Setting Baselines for Planning and Evaluation of Efficiency Programs

The key challenge with quantifying savings from end-use efficiency activities is the identification of an accurate baseline from which to determine the savings. Regardless of the protocol or procedure applied, all savings values are determined by estimating likely energy use in the absence of the program or project (the “counterfactual” scenario, or baseline). This webinar will provide an introduction to considerations and common practices for defining baselines, the relationship between baselines and savings attribution, and examples of how different jurisdictions are addressing market baseline studies, setting baselines for retrofit measures, and market transformation program baselines. Speakers from Michigan, California and the Northwest will discuss their experience with these topics and issues.

Topics included in this webinar, presented August 2, 2016:

Introduce considerations and common practices for defining baselines and provide examples of how different jurisdictions are addressing market baseline studies, setting baselines for retrofit measures, and market transformation program baselines.

Introduction and the basics of energy efficiency baselines
Steven Schiller, Senior Advisor, Berkeley Lab

The Michigan Experience and Approach to Market Baseline Studies for Program Planning
Robert G. Ozar P.E., Assistant Director, Electric Reliability Division, Michigan Public Service Commission

The California Experience and Approaches to Setting Baselines for Program Evaluation
Carmen Best, Energy Efficiency Commercial Programs & Evaluation, Supervisor at California Public Utilities Commission

Market Transformation Baselines
Jeff Harris, Chief Transformation Officer, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

Q&A with panelists