Keywords

Abstract

California's public goods charge-funded energy efficiency programs rely heavily on standard performance contracting (SPC) to both achieve energy savings and reduce customer barriers to implementing energy efficiency measures. This paper reports on an application of theory-based evaluation of the nonresidential SPC program, and how the lack of an initial theory-based approach from the outset led to problems that should have been anticipated. The paper then explores how new social science related to the role of trust in intermediary relationships like EESPs, could be exploited to develop an enhanced NSPC program theory, and develops concepts that should be pilot tested in future NSPC programs. The paper concludes with a discussion of the lessons learned, especially related to the institutional conditions that hinder theory-based program learning and innovation.

Paper

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Panels of the 2000 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Panel 1. Residential Buildings: Technologies, Design, and Performance Analysis

Panel 2. Residential Buildings: Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation

Panel 3. Commercial Buildings: Technologies, Design, and Performance Analysis

Panel 4. Commercial Buildings: Program Design, Implementation, and Evaluation

Panel 5. Deregulation of the Utility Industry and Role of Energy Services Companies (ESCOs)

Panel 6. Market Transformation

Panel 7. Information and Electronic Technologies

Panel 8. Consumer Behavior and Non-Energy Effects

Panel 9. Energy and Environmental Polics

Panel 10. Building Industry Trends