PERSISTENCE OF ENERGY SAVINGS - WHAT DO WE KNOW AND HOW CAN IT BE ENSURED

This paper presents a conceptual framework for analyzing persistence of energy savings, summarizes the limited experience of what we know about persistence, provides guidance for conducting retrospective and prospective persistence studies, and suggests strategies for ensuring persistence. Because this area of research is in its infancy, unequivocal conclusions about persistence would be premature. Accordingly, this paper provides guidance for both conducting research in this area and developing policies and mechanisms to help ensure the persistence of energy savings.