2018 PLMA Member Resources Directory


December 2018

Distribution System Costs Associated with the Deployment of Photovoltaic SystemsNREL Cover

The broadening of our energy system to include increasing amounts of wind and solar has led to significant debate about the total costs and benefits associated with different types of generators—with potentially far reaching policy implications. This has included debate about the cost associated with integrating these generators onto the electric grid. For photovoltaics (PV), this encompasses costs incurred on both the bulk power and distribution systems, as well as the value provided to them.

Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Type: White paper

Distributed Energy Resources Management SystemsNavigant Cover

Distributed energy resources (DER) are starting to proliferate in many regions of the US and around the world. There are numerous technology, policy, and customer-driven factors contributing to this growth. This is a positive trend from an economic and environmental perspective. However, if the location and operation of DER is left up to customer adoption, there could be detrimental effects on the electric grid from an overall operating standpoint unless they are optimized properly. This is where distributed energy management systems (DERMS) come into play.

Source: Navigant and Auto Grid
Type: White paper


November 2018

Non-Wires Alternatives: Insights from the Nation's Leading NWA Projects

PLMA SEPA E4Future

This webinar helps you understand the basics and push for non-wires-alternatives projects based on stories real practitioners. Hear directly from the SEPA-PLMA project team and key NWA project representatives about results from the industry-wide call for NWA project case studies including compelling lessons learned, and challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. You’ll get the breakdown of what we learned from 10 leading NWA projects representing different project sizes, geographies, and grid challenges.
Click here to view the slides.
Click here to view the report.

Source: A joint E4TheFuture, SEPA & PLMA Webinar
Type: Webinar Recording

White Paper: Multi-User Microgrid Deploymente4future cover

Multi-User Microgrids: Obstacles to Development and Recommendations for Advancement, published with support from E4TheFuture, explores seven key barriers limiting multi-user microgrid development, as well as potential solutions. The paper focuses primarily on the northeast United States. “We believe this is an important contribution to the limited literature pertaining to multi-user microgrids,” said Professor Kira Fabrizio of the Questrom School of Business at Boston University, the principal investigator for BU’s Institute of Sustainable Energy on this research.

Source: E4TheFuture
Type: White paper

Resources from the 38th PLMA Conference, Austin, Texas

38th PLMA Conference

Presentations and other resources from the 38th PLMA Conference on November 12-14 in Austin, Texas

Source: PLMA
Type: Presentations


October 2018

Working Together! A Joint Connected Devices/DER Integration Interest Group DiscussionPLMA

This Web discussion will bring together a panel of experts to share their experiences and best practices in selecting the right vendor and solution for a Distributed Energy Resource Management System DERMS. The growth and adoption of distributed energy resources (DER), renewables, microgrids, and other local energy resources is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. Energy companies are looking for more effective software solutions to help them manage this growth and to operate the grid to better take advantage of these devices. However, the software landscape is in flux with a myriad of solutions that each seem to have a differing view as to what really makes up a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS). You can shift the odds to your favor by adopting leading practices for software selection and laying a solid foundation for the selection through proper selection preparation.

Source: Interest Group Discussion with Justin Chamberlain, CPS Energy; Poorima Eber, National Grid; Rich Barone, Hawaiian Electric; John Powers, Extensible Energy; and Matt Carlson, Aquanta
Type: Webinar Recording

Women in Demand Management Group Discussion on DSM FinanceWomen DSM Finance

Features a conversation about DSM finance with economist Erin Boyd, PhD (Senior VP, Apparent; formerly of PG&E) and rate advisor Allison Hamilton, MBA (Senior Principal, NRECA; formerly of Pepco). Hear about challenges and opportunities facing DSM today from the finance perspective. Get the inside scoop on two fascinating careers. Bolster your knowledge and understanding of how the finance side of DSM works.

Source: Interest Group Discussion with Erin Boyd, Apparent; Allison Hamilton, NRECA and Lenore Zeuthen, Zeuthen Management Solutions
Type: Webinar Recording

Integrated Demand-Side Management – The Next FrontierAESP PLMA

In response to rapid changes to grid conditions and policy mandates, utilities and implementers are beginning to embrace far broader applications of energy efficiency and demand response programs. This embrace is necessitating taking a more integrated approach to how these programs are designed and delivered according to the marketplace conditions that we face today. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, integrated demand-side management (IDSM) is a strategic approach that helps in designing and delivering a portfolio of demand side management (DSM) programs to customers. While DSM programs have been in place for many years, the IDSM concept is only now beginning to pick up steam and is receiving a significant amount of attention.

