Energy conservation scorekeeping: The prism method

The Princeton Scorekeeping Method, or ‘‘PRISM’’, is a statistical procedure which uses available billing and weather data to produce accurate estimates of saved energy. Derived from simple physical principles, the method provides physical descriptors as well as a weather‐normalized index of consumption for each house analyzed. While similar in some respects to weather‐adjustment techniques used in‐house by utilities and others, this work differs in its long‐range objective: a standardized approach which is equally applicable to all fuels, which can be used for a wide range of climates and building types, and which offers accurate diagnostics. This chapter summarizes the scorekeeping methodology—its motivation, it current status, and needed areas of expansion.