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Course Outline
Session 1: DSM Fundamentals and Water Demand Patterns
Introduction + Core Concepts Driving Water Demands/Consumption
- What is DSM and why it matters
- Supply-side vs demand-side approaches
- Benefits of DSM (economic, environmental, operational
- Regulatory drivers and global trends
- Water demand drivers: demographics, climate, land use
- Sectoral usage: residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural
- Variability: seasonal, daily, peaking factors
Session 2: Planning and Strategy Development
Building a Strategic Foundation
- DSM planning frameworks and best practices
- Stakeholder engagement and segmentation
- Setting program goals and KPIs
- Aligning DSM with broader utility planning and IRP
- Budgeting and resource planning considerations
Session 3: DSM Tools and Techniques
Designing Effective Programs
- Pricing strategies (e.g., inclining block, seasonal rates)
- Policy Interventions (e.g., mandating watering dates/times)
- Technical interventions: smart meters, leak detection, pressure management
- Behavioral and educational programs
- Rebates, incentives, and efficiency codes
- Basics of demand forecasting
Session 4: Technology and Data for DSM
Leveraging Innovation
- Role of smart metering, sensors, and IoT
- Data analytics and customer insights
- Real-time usage feedback and alerts
- Data governance, privacy, and integration challenges
- Examples of utility digital transformation
- Case Study from Midwestern Water Utility
Session 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptive Management
Ensuring Program Impact
- Metrics: volume saved, cost-effectiveness, participation
- Establishing an M&E framework
- Adaptive management: adjusting programs based on results
- Case studies of successful and struggling programs
- Reporting and communicating program performance
Session 6: DSM Program Design and Pitch
Interactive Capstone
- Group exercise: design a DSM program for a sample utility
- Peer presentations and facilitator feedback
- Real-world considerations: scalability, political buy-in, timing
- Final reflection, Q&A, and wrap-up