Source: Webinar hosted by AESP and PLMA featuring Mary Ann Piette, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab; Shira Horowitz, Con Edison; Michael Goldman, Eversource; and Richard Aslin, Pacific Gas & Electric
Type: Webinar Recording


September 2018

The Future of Distributed Energy ResourcesPLMA

This roundtable of demand response practitioners from EEI member utilities will explore how the current Demand Response, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy activities of utilities fit in a Distributed Energy Resources (DER) future of integrated DSM, non-wires alternatives, storage and more? This discussion will offer diverse practitioner perspectives on how Distributed Energy Resources, as an umbrella term, is evolving from: DER 1.0 for Peak Load Emergencies; DER 2.0 for Market/System Economics; DER 3.0 for Operational Management.

Source: Presentation at EEI Strategic Issues Roundtable with Paul Miles, PECO; Eduardo Guerra, Consolidated Edison; Ed Thomas, PLMA
Type: Presentation

Distributed Energy Resource Management System Software SelectionDER Management Systems

This Web discussion will bring together a panel of experts to share their experiences and best practices in selecting the right vendor and solution for a Distributed Energy Resource Management System DERMS. The growth and adoption of distributed energy resources (DER), renewables, microgrids, and other local energy resources is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. Energy companies are looking for more effective software solutions to help them manage this growth and to operate the grid to better take advantage of these devices. However, the software landscape is in flux with a myriad of solutions that each seem to have a differing view as to what really makes up a distributed energy resource management system (DERMS). You can shift the odds to your favor by adopting leading practices for software selection and laying a solid foundation for the selection through proper selection preparation.

Source: PLMA Interest Group Discussion with Rich Barone, Hawaiian Electric; Jim Musilek, North Carolina EMC; Derek Kirchner, DTE Energy; Lee Hall, Bonneville Power Administration; Paul Wassink, National Grid and Jon Brown, Skipping Stone
Type: Webinar Recording

Distributed Energy Resource Integration Challenges

DER Integration

This online discussion will explore how Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) pose unique opportunities and challenges for distribution system planners and operators, emerging technology teams, and program managers alike. Often lacking a common nomenclature, all parties struggle to understand and define the benefits delivered and costs imposed by the increasing assortment of DERs being deployed on both sides of the meter. This discussion will start with a framing discussion by Kelsey Horowitz of NREL, whose recent work includes development of a cost/benefit framework for PV integration into utility distribution systems. That introduction will be followed by perspectives from Interest Group participants who will identify some of the challenges, opportunities and forward-looking concepts on DER technology, communications and control, and customer engagement.

Source: Interest Group Discussion with Kelsey Horowitz, NREL; Rich Barone, Hawaiian Electric; John Power, Extensible Energy; and Matt Carlson, Aquanta
Type: Webinar Recording

International Interest Group UpdateIntenrational interest

This webinar features Ross Malme, Skipping Stone Partner and Scott Coe, Principal at GridOptimize for an online discussion with Camila Schoti head of Regulatory and Government Affairs at Eneva and Director of the Energy Division at the Federation of Industries of the State of Sao Paulo for a lively conversation on the launch of the demand response market in Brazil. Camila will discuss the structure of the wholesale and retail electricity markets in Brazil, the drivers behind the launch of the DR market and plans for industrial customer participation in the market.

Source: Interest group update featuring Scott Coe, GridOptimize; Ross Malme, Skipping Stone; and Camila Schoti, Eneva
Type: Webinar Recording


August 2018

Reinventing Demand Response with DERsSEPA

Over the past few decades, the term “demand response” has typically represented older, more traditional forms of load reduction programs. As more renewable and distributed energy resources continue to come online, there is a growing need to balance supply and demand on the grid to support grid stability and reliability. Key players in the industry are exploring the ability of demand response to respond to fluctuations and over-generation along the grid. This webinar will highlight key insights from the 2018 Demand Response Market Snapshot, dive deeper into Arizona Public Services’ reverse demand response efforts, highlight research on DR renewable integration from Navigant, and explore the potential expanding role of DR in the ISO/RTO markets.

Source: Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA)
Type: Webinar Recording

ComEd's Peak Time Savings ProgramComEd LM Dialogue Cover

ComEd's Peak Time Savings (PTS) is an opt-in behavioral DR program offered to residential customers with smart meters. PTS, which has been operational for three summers since 2015, is a first-of-its-kind program to be offered in the Midwest, paying participants for voluntarily reducing consumption during summer Peak Time Savings Hours when electricity demand is typically high. PTS enrollment began in the fall of 2014 with approximately 20,000 customers enrolling in the first 90 days, resulting in one of the most successful program launches in ComEd's history. Since then, enrollment has risen to upwards of 230,000 customers, with more than 250,000 expected to participate in the summer of 2018. Not only is the program cost-effective, but market research has also confirmed significant customer satisfaction.

