NASEO-DOE Webinar Series on Energy Modeling, Efficiency Potential, and EM&V

May 16, 2016

WEBINAR ONE: Tuesday, April 12, 2016, 1:00-2:00 pm EDT

With increased energy planning needs and new regulations, State Energy Offices, environmental agencies, and others have expressed growing interest in electric power sector models, both for (a) interpreting the results and potential applications of modeling from other groups, and (b) informing future modeling efforts a state agency may want to initiate. This presentation covers the basics of power sector capacity expansion modeling, and briefly touches on other types of modeling and analytical tools available to provide data on the electric power system. Capacity expansion models simulate generation and transmission capacity investment, given assumptions about future electricity demand, fuel prices, technology cost and performance, and policy and regulation.

Capacity expansion modeling topics covered in this presentation include:

  • Typical model outputs
  • Needed model inputs
  • Types of questions these models are well suited to answer and those they are not
  • Key considerations when selecting a model
  • Key considerations when comparing model results or designing modeling scenarios

WEBINAR TWO: Monday, April 25, 2016, 1:00-2:00 pm EDT

As states move various energy as well as environmental and climate planning efforts forward, they are recognizing the benefits of energy efficiency as a least-cost energy resource that can help meet a variety of policy objectives at multiple levels of government, including supporting energy affordability and reliability, driving economic development, and addressing air quality challenges. This presentation covers common energy efficiency strategies used by states, and answers key questions including 1) What exactly is the state role in enabling the strategy to succeed? 2) What scale of impacts can be achieved? 3) What are best practices for implementation?  Presenters will also discuss technical assistance resources available from DOE to support states pursuing these strategies.

Energy efficiency strategies covered are:

  • Building energy codes
  • City-led efficiency programs
  • Combined heat and power (CHP)
  • Energy savings performance contracting
  • Industrial sector efficiency
  • Ratepayer-funded efficiency

WEBINAR THREE: Monday, May 16, 2016, 3:00-4:00 pm EDT

This webinar will cover the basic of evaluation, measurement and verification (EM&V) for energy efficiency programs and projects. If you are new to energy efficiency and are wondering what EM&V is, this webinar is a good starting point.

The webinar will address these topics:

  • Definitions of key terms
  • Deemed savings estimates
  • How energy savings is measured
  • Common resources people refer to
  • How often different EM&V activities are performed