One of the main reasons Western's Energy Services program exists is to help firm power customers conduct integrated resource planning, as required by the Energy Policy Act of 1992. To do that, EPAct states Western may provide technical assistance such as "publications, workshops, conferences, one-to-one assistance, equipment loans, technology and resource assessment studies, marketing studies, and other mechanisms to transfer information." Notably absent from that list is the Internet, but it was 1992, after all.

Fast-forward to 2007, when the Worldwide Web is one of the most common ways we transfer information. The Energy Services Web site offers a variety of resources to help customers complete their IRPs, but we believe Web-based tools can do more. This year, Energy Services launched a project to automate the reporting process. The goal is to update Western's IRP management program, said Energy Services Representative Michael Radecki, who is working on the project. "The current system is outdated," he said. "This is an opportunity to improve the consistency of our methods and applications. It's time to bring reporting into the 21st century."

Eliminating guesswork

As the name implies, IRPs help utilities plan to meet future demand, and Western customers have found the process to be a valuable tool in providing reliable, affordable electric service. However, an effective plan requires specific and accurate information. Part of the difficulty with IRPs, both for Western and for our customers, is the diversity of our customer base, Radecki pointed out. "Each region has different concerns, and our customers come in all sizes, so the level of information needed from each one is different," he said.

Western's revision of IRP requirements in 2000 streamlined the reporting process and allowed customers to substitute similar reports required by states and other agencies. In some cases, though, the changes may have added another layer of complexity. "Utilities may be unclear on how much information they need to provide to meet the requirements," said Radecki. "Or they aren't sure if another report they do qualifies as an approved alternative."

The fully-automated, database reporting system will eliminate much of the guess work, he continued. When customers' IRPs are due, the system will send them an e-mail message with login information. The user will enter the information and the system will generate the appropriate online form for that customer. The forms themselves will be simpler, too, in question-and-answer and fill-in-the-blank format. Users will be able to save information and return to the form until they complete the report and submit it. This feature will allow different representatives within the customer's organization to work on the report.
 
Volunteers needed for testing

The program is currently in the development phase, and Energy Services anticipates rolling it out this fall. But not until potential users put the program through its paces and let us know if it really meets their needs. This is the part where we ask our customers for help. This summer, we will be looking for volunteer testers from throughout Western's territory. Ideally, customers will represent each type of IRP: the full integrated resource report, the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy report, the Minimum Investment Report and the Small Customer Plan.

Testers will need Internet access, although extensive computer experience is not necessary. Neither is experience filing an IRP. "The more levels of experience among the testers, the better," said Radecki. "That will help us make the system as user-friendly as possible."

Also, your IRP doesn't have to be due this year, but if it is, volunteering would be a great way to get your report out of the way. Testers can look forward to plenty of technical assistance, Radecki observed.

Of course, customers will still be able to get good, old-fashioned, one-on-one human assistance, even after the automated system is up and running. Energy Services staff will continue to review and approve customer IRPs and alternative reports, and help with developing and implementing various aspects of the plans.

Watch the Energy Services Bulletin and Energy Services Web site for updates on the online integrated resource reporting program. Customers interested in volunteering as testers can contact Energy Services Manager Ron Horstman at 720-962-7419.