Source: PLMA Load Management Dialogue with Brian Kirchman, ComEd; Alan Mellovitz, Accenture; and Dain Nestel, ecobee
Type: Webinar Recording


July 2018

Practitioner Perspectives on Key AMI IssuesAMI Cover - Michael Brown Presentation

PLMA Chair, Michael Brown, represented PLMA at an AMI Roundtable in June in Colombia. This presentation highlights AMI policy goals from various stakeholder perspectives. The Colombia Energy Regulatory Commission (CREG) was tasked in January of 2018 to develop AMI regulations for release in January of 2019.

Source: AMI Roundtable - Bogotá, Colombia - Ministerio de Minas y Energiá, GOC Working Group for Integration of Variable Renewable Energy, USAID, USEA, NREL
Type: PowerPoint Presentation

Nest's Solar Eclipse Rush Hour Rewards ProgramNests LM Dialogue Cover

Nest achieved unprecedented consumer engagement in its Rush Hour Rewards program during the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017 by recruiting 750,000 Nest devices to shift 700 MW of cumulative demand. During the eclipse, many grid operators predicted that solar energy production would be reduced by as much as 9,000 MW. Nest launched a wide-reaching marketing campaign to recruit customers to reduce their cooling energy use during the eclipse by opting into a special Rush Hour Rewards event with just one click on their Nest Learning Thermostat. The number of customers who participated is unparalleled in any other demand response program to date. The success of this campaign demonstrates that consumer-friendly, multi-channel marketing campaigns coupled with a simplified one-click opt-in experience can drive consumer engagement significantly to manage energy load.

Source: PLMA Load Management Dialogue with Aaron Berndt, Google and Nicholas Corsetti, National Grid and PLMA Award Planning Group Chair
Type: Webinar Recording

The Grid-Connected HomePLMA logo

This webinar examines how connected devices with two-way communications enable a resident's home to no longer be viewed as a passive load, but as a collection of grid-interactive assets that can be orchestrated to improve grid operations and customer engagement. Beyond home appliances, the webinar also delves into the drivers behind the rapidly growing residential solar-plus-storage market. Q1 2018 sees almost as much residential storage deployed as in all of 2017

Source: Joint webinar with Green Tech Media and PLMA featuring Fei Wang, Grid Edge; Brett Simon, Energy Storage; Olivia Patterson, Opinion Dynamics and Connected Devices Group Co-chair; and Justin Chamberlain, CPS Energy and Connected Devices Group Co-chair
Type: Webinar Recording


June 2018

Gulf Power's Energy Select ProgramAustin Energy DR Dialogue

Learn why Gulf Power’s Energy Select Program was a 15th PLMA Award Winner as a Program Pacesetter. As the first fully-automated price-based demand response program, Energy Select was designed to reduce generation needs, better use existing capacity, and enhance customer satisfaction. The Energy Select rate features four tiers that better reflect the cost of producing electricity during those periods, and customers pre-program central cooling and heating systems, electric water heaters and pool pumps to respond automatically to the different prices. As many utilities have struggled to successfully implement price-based DR programs, this “set it and forget it” approach enables easy customer participation. Over the years, the program's enabling technology has evolved to meet the changing needs of Gulf Power and its customers. The program initially used one-way paging for communication into the home and customers had to program the devices through the thermostat. Gulf Power deserves recognition for being a pioneer in price-based demand response as well as for its commitment to innovation that has significantly increased the value of the Energy Select program for the utility and its customers.

Source: PLMA DR Dialogue featuring David Eggart and Tommy Gardner, Gulf Power and Jason Cigarran, Itron and PLMA's Thought Leadership Co-Chair
Type: Webinar Recording

The Future of DER: Energizing the Smart HomePLMA logo

This webcast co-hosted by PLMA and Parks Associates analyzes consumer adoption of DER (distributed energy resources), including solar, EVs, and smart home solutions, as well as strategies to integrate these solutions into energy services in order to provide cost savings and better shape the household load. Currently 26% of U.S. broadband households own a DER product or an electric vehicle, with adoption at 41% among heads of household ages 18-24. The popularity of these solutions among younger households indicate their adoption and usage will continue to increase as these consumers age and as younger generations move into their own households. Utilities see multiple challenges associated with the increased adoption of DER solutions, including capacity constraints and grid and power reliability. Utility executives have signaled the need to invest in grid intelligence to manage DER solutions to secure the grid from cyberattacks

