404: Energy Efficiency Evaluation: Examples of Balancing Quality and Quickness in a Regulated Environment
Presenters
Kara Crohn, Research Into Action
Ellen Steiner, Energy Market Innovations, Inc.
Abstract
Energy efficiency evaluation findings are used by utilities and regulators to make multi-million dollar, 10-20 year decisions about how they will provide electrical power to their customers (build, buy, or conserve) and 2-5 year decisions about how best to design conservation programs that can transform purchasing behavior and operational habits. Internal and external evaluators must meet competing demands for highly accurate evaluation data in time to inform planning cycles under regulatory scrutiny. The presenters will discuss examples of balancing priorities, quality and timeliness in the context of regulatory mandates and organizational complexity. In addition, the presenters will discuss common challenges in the energy efficiency evaluation field including: (1) evaluation designs that adequately capture measure effects, program effects, and portfolio-level effects; and, (2) the appropriate attribution of direct and indirect effects to program/portfolio interventions.
