"Critics: Conservation efforts fall short." 

Background information on this story:  Duke Energy is seeking approval from the NC Utilities Commission for several energy efficiency programs, some including repackaging of old approaches to load shifting and curtailment, while some of their proposals hinge on a new regulatory approach to cost recovery for real energy conservation measures.  Their requested approach to cost recovery for these energy efficiency efforts, generally referred to as "demand side management," is highly unconventional in the amount of money Duke is asking to be paid and will likely not result in the most cost effective approach for NC to realize its vast potential to become more efficient in our electricity generation, delivery and use.