Collaborative governance challenges in energy efficiency and conservation: The case of Pennsylvania

Energy efficiency and conservation (EE&C) programming operates through a complex network of governments, utilities, not-for-profits, and human service organizations. The function of these networks and how clients are potentially disadvantaged by ineffectiveness and inefficiency is unclear. This study uses EE&C programming in Pennsylvania to understand the related collaborative governance challenges. It demonstrates the benefit of collaborative governance theory for identifying barriers and opportunities to EE&C network function and draws from experts within the network to identify each. It concludes with future research directions and the policy implications of mistrust and loose coordination within EE&C networks.