Title: Using Program Logic Models to Guide Evaluation of Public Benefit Charge-Funded Clean Energy Programs Methodologies and Sample Results from a Recent Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Evaluation
Abstract: Approximately 17 state-level, public benefit charge-funded clean energy programs across the country are in various stages of program design and maturation. These programs have many ambitious objectives that typically include: expanding renewable energy generating capacity, resulting in the displacement of fossil-fuel generation; developing sustainable markets for renewable energy based on voluntary purchases and private investment decisions; and increasing public support for renewable energy, manifested by consumer purchases, and citizen and corporate actions. Funding for measuring success and evaluating progress is not unlimited; administrators often seek maximum learning about their maturing programs on limited budgets. Staff time dedicated to evaluation is also scarce. This paper describes a methodology used to swiftly establish evaluation parameters, and the results from the ensuing evaluation, using a state-funded clean energy initiative as a sample case. This evaluation showed that the short time spent initially to identify and map the key program activities to outputs and long-term outcomes (through a simplified program logic modeling approach), can yield significant benefit in terms of providing managers with needed information for program optimization and strategies for maximizing achievements towards strategic objectives. In addition, using this type of evaluation approach can help renewable energy program administrators: document progress toward key short-term and intermediate goals; verify prudent expenditures of public funds; and lay the groundwork for subsequent intermediate- and long-term evaluation activities.
Publication Year: 2005
Publication Date: 2005-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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