Western launches Web-based tool for IRP submission

Western's new IRP data collection program will create a template customers can use for future reports, and for training other employees.

The sometimes-daunting process of integrated resource plan (IRP) reporting is about to get easier for Western customers with the introduction of the new online IRP data collection program.

All Western firm power customers are required to comply with the planning and reporting requirements of the Energy Planning and Management Program (EPAMP).  Earlier this year, Energy Services introduced online compliance training to assist customers in EPAMP compliance.

This reporting tool provides resource planners with an online, standardized form for compiling the information required by EPAMP. Submitting the annual report via the pre-approved format ensures that critical information does not get left out of the report. You can save and use a past report as the basis for the next report, and as a reference to train employees who are new to the reporting process.

Convenient features

The IRP reporting service allows you to create, edit and submit both the annual and five-year plan IRP reports. There are formats for compiling Small Customer Plans (SCP), Minimum Investment Reports (MIR) and Energy Efficiency and/or Renewable Energy Reports (EE/RE) as well.

It is not necessary to complete the report in one sitting, as the system allows you to save your work and return later. Customers will be able to print hard copies of their reports, and "clone" previous reports for easy updating the next year. After you complete and submit the IRP, the appropriate Western regional representative will review it and notify you by e-mail when the report has been approved. 

Customers who have used Western's IRP reporting spreadsheets to prepare their reports will find the format very familiar. "It is virtually the same as the Excel spreadsheets," explained Energy Services Representative Mike Radecki, who worked with Western's IT department to develop the program.

He added that the format will be new to customers submitting alternative reports, so he recommends that anyone planning to use the system to submit a report this year set up an account now.  The database will go live Western-wide by Oct. 1, 2009, and is already in use in the Upper Great Plains region. So far, eight customers have registered in the system, and five have submitted IRPs using the program.

Register now

Resource planning is enough work without the pressure of figuring out a new computer program at the same time, Radecki pointed out. "Customers who register for an account now will have time to play around with the system, ask questions and get comfortable with the interactive Web site without a deadline hanging over them."

The first step is to create an account on the secure Self Registration site. Customers who have already registered can manage their accounts from this Web site, too. The Self Registration site provides an online form to collect permanent customer information. For the system to work properly, you must associate your account with the proper representative and region. If there is any uncertainty about which region holds your contract, contact Energy Services.

Once the request for an account has been submitted, a Western representative will review the request and respond by e-mail. Upon approval, you will receive a temporary password at the e-mail address used for registration. Use this password for your first access to the secure Web site. The system will prompt you to change this password at the next sign-in.

Because the data-collection system is a secure site, the password is good for only 90 days. However, all the data reported for a customer account remains in the database so you don't have to reenter it each time. "Customers are likely to access the site only a couple of times a year, and resource planning staff may change from year to year, so the temporary password saves the trouble of keeping track of one more password," explained Radecki.

Working the system

To sign in, enter your "User Name," the e-mail address supplied during the initial registration process. If it is the first time signing in, you will be prompted to change the temporary password.

If you’ve misplaced your password or 90 days have passed since you last signed-in, you will need to request a "password reset." Select the "Forgot your password?" link below the login boxes on the sign-in page. After you request a password reset, you will receive an e-mail with a temporary password which you will have to change on your next sign-in.

To make a change to an established account, use the Account Management application. This application allows you to modify your basic information, request access to additional applications and manage or reset your password.

The e-mail address you use to register is the contact point for communication from Western about IRP reporting. Your business will receive notices about reporting deadlines, and notices approving or rejecting a report submittal at this e-mail.. Ideally, the e-mail should belong to the person who is the point of contact on your power contract with Western.   However, a generic office address may be used instead.  There is a field on the registration page for secondary e-mail contacts, and that person will be cc'd on IRP-related communication. If it becomes necessary to use a different main e-mail address, please request a new account.

Get started today

While use of the online reporting system is not mandatory, Western encourages all customers to register and use it. Interactive Web tools have the potential to streamline our communication with customers and improve service for more applications than just IRP reporting. We don’t want our customers to miss out on the benefits of the computer age!

Instructions to assist you in using the online data collection system will be mailed with the notice that your IRP is due. Documentation to help new users will also be available online. But you don't have to wait to log on to the Self Registration site, or contact your Energy Services Representative for help getting started.

Resources

Energy Planning and Management Program

IRP reporting spreadsheets

Self Registration site

Energy Services Representatives

Account Management application

Request a new account

People

Mike Radecki

Related articles

Energy Services Bulletin, March 2009
Web site of the month: Online IRP compliance training 

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