Non-Energy Benefits in the Residential and Non-Residential Sectors - Innovative Measurements and Results for Participant Benefits

Lisa A. Skumatz, SkumatzEconomic Research Associates, Inc.
Chris Ann Dickerson, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Brian Coates, Seattle City Light

Keywords

Abstract

Two studies were recently completed that quantified the non-energy benefits (NEBs) from a variety of different DSM programs and used innovative methods to measure previously un-estimated NEBs from the participant perspective. The projects covered single- and multifamily programs, as well as a commercial/industrial program. As part of the work, the authors developed program-specific (and customer class-specific) NEBs in 20 categories covering “utility/ratepayer benefits”, “participant benefits”, and “environmental benefits”.

In particular, this paper focuses on one aspect ofthis research —valuing the participant side benefits. Although many authors have speculated about comfort, noise, productivity, and a wide variety of other customer benefits from programs, the authors found that there was no information available valuing these benefits. This paper presents the results of an innovative survey approach developed and pioneered by the author that was used to develop quantitative estimates of this segment of participant-side NEBs from programs and presents results on the quantitative benefits as perceived by customer/participants from a variety of program features and measures.

The results show that, for residential programs, the value of participant benefits outweighs the energy savings for a number of measures. The results vary by measure and sector. On the commercial side, we were able to move beyond “case studies” and used data from almost 100 participants to estimate benefits. We found participant benefits from productivity, improved workplace aesthetics and other benefits were valued highly by participants, adding significant value to the programs from the customer point of view. Additional work is being conducted to refine the technique and the estimates.