Demand side management (DSM) – involves the policies, programmes, and projects employed to alter the quantity and patterns of energy consumption, and therefore necessary production, by focusing on customer (or end-user) oriented energy reduction plans.

DSM programme – has a specific goal and target group. It can be initiated by governmental or other organisations. DSM programme is distinguished from a DSM policy, which has a broader target group and goal. DSM Programmes are often implemented through projects. DSM Programme is distinguished from DSM projects, since programmes are usually more long term and strategic than projects. CHANGING BEHAVIOUR studies both DSM programmes and individual projects that are implemented within or in anticipation of a broader programme.

This is in line with definitions by IEA-DSM (International Energy Agency’s Demand-Side Management Programme [1]) and the EU Energy services directive [2], both of which take the view that “policy measure” is (in the DSM context) a specific type of political action or market intervention designed to persuade energy consumers to reduce energy use and encourage market parties to promote energy-efficient goods and services, whereas “programme” is an organised set of projects targeted towards defined market parties over a specific time period to achieve increased end-use efficiency or reduced use of energy services.

Aims of DSM programmes – are related to increasing energy efficiency or promoting energy conservation, including:

programmes promoting changing end-user behaviour
programmes promoting the use of energy-efficient products
programmes for load management that mainly aim at changing the pattern of energy use provided there is a clear link to energy conservation
programmes for end-user generation and energy self-sufficiency provided there is a clear link to energy conservation
broader low-carbon, environmental or sustainable lifestyle/business/region programmes provided there is a clear link to energy conservation

Targets of DSM programmes – include households, schools, the building sector, municipalities and SMEs, for example:

energy audits for SMEs, households or buildings
programmes promoting energy efficient building design, renovation and usage
training and capacity development programmes
campaigns and competitions for consumers, schools, office personnel, and other target groups

[1] See, http://www.managenergy.net/actors/A1648.htm

[2] Directive 2006/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 April 2006 on energy end-use efficiency and energy services and repealing Council Directive 93/76/EEC.