A method of controlling an exhaust gas treatment system includes measuring a quantity of fuel used by the vehicle during a defined time period of a regeneration event, and estimating a quantity of particulate matter being burnt from a particulate filter during the defined time period to define a particulate matter burn rate. The quantity of fuel used is compared with the calculated particulate matter burn rate to define a regeneration fuel efficiency ratio. The regeneration fuel efficiency ratio is compared to a minimum regeneration fuel efficiency rate to determine if the regeneration event is an efficient use of fuel or is not an efficient use of fuel. The regeneration event is stopped prior to an estimated completion of the regeneration event when the comparison of the regeneration fuel efficiency ratio to the minimum regeneration fuel efficiency rate indicates that the regeneration event is not an efficient use of fuel.