Issues in forecasting demand-side management program impacts

This paper presents a summary of important issues associated with predicting demand-side management (DSM) program impacts. The issues are identified by describing the general mechanisms by which DSM programs effect energy and/or demand impacts. The determinants of program impacts are then reviewed to illustrate what factors should be included in impact forecasting methods. Finally, several types of forecasting methods are characterized and examples given from utilities' experience in forecasting DSM program impacts.