A Preliminary Look at Electric Efficiency Potential

Energy efficiency potential studies are being used by policymakers to inform decisions from approval of utility rate cases to developing legislation requiring energy efficiency supply some percentage of future consumption (in most cases, the ‘‘energy’’ is limited to ‘‘electricity generating sources’’). T his article seeks to provide a preliminary discussion of commonalities and differences in electric efficiency potential studies. Such a review has been attempted before; however, the previous studies failed to be systematic, ignoring important concepts like differences in length of study. Understanding which results from energy efficiency potential studies are generalizable could allow for greater comfort with efficiency for policymakers. Indeed, no measure exists by which to evaluate the reasonableness of any potential study claim – aside from ‘‘gut feelings’’ of what is ‘‘too much’’ or ‘‘not enough’’ savings. Energy efficiency potential studies are expensive – on the order of tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars per study. Policymakers would do well to understand what key points should be examined at length in the study they pay for. In addition, if there are small ranges at the high level of analysis,