Evaluating Energy Conservation Programs

This article examines the problems involved in conducting program evaluation in the field of energy conservation. First, we offer a view of evaluation research that highlights its similarities to basic research. Criticisms of this view are presented and it is suggested that an understanding of the issue of formative and summative evaluations may resolve some of the points of difference. Then, various stages of evaluation research are examined within the context of energy conservation programs and it is argued that experimental evaluations are desirable and feasible.