Steven Nadel, Howard Geller and Miriam Pye

1995

Abstract

Spurred by recent regulatory actions in California (CPUC 1994) and Michigan (MPSC 1994), many electric utilities are now attempting to cut DSM programs as part of efforts to slim-down for the new "competitive era." The first part of this paper chronicles recent changes in DSM plans among utilities with the largest DSM programs (in dollar and kWh savings terms). The second part of this paper suggests that most of these cutbacks are an overreaction to the threat of retail wheeling, an overreaction that may cost society dearly in coming years. The final part presents and elaborates upon our broad recommendation that utilities and their regulators should maintain effective DSM programs as they encourage greater competition in electricity supply.

Click to order hard copy.

18 pp., 1995, $11.00 U953

Return to Top