@article{22035,
  keywords = {Energy Markets and Policy Department, Energy Analysis and Environmental Impacts Division},
  author = {Charles A Goldman and Nicole C Hopper and Julie G Osborn and Terry E Singer},
  title = {Review of U.S. ESCO Industry Market Trends: An Empirical Analysis of Project Data},
  abstract = {<p>This article summarizes a comprehensive empirical analysis of U.S. energy service company (ESCO) industry trends and performance. We employ two parallel analytical approaches: a comprehensive survey of firms to estimate total industry size and a database of ~1500 ESCO projects, from which we report target markets and typical project characteristics, energy savings and customer economics. We estimate that industry investment for energy-efficiency related services reached US$2 billion in 2000 following a decade of strong growth. ESCO activity is concentrated in states with high economic activity and strong policy support. Typical projects save 150-200 MJ/m2/year and are cost-effective with median benefit/cost ratios of 1.6 and 2.1 for institutional and private sector projects. The median simple payback time is 7 years among institutional customers; 3 years is typical in the private sector. Reliance on DSM incentives has decreased since 1995. Preliminary evidence suggests that state enabling policies have boosted the industry in medium-sized states. ESCOs have proven resilient in the face of restructuring and will probably shift toward selling "energy solutions", with energy efficiency part of a package. We conclude that a private sector energy-efficiency services industry that targets large commercial and industrial customers is viable and self sustaining with appropriate policy support – both financial and non-financial.</p>},
  year = {2005},
  journal = {Energy Policy},
  volume = {33},
  pages = {44},
  month = {01/2005},
  publisher = {LBNL},
  address = {Berkeley},
}