Utility Demand Side Management- DSM Lessons: Experience is the Toughest Teacher

Abstract

Most utilities first became actively involved with energy conservation in the early 1980s with the federally mandated Residential Conservation Service (RCS) program. Legislation mandating a similar effort directed toward commercial and apartment sectors (CACS) was defeated in 1985, but while it loomed on the horizon, many utilities and several commissions initiated activities providing conservation services to commercial and industrial customers. The history created by these conservation and load management forerunners is rich in learning experiences that were both painful and rewarding. Based on A&C Enercom's (A&CE's) 13 years of experience assisting utilities, state energy offices, the Department of Defense and the federal government in reaching their load management goals, this presentation highlights what has been tried, pros and cons of each approach, lessons learned and trends in demand side management for the future.