AESP Certificate of Excellence in Demand-Side Management (DSM) Program Management
Presented by M. Sami Khawaja, PhD, The Cadmus Group and Quinn Parker, ENCOLOR
In-Person, LIVE Instructor-Led Training Course
Date: October 26-29, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM (M-W), 8:30 AM-12:30 PM (TH)
Instructor: M. Sami Khawaja, PhD, Terra Santa and Quinn Parker, ENCOLOR
Location: Verity (111d Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1S2, Canada)
Earnable CEUs: 2.7
Earnable PDHs: 27
Fee:
Early Bird through September 18:
Member: $2,875.00 USD or 29 group points, $4,025.00 CAD
Nonmember: $3,445.00 USD and $4,820.00 CAD
Please note: Registration fees and membership points are charged per participant. Each individual attending must register separately. This is required for IACET compliance to ensure we can accurately track attendance, award CEUs, and provide course materials.
*To register with Group Member Points, email elearning@aesp.org

Instructor-Led In-Person Cohort:
The demand-side management program cycle is an iterative process, one that is tracked, measured, and improved over time. We will introduce this process to DSM program managers during this course, which will outline the origins, significance, and future implications of DSM, and the importance of economics in all aspects of the DSM program cycle. This course will also cover the three DSM program cycle components, program planning and design, implementation, and evaluation. Although implementation and evaluation are two very different components, DSM program managers will learn of the complex yet strategically significant relationship between the two.

After completing this course, you will be able to:
Describe how a utility operates
Explain what a load profile is and its relationship to customer energy use
Define demand side management and why it makes economic sense
Describe and discuss how to conduct a cost effectiveness analysis
Recall the key metrics used for program design, planning, and evaluation
Outline the steps for conducting portfolio planning
Describe the common research studies and data gathering methods
Illustrate the relationships between market barriers, adoption and savings risk
Outline what Program Theory is, and how logic model are constructed and used
Identify the correct sequence of events for designing a program
Describe common program implementation strategies and structures
Outline and describe data tracking systems, their uses, value, and options available
Recall and discuss the importance of managing a customer’s experience
Identify how to approach developing an integrated marketing strategy and its benefits
Recall the key types of marketing metrics and how they measure effectiveness
Define and describe the types of evaluation
Recall and describe simple energy engineering calculations, and simulation and statistical models
Describe why attribution is important to DSM programs
Define and articulate how free ridership, spillover, market effects, and NTG impacts DSM programs
Outline the uses and value of a process evaluation
Describe how a market evaluation helps inform program design and evaluation activities
Outline the importance of baseline research and market studies

Courses 1-4 are completed online. Once registration is complete, you will receive access to the online courses. These include Energy Basics, Utility Fundamentals, Utility Business Models, and Contract Management. To earn the Certificate of Excellence in DSM Program Management, you must complete all 4 online courses, the in-person cohort, and pass all module tests with a 70% or higher.

For more information view our Certificate of Excellence Page: https://www.aesp.org/page/DSMcertificate

To clarify the intent of this educational program: this is an assessment-based certificate program that will provide the learning outcomes described in the certificate brochure and on AESP’s website. This is not a Certification program that requires ongoing fees or professional development hours to maintain; nor does it provide post-nominal letters or initials. If you have any questions please contact elearning@aesp.org.


Course Location: Verity (111d Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1S2, Canada)



*You’ll earn 2.7 CEUs for this course by attending the full session and passing the final quiz with a score of 70% or higher.
*We want everyone to feel welcome and supported. If you need any ADA accommodations, just let us know — we’re happy to help. Email us at elearning@aesp.org.
Cancellations received no later than 14 days prior to the training date will receive a refund, minus a 5% processing fee if paid with a credit card. Cancellations received after the cutoff date and no-shows will not receive a refund (cash or points). AESP reserves the right to cancel a training course at any time with reasonable notice given to all participants.
AESP is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). AESP complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, AESP is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. AESP instructors disclose in advance that they have no interest in any product, service, or material discussed during the course. This information is stated orally and in the training course handbook.