In this field investigation, a new approach for evaluating energy conservation and awareness programs within residential consumers is presented and discussed. It is based on expert computer knowledge-based systems and fuzzy set analyses. Computer-programmed surveys were carried out on a random sample of energy users in Jordan, such as students, housewives and educated and uneducated citizens, before and after they received a simple energy educational material. The fuzzy set logic technique enabled to condense large data into a small set of variable rules. Relative weights were given for each response and a cumulative grade was estimated. This in turn made the employed expert system effective in evaluating energy conservation programs. The follow-up survey revealed that a reasonable rise, of about 15%, of energy related knowledge was achieved, as compared to the initial survey. Fuzzy set analyses suggest that some fluctuations in the relative rise of public awareness programs may be attributed to insufficient knowledge. Thus, through public awareness and demonstration programs as well as incentives, such as financial assistance and technical aid to encourage energy end-users, in all sectors, to employ the latest technologies and more energy-efficient equipment, final energy demand can be reduced or controlled. Hence, energy efficiency should be incorporated as a corner stone of the national energy policy. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.