Cathedral of Energy Efficiency

Deck: 

Building Customer Trust

Fortnightly Magazine - December 2018
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I worked on my first demand-side management program in 1987. It was a residential energy efficiency direct install and auditing program, not that different from some of the programs we are seeing today.

At that time, it was a very early program design. Our clients were not certain how the program would perform, whether it would be cost effective, or even if the customers would be willing to participate.

While we still face those same performance challenges today, what has changed is the range of available DSM expertise, the depth of industry knowledge and experience, and a much higher level of demonstrated confidence in energy efficiency's return on investment. Today, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy reports that about eight billion dollars will be invested in efficiency in 2018. As an industry, we've come a long way.

We have heard the term, "cathedral thinking," used from time to time to describe the early vision and the ongoing care and commitment needed to build a structural masterpiece, and how some of the architects and craftsmen involved in laying the foundation might not be there when the finishing touches are fully completed.

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