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Western customers learn from each other at utility exchanges
Utilities are increasingly turning to energy efficiency as a least-cost resource option and, in the process, discovering the value of sharing ideas and experiences. The Utility Efficiency Exchange provides industry professionals with just such a forum to discuss energy-efficiency programs: what works for them, what doesn't and why; how the programs affect customer service, operation costs and the environment. "Utilities are coming to see that they can take a leadership role in addressing our country’s energy issues, and that it is actually good for business, too," said Western Energy Services Manager Ron Horstman. Great idea spreads fastWestern co-sponsored the first Colorado Utility Efficiency (CUE) Exchange in Aspen, Colo., in 2007. A group of about 50 utility professionals spent three days talking energy- efficiency programs, comparing notes and hearing about technologies that could enhance their strategies. Before the event was over, participants were asking when the next one would be. They didn't have long to wait—other regions picked up the format and organized their own exchanges. In August 2008, La Plata Electric Association, Inc., Empire Electric Association and Tri-State Generation & Transmission teamed up with the Colorado Rural Electric Association and Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities to host the Four Corners Utility Efficiency Exchange in Durango, Colo. October saw the first Wyoming Utility Efficiency Exchange at Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne. Both events were followed by Home Energy Makeover workshops open to the public. The second annual CUE Exchange met again in Aspen later that month to expand upon the topic of Integrating Carbon Footprint and Demand Response with Energy Efficiency. Each event is shaped by the character of the region, and by the experiences and needs of the utilities attending. The Aspen CUE did not have a Home Energy Makeover workshop. "When LaPlata Electric came up with the idea of adding a consumer aspect to their exchange, our agenda was already set," said Jeff Rice, efficiency manager for sponsor Aspen Municipal Utilities. "I would like to include in next year’s CUE a consumer Home Energy Makeover workshop, along with new workshops on energy efficiency for contractors, developers and businesses." Thinking, acting locallySuch differences aside, utility efficiency exchanges follow a formula designed to promote dialogue. The events kick off with a meal or a reception where participants have the chance to meet their colleagues and chat in a relaxed atmosphere. Throughout the conference there is plenty of time for networking during breaks, meals and after hours. "These ice-breaking and friend-raising events really accomplish what they are intended to—getting folks comfortable with sharing ideas, programs and needs," said Horstman. The daily agendas begin with utilities giving short presentations on their DSM, efficiency and conservation activities. Representatives also share their policies on rebates and incentives, and how much participation they experience with each program. The exchanges feature case studies and panel discussions focusing on various program design, implementation and evaluation topics. Utility representatives and government, non-profits and trade allies are among the presenters. The conferences are small and local in scope, so the exchange of information and ideas is squarely focused on local and immediate issues. "That's the key to success," said Horstman. "It's human nature to pay more attention to people who have had the same kinds of experiences as you than to someone from outside your industry or community." Each event uniqueThe conference advisory committees, made up of area utilities and industry partners, tailor each agenda for the audience. For example, building partnerships was a central theme at the Four Corners exchange, where many of the participants already have established energy-efficiency programs. "The exchange emphasized bringing people together, because most of the utilities in this area are pretty small," explained Member Services Manager Doug Sparks of Empire Electric in Cortez, Colo. "If we all go off on our own, we risk creating redundant programs that eat up limited resources." In Wyoming, where many utilities are taking their first steps with energy-efficiency programs, the agenda focused on helping residential consumers. Speakers from out of state utilities talked about successful programs in their regions. Government and non-profit agencies, including Western, gave presentations on funding and technical resources. Colorado utilities at the Aspen event focused more on building on existing programs and translating energy efficiency measures into a reduced carbon footprint. "With every segment of the utility industry so intensely focused on greenhouse gas emissions, tying energy efficiency to carbon emission reduction just seemed like a no-brainer," Rice acknowledged. Demand side management, energy-efficiency technologies, and using carbon reduction strategies to enhance customer satisfaction all found a place on the CUE exchange agenda. A new element was added this year with breakout sessions on residential and commercial energy efficiency programs. The breakout format was designed to allow participants to focus on whichever program area they felt their utility needed to expand. Instead, participants shuttled back and forth between the sessions, trying to absorb as much information as possible. Inviting the publicOne of the biggest challenges facing utilities in implementing energy-efficiency programs is marketing the programs to consumers. The Home Energy Makeover Workshops, held in conjunction with the Four Corners and Wyoming exchanges, proved that area residents are eager for more information. Close to 125 people attended in Durango, and 75 in Cheyenne attended the events to exchange ideas with their utilities and the exhibitors. Local professionals who provide energy related services exhibit at the conferences—and speak, if the topic is appropriate. The public, the utilities and area vendors have the opportunity to discuss ideas and needs, and to formulate an action plans to address those needs. "In many instances, these people know each other and feel comfortable sharing needs and ideas—another advantage of keeping the events local," Horstman pointed out. Exchange format works anywhereOf course, anyone can attend any utility exchange if they want to share, or learn. Many Western customers from other regions and representatives from utilities that are not Western customers attended and presented at the exchanges. Rice, Adam Perry of Platte River Power Authority and Chad Reisenauer, energy conservation coordinator for Basin Electric Power Cooperative, gave presentations at the Four Corners event. Rice and Reisenauer were also speakers in Wyoming. "With 125 member systems, we don’t get the opportunity to talk to each other as much as we would like to," observed Reisenauer, who gave Basin Electric’s perspective on energy-efficiency programs during the "utility Snapshots" segment. "We all think we are on the right track when it comes to conservation, but it's great to be able to compare notes." Mutch Usera, energy services director for the South Dakota-based, investor-owned Black Hills Energy, is a familiar speaker at the exchanges. Black Hills has a highly successful DSM program, and has recently added an aggressive push to acquire more renewable energy. Usera commented that he hopes to organize a utility exchange in Rapid City, S.D. Even though he attended as a speaker, "I always learn something at the exchanges," he said. Michael Volker of Midwest Energy Inc. concurred, adding, "I have more than learned the value of partnerships," he stated. "I would love to see an event like this in Kansas." Utilities in the Desert Southwest Region and Colorado River Storage Project Management Center service area have also expressed interest in sponsoring exchanges. "Even in tough economic times, utilities should be stepping up their programs because energy efficiency and conservation are the cheapest resource available," said Horstman. "Utility exchanges are a great place to start programs or take them to the next level." If your utility would like to sponsor or host an exchange in your region, contact your Energy Services representative or Ron Horstman at 720-962-7419. |
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ResourcesLa Plata Electric Association, Inc. Tri-State Generation & Transmission Colorado Rural Electric Association Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities Four Corners Utility Efficiency Exchange Wyoming Utility Efficiency Exchange Integrating Carbon Footprint and Demand Response with Energy Efficiency |
Resources (cont.)Basin Electric Power Cooperative |
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