Source: Joint webinar with Parks Associates and PLMA featuring Rich Barone, Hawaiian Electric Company; Michael Brown, Berkshire Hathaway NV Energy and PLMA Board Chair; Tony Koch, Bonneville Power Administration; John Powers, Extensible Energy; Tom Kerber, Parks Associates
Type: Webinar Recording

Jennifer Potter's Award-Winning InitiativesJennifer Potter DR Dialogue

Learn why Jennifer Potter was a 15th PLMA Award Winner for Thought Leader. Jennifer's utility and research experience cover transmission and distribution grid operations, conventional and renewable sources, distributed energy resources (DER), integration of demand-side resources, time-based pricing and demand response (DR). Her economic research includes cutting-edge work on market potential and economic analysis research on demand response, time-based pricing, DERs, and energy efficiency. She has provided technical assistance to state policymakers, on the behalf of the Department of Energy, to Hawaii, California, Michigan, New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon. She has published a number of reports, including as a lead author of the California Demand Response Potential Study for the CPUC, over the last year that has been recognized as significant contributions to the industry. Her published work and reputation have been leveraged for a number of webinars and conference appearances, as well as presentations to state policymakers around frameworks and considerations for demand response and integrated demand-side management.

Source: PLMA DR Dialogue featuring Jennifer Potter, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, and Danielle Sass Byrnett, NARUC
Type: Webinar Recording


May 2018

Evolution of the Distribution System and the Potential for Distribution-Level Markets: A Primer for State Utility Regulators NARUC

As distributed energy resource (DER) adoption grows, the electric industry is shifting from a centralized model towards two-way power flow. Consequently, state and federal regulatory frameworks, utility business models, reliability and operating standards, planning and investment approaches, and wholesale markets will all need to evolve. NARUC explores issues for regulators to consider during this transition.

Source: NARUC
Type: Report

Austin Energy's Green Building InitiativeAustin Energy DR Dialogue

Austin Energy influences city of Austin codes through partnership with Green Building (GB) initiatives managed by its Customer Energy Solutions activity. In order to build energy efficient homes and businesses, local code amendments were added to facilitate DR program participation. Energy codes require new buildings with automation systems controlling HVAC and/or lighting systems to have OpenADR capabilities and smart/WIFI thermostats to be installed in new single and multifamily construction. GB and DR programs work together to promote DR participation through the rating process. Ensuring commercial design teams follow a set of DR implementations, buildings can earn additional points on the rating when enrolled in the utility's commercial and industrial program Load Cooperative. The utility further encourages installation of smart/Wi-Fi thermostats with $25 rebate for single and multifamily customers. The utility partners with an implementer to operate a retail program with national home improvement stores to offer instant discounts for products such as LED lighting and ENERGY STAR appliances. Thermostats are advertised with signage to promote PPT thermostats and rebates to influence customer choice.

Source: PLMA DR Dialogue featuring Beth Crouchet and Sarah Talkington, Austin Energy and Nicholas Corsetti, National Grid and PLMA Award Planning Group Co-Chair
Type: Webinar Recording


April 2018

Beyond the Meter: Addressing the Locational Valuation Challenge for Distributed Energy ResourcesBeneficial electrification

Written in partnership with Nexant and part of SEPA’s Beyond the Meter series, this report addresses the growing need to define a common metric for assessing the distribution capacity deferral value provided by DERs so their individual values can be stacked and combined.

Source: Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) and Nexant
Type: Report

Non-Wires Alternatives: Emerging, Maturing, or Stalled?PLMA logo

This webinar, co-produced by GTM Research and Peak Load Management Alliance, looked at current approaches to NWA solutions to explore:

  • How to enable NWA growth with regulatory mechanisms and integrated planning practices;
  • The evolution of sourcing mechanisms and what future mechanisms could look like;
  • What barriers and incentives are affecting the deployment of NWAs for IOUs and publicly-owned utilities.

Source: Green Tech Media and PLMA co-produced webcast featuring ConEd, Itron, Green Tech Media and Extensibel Energy presenters
Type: Webinar Recording

Hawaiian Electric’s Regulation Reserves ProgramHECO DR Dialogue

Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) has successfully utilized customer assets to provide utility grade Grid Services. Faced with the 100% Renewable Portfolio Standard target, HECO will use demand response and other demand-side resources to provide various grid services needed to maintain the grid reliability of the islands, including capacity, regulation reserves, and frequency response services. Regulation reserves is the most complex service requiring continuous real-time operation with variable controls every four seconds. HECO's Demand Response team, led by Richard Barone and supported by OATI technology, has defined and managed this highly innovative demand response initiative, truly moving demand response and distributed energy resource management to a higher level, to enhance and strengthen grid reliability while allowing greater levels of renewable generation.

Source: PLMA DR Dialogue featuring Richard Barone, Hawaiian Electric and Dain Nestel, ecobee
Type: Webinar Recording

Resources from the 37th PLMA Conference, Coronado, Calif.

37th PLMA Conference

Presentations and other resources from the 37th PLMA Conference on April 16-18 in Coronado, Calif.

Source: PLMA
Type: Presentations


March 2018

Dynamic Pricing: What You Need to Know and Lessons Learned from the Field

FERC DR Assessment

Learn more about industry trends related to dynamic pricing why utilities should tie rates to costs. This presentation discusses why electric utilities should tie rates to costs, explains price-based demand response, factors for driving customer acceptance of dynamic pricing, and much more.

Source: Association of Energy Services Professionals National Conference, New Orleans
Type: Presentation slides by Jason Cigarran, Itron representing PLMA Retail Pricing Interest Group arranged by PLMA Speakers Bureau

What Does Beneficial Electrification have to do with Peak Load Management?Beneficial electrification

The nature of the electricity grid is changing dramatically, as are our nation’s environmental goals, so our policy thinking needs to change profoundly, as well. Mounting research suggests that aggressive electrification of energy end uses – such as space heating, water heating and transportation – is needed if the United States and the world are to achieve ambitious emissions reduction goals for carbon dioxide. This concept, the electrification of energy end uses that have been powered by fossil fuels (natural gas, propane, gasoline, diesel or fuel oil) in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is called “environmentally beneficial electrification” or Beneficial Electrification.

Source: PLMA DR Dialogue featuring Troy Eichenberger, TVA, Gary Connett, Great River Energy, Keith Dennis, NRECA and Steve Koep, Westinghouse Water Heaters
Type: Webinar recording

Future of Bring Your Own Thermostat ProgramsBeneficial electrification

This thought leadership publication is a compendium of eight energy utility, manufacturer, and solution provider viewpoints. The report is now available for free and a free webcast featuring the report’s editors and contributors will be linked here soon. Bring Your Own Thermostat or BYOT programs are changing the face of energy utility load management and the way customers interact with their utilities. The compendium details a consensus among the contributing practitioners that BYOT programs will remain a part of utility load management programs, but varying opinions on whether BYOT will replace or augment traditional direct install demand response program models; the relevance of new market segments as they relate to BYOT; and approaches to enhancing the value BYOT brings to demand response programs.

Source: PLMA DR Dialogue featuring Lee Hamilton, Xcel Energy, Kenneth Walsh, ComEd, Olivia Patterson, Opinion Dynamics and Brett Feldman, Navigant
Type: Webinar recording and report

Bonneville Power Administration Distributed Energy Resource Benchmarking Report BPA DER Benchmarking Report

BPA staff met with 12 entities throughout 2017 to better understand how they are using and enabling DERs within their organizations and service territories. We learned about the types of DERs utilities are working with, how they are integrating them, programs available to customers, enabling technologies and future plans for each of the entities. This report provides summaries of what we learned during these discussions.

Source: Bonneville Power Administration Distributed Energy Resources Team
Type: Report

Bonneville Power Administration Summer 2017 DR Demonstration Final Report BPA DR Demonstration Report

Starting in 2013 the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) embarked on a four year plan to test commercial scale demand response (DR) through demonstrations. These demonstrations focused on developing and testing different contract models, gathering data on reliability of aggregated portfolios, integrating DR products into operational processes, evaluating demand response management systems, defining measurement and verification strategies, and testing acquisition models – utility, private, and public aggregation. Read more in the report

Source: Bonneville Power Administration
Type: Report


February 2018

FERC's Demand Response Assessment Report

FERC DR Assessment

Join this discussion between representatives from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the PLMA Chair on FERC staff's recent update to its annual assessment study. This report is FERC staff's 12th annual report on demand response and advanced metering required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005. It is based on publicly-available information and discussions with market participants and industry experts

Source: PLMA DR Dialogue recording featuring Ben Foster and Michael Lee, FERC; and Michael Brown, NV Energy
Type: Web recording

Preview of 37th PLMA Conference, Coronado, Calif.

37th PLMA Conference

Hear a preview of the what to expect at the 37th PLMA Conference on April 16-18 in Coronado, Calif.

Source: PLMA webