International DSM and DSM program evaluation: An indeep assessment

We discuss the current level of demand-side management (DSM) occurring in selected European countries and review the availability of information on DSM programs and program evaluation. Thirteen European DSM programs are compared by examining such factors as motivations for program implementation, marketing methods, participation rates, total energy savings and program costs. The transfer of DSM program results and experiences found in these case studies is also discussed, as well as the lessons learned during the design, implementation and evaluation of these programs. We find that these programs represent cost-effective resources and expect that these types of DSM programs will be useful for utilities and governments in emerging utility competition and restructuring, for both energy and non-energy reasons.