DoE Looking into National Data Store for DSM Programs

The US Department of Energy (DoE) is exploring the need to create two, national-scope websites and supporting databases.  The first would contain a repository of energy efficiency program EM&V reports, plans, studies and other supporting documents.  The second would essentially be a national Technical Reference Manual with information on energy efficiency measures with savings formulas, regionally specific ex ante savings, and other information necessary to specify measure usage in a program.

On the surface, this looks like a worthwhile project that would result in a resource that can be of value to utilities and commissions around the country. But, the difficulty here is to come up with something that will be universally useful. The program would need to clearly define the target audience since specific needs for information vary widely by regions/states/utilities. Also, the fact that many programs are already mature, defining an end product that will be of value will be difficult.

I think what will be of value would be to develop a national program measure database, sorted by state, region and utilities. This database should contain the relevant information about each measure - projected ex ante savings, verified savings [where available], measure life, weather impacts, net-to-gross values [freerider, spillover, persistence, degradation, etc]. It can then serve as a reference to utilities with on-going programs to see what's being done in other jurisdictions and as a starting point for utilities planning to launch new programs.