First, DSM is a nontrivial utility activity that is having a measurable effect on utility sales, demand, and revenues. Second, even though DSM effects are increasing, DSM alone will not meet the growing demand for electricity in the United States. The nation will continue to need new power plants, transmission lines, and distribution systems. These national figures mask substantial regional variation in DSM activity. At first glance, it seems ridiculous for a company to encourage its customers to use less of its product.
Electric utilities are different in three ways.
First, they are regulated monopolies. If you don't like Sony stereos, you can always buy from Zenith or Panasonic. But if you don't like your local utility, you have to move outside its service area to be able to buy electricity from another entity. Because of utilities' monopoly status, they are regulated by state agencies, the public utility commissions. Third, the production and transmission of electricity cause serious environmental problems, including emissions of greenhouse gases.