Guide for Conducting Energy Efficiency Potential Studies

Abstract

This Guide for Conducting Energy Efficiency Potential Studies is provided to assist state officials, regulators, legislators, and others in the implementation of the recommendations of the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (Action Plan) and the pursuit of its longer-term goals. This Guide identifi es three main applications for energy effi ciency potential studies and provides examples of each, along with a description of how key decisions regarding scope and methodology are made to best achieve the studies’ objectives. It also provides an overview of the main analytical steps in conducting a potential study and introduces several related concepts. The primary intended audience for this Guide is policy-makers, state officials, utility staff, and effi ciency advocates looking for guidance on the process of conducting potential studies. These individuals can also use the Guide to review the results of already-completed studies.