Beschreibung:
<jats:p>Over the last 15 years, demand‐side management (DSM) in developed countries has been transformed from a start‐up activity to a full‐blown industry, and then down‐sized to a modest activity. While DSM remains a part of some utilities' strategies to meet current and future customer needs, its image in developed countries has been tarnished and its future is in doubt.</jats:p><jats:p>More than ever now, retail energy customers are demanding from the marketplace a broad range of energy products and services that satisfy their most important needs.</jats:p><jats:p>The electric utility industry has evolved into an energy and energy services industry. Its strategies, of retaining customers, enhancing revenue and controlling costs through various programmes and initiatives, while meeting customer needs, do not necessarily include DSM; but, nor is DSM in conflict with them. It is now, therefore, time to move on from DSM in the developed world.</jats:p><jats:p>However, in developing countries, where the growth in electric energy production and delivery systems has not kept pace with population, DSM remains a viable option.</jats:p>