Measuring the effectiveness of DSM programs

Utility Program Services: Impact Evaluation

AEC has nearly three decades of experience helping utilities meet customer demand, satisfy investor rate of return goals, and reach social and corporate responsibility goals with demand-side management (DSM) programs.

AEC has been performing impact evaluation for utility programs for more than a decade.  Our studies help utilities measure the effectiveness of the Demand Side Management (DSM)and other rebate programs and uncover opportunities for program improvement. We offer the perspective of an unbiased 3rd party in determining the value of a program to all stakeholders.  

AEC’s impact evaluation services include:

Program Evaluations
By comparing actual to proposed project performance, we determine realization rate, demand (kW), and energy (kWh and therms) savings across a variety of program platforms, for both commercial and residential programs. We define measurement sample sizes and develop measurement and verification plans for installations to be evaluated.

Data Analysis
Using a variety of methods from simple spreadsheets to full-building energy models, we analyze pre-and post-installation data on energy saving projects to determine demand (kW) and energy (kWh and therms) savings for individual projects.

Data Collection
Our engineers install short-term metering and monitoring equipment in the field to determine pre- and post-installation energy usage. Using the collected field data, we determine raw demand (kW) and energy (kWh and therms) savings and normalize for climate and other independent variables.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Engineering Support
AEC engineers provide technical services for program implementation including energy audits; monitoring, verification, and evaluation of customer sites; and commissioning and retro-commissioning of commercial and industrial facilities.

Market Transformation
AEC focuses on creating lasting change in market behavior through education. We develop workshops, trainings, newsletters, technical briefs, case studies, and software tools for utilities.