A Regional Approach to Energy Efficiency An Evaluation of the Davis Energy Efficiency Program (DEEP)

This paper provides the results of an evaluation completed for the Davis Energy Efficiency Project (DEEP), a regional-based program approach to deliver energy saving opportunities. The program was a multiple-market project, with goals to save energy, develop local infrastructure, educate and inform participants, and innovate delivery methods through the use of energy efficiency training and outreach and provision of rebates for the successful installation of energy saving measures. The general purpose of the evaluation was to provide an ongoing analysis and to document savings. The evaluation strategy was to develop an overall approach for the portfolio of residential and commercial measures. Gross savings were based on review of program deemed savings and measure verification. The net savings was calculated by assessing participants’ decisions prior to participating in the program and the importance of DEEP incentives. The net-to-gross analysis estimated the portion of the savings directly credited to each measure. The decision-maker survey was also used to assess customer satisfaction with the program. DEEP was successful in achieving high gross savings, electric and gas, and demand reduction (kW) realization rates of 82%, 98% and 91% respectively. The relatively high Net-to-Gross Ratio of 88% for kWh, and 90% for demand, indicate that the program is experiencing little free-ridership and influencing participants to install and properly use the measures. The overall net realization rate was 72% for energy (kWh) and 82% for demand. Based on the evaluation results and program implementation experience, the program was modified to improve its design and delivery.