The Role of Financial Incentives in Utility-Sponsored Residential Conservation Programs: A Review of Customer Surveys
Berry, L. (1984). The role of financial incentives in utility-sponsored residential conservation programs: A review of customer surveys.. Evaluation and Program Planning, 7, 2, 131-141.
Reviews the impact of financial incentive loans offered by utility programs to residential customers to invest in energy-efficient equipment. Prospective and retrospective surveys and behavioral studies show 2 major validity problems in loan impact studies: (1) Some self-selection is occurring and must be controlled; and (2) other elements (e.g., marketing, consumer protection features, management commitment) have effects that overwhelm the effects of incentives alone. (23 ref)
