Instructor-Led In-Person Cohort:

The demand-side management program cycle is an iterative process, one that is tracked, measured, and improved over time. We will introduce this process to DSM program managers during this course, which will outline the origins, significance, and future implications of DSM, and the importance of economics in all aspects of the DSM program cycle. This course will also cover the three DSM program cycle components, program planning and design, implementation, and evaluation. Although implementation and evaluation are two very different components, DSM program managers will learn of the complex yet strategically significant relationship between the two.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Describe how a utility operates
• Explain what a load profile is and its relationship to customer energy use
• Define demand side management and why it makes economic sense
• Describe and discuss how to conduct a cost effectiveness analysis
• Recall the key metrics used for program design, planning, and evaluation
• Outline the steps for conducting portfolio planning
• Describe the common research studies and data gathering methods
• Illustrate the relationships between market barriers, adoption and savings risk
• Outline what Program Theory is, and how logic model are constructed and used
• Identify the correct sequence of events for designing a program
• Describe common program implementation strategies and structures
• Outline and describe data tracking systems, their uses, value, and options available
• Recall and discuss the importance of managing a customer’s experience
• Identify how to approach developing an integrated marketing strategy and its benefits
• Recall the key types of marketing metrics and how they measure effectiveness
• Define and describe the types of evaluation
• Recall and describe simple energy engineering calculations, and simulation and statistical models
• Describe why attribution is important to DSM programs
• Define and articulate how free ridership, spillover, market effects, and NTG impacts DSM programs
• Outline the uses and value of a process evaluation
• Describe how a market evaluation helps inform program design and evaluation activities
• Outline the importance of baseline research and market studies

About the host location:  REC is a 15-minute drive from historic downtown Fredericksburg.  Lodging can be reserved downtown or closer (5-10 minute drive).

Courses 1-4 are completed online.  Once registration is complete, you will receive access to the online courses.  These include Energy Basics, Utility Fundamentals, Utility Business Models, and Contract Management.  To earn the Certificate of Excellence in DSM Program Management, you must complete all 4 online courses, the in-person cohort, and pass all module tests with a 70% or higher.

To clarify the intent of this educational program: this is an assessment-based certificate program that will provide the learning outcomes described in the certificate brochure and on AESP’s website. This is not a Certification program that requires ongoing fees or professional development hours to maintain; nor does it provide post-nominal letters or initials. If you have any questions please contact [email protected].

Instructors