2000 · 31 citations · 0 references
Public AffairsBusiness EconomicsBenefit-cost AnalysisCost-benefit AnalysisEnergy EconomicsEnergy UseValuation Of Nonmarket BenefitsConsumer Benefit AnalysisConsumer Benefit SoughtEmpirical Benefit AssessmentEnergy Savings MeasurementNon-monetary BenefitsResidential Energy ConservationUtility Program Design
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 of this 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