Applying a Theory-Based Approach to California's Nonresidential Standard Performance Contract Program: Lessons Learned

摘要

California's public goods charge-funded energy efficiency programs rely heavily on standardperformance contracting (SPC) to both achieve energy savings and reduce customer barriers to implementing energy efficiency measures. This paper reports on an application of theory-based evalaution of the nonresidential SPC program, and how the lack of an initial theory-based approach from the outset led to problems that should have been anticipated. The paper then explores how new social science related to the role of trust in intermediary relationships like EESPs, could be exploited to develop an enhanced NSPC program theory, and develops concepts that should be pilot ested in future NSPC programs. The paper concludes with a discussion of the lessons learned, especially related to the institutional conditions that hinder theory-based program learning and innovation.