Examining California's Energy Efficiency Policy Response to the 2000/2001 Electricity Crisis: Practical Lessons Learned Regarding Policies, Administration, and Implementation

Martin Kushler, Ph. D., and Edward Vine, Ph.D.

March 2003

Abstract

The intent of this report was to conduct an overall policy-level review and analysis of the experience in California during 2000/2001 regarding thedesign, administration, and delivery of energy efficiency programs and services. The scope of this review included all utility, public goods charge (PGC), and state revenue-funded energy efficiency programs. The core objectives of this study were to:

1. Independently document and describe the overall scope, magnitude, and complexity of the historic energy efficiency efforts conducted in California during the electricity crisis of 2000/2001;
   
   
2. Identify problems and challenges that arose during the implementation of these efforts, and describe steps taken to address those problems and challenges;
   
   
3. Describe key lessons learned regarding the policies and approaches adopted in California during this experience, including program administration, coordination, and delivery; and
   
   
4. Provide recommendations regarding future policies, administrative structures, and delivery mechanisms for energy efficiency in California.

73 pp., 2003, $35.00, U033