compared key elements of self-direct program design.