New workshop series offers in-depth look at DSM technologies

With such a wide variety of lighting technologies, utilities have a lot of questions about which would be the best choice for DSM programs and projects.  (Photo by Lighting Research Center, New York )

Demand-side management (DSM), a good strategy utilities used to save energy in the 1970s, can be even more effective when 21st century technology is added. Western is planning a series of workshops in the Upper Great Plains (UGP) to show customers how to incorporate the latest advances into their DSM programs.

Narrowing down topics

Western sponsored several Introduction to DSM workshops and webinars last year to help power providers revive old programs or launch new ones. The new workshops will go beyond the "how-to" basics to offer in-depth looks at specific technologies, said UGP Energy Services Representative Mike Radecki. "Energy services managers need to know what the options are so they can design DSM programs that meet their unique challenges," Radecki said. "We want to go into some depth, instead of just glossing over everything that's out there." 

That meant dedicating each workshop to only one or two systems. Radecki asked several wholesale cooperatives in UGP territory what topics their members would find most useful. The technologies that came up most consistently were lighting, motors, variable-frequency drives, HVAC and chillers, with lighting topping the list.

Missouri River Energy Service (MRES) recently began to offer incentives for upgrading equipment in all five areas, said MRES Energy Services Manager Joni Livingston. "And about 90 percent of our applications so far are for lighting projects," she noted.

"We would eventually like to do workshops on all the topics, but lighting is the easiest upgrade with the quickest return," added Member Development Manager Corrinne Pedersen of NMPP Energy.

Easy to install, yes, but lighting is a good example of why technology-focused workshops are needed. With so many lighting products on the market and just as many applications, it can be difficult to figure out which one will yield real energy savings. "A lot of customers are asking questions that can't be answered without doing research first," said Livingston.

Local case studies needed

Commercial and industrial lighting was the unanimous choice for the first DSM technology workshop, although the agenda will conclude with a brief discussion of the other key technologies.

Basin Electric Power Cooperative agreed to cosponsor the first day-long event June 18 at the Kelly Inn in Bismarck, N.D. "Our target audience is energy services and member services managers and key account executives," said Chad Reisenauer, Basin key accounts and energy conservation coordinator. "We encourage our members to bring along their key accounts as well."

DSM specialists and lighting experts are among the invited speakers, and the agenda will feature case studies of successful lighting projects in the area. That "backyard connection," as Radecki calls it, is an important aspect of the workshops. "Energy-efficiency measures that work in Arizona are not likely to give the same results in North Dakota," he said. "We want participants to see how measures are going to work within a context similar to their own circumstances. They may even be able to go to the facilities to look at the systems themselves." 

Western customers who would like to suggest case studies for the Bismarck workshop can submit ideas online. Ideally, case studies would involve a Western customer from the Bismarck area and include a description and overview of the technology, with examples of the utility deploying it. Lessons learned and trends emerging from projects should be covered, as well as costs and benefits and additional information resources.

Workshops are also planned later in the summer in Rapid City, S.D.; Sioux Falls, S.D., and Grand Island, Neb. Suggestions for lighting case studies in and around those cities will also be needed. Customers can also submit case studies for the other four technologies.

Region highlighted, all invited

Western customers and their key accounts can register online for the June 18 workshop. Of course, all Western customers are welcomed, but the regional focus of the material will make the workshop most relevant to utilities in the Bismarck area.

Online registration will be available, so watch the Energy Services Web site for the link. A $50 registration fee will include reference handouts, refreshments and lunch.

Some scholarships will be available for teachers, so they can take what they learn back to the classroom. "It's not that we expect teachers to make decisions about facility upgrades," Radecki explained. "Schools are always looking for ways to enhance their science curriculum, and utilities are always looking for ways to increase public understanding of energy efficiency. The workshop is a good opportunity for community outreach."

For more information about the DSM lighting technology workshop in Bismarck, N.D., contact Mike Radecki at 406-247-7442, or Chad Reisenauer at 701-355-5710. Watch the Energy Services Web site for announcements about future workshops.

Resources

Western Upper Great Plains regional office

Introduction to DSM workshops and webinars audio recordings

Missouri River Energy Service

NMPP Energy

Basin Electric Power Cooperative

Kelly Inn

Submit case study suggestions

Energy Services Web site

People

Joni Livingston

Corrinne Pedersen

Chad Reisenauer

Mike Radecki

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