National Energy Efficiency Program Best Practices Study: Overview, Sample Results and Initial Lessons Learned

Michael Rufo, Marissa Myers, and Deborah Brockett, Quantum Consulting, Inc.
Kenneth James, Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Jane Peters, Research Into Action

Keywords

Abstract

The goal of the National Best Practices Study is to develop a comprehensive and comparative understanding of energy efficiency program efforts throughout the United States. The Study seeks to broaden the skills and capabilities of energy efficiency practitioners by developing a database of energy efficiency (EE) best practices that can be used as a resource to enhance the design, implementation, and management of energy efficiency programs in California. Unique aspects of this benchmarking effort are its comprehensiveness, use of formal program decomposition and benchmarking, and focus on development of a database and userdriven web site. In particular, program practitioners supported through Energy Efficiency Public Purpose Program (EEPPP) funds will be able to reference the database and apply the information towards the development of more successful energy efficiency programs. This study is the first step to developing a systematic process that identifies and communicates best practices on an ongoing or periodic basis. The focus of this paper is to describe the approach and method of this best practices research, present preliminary findings for one program area, and summarize initial lessons learned in conducting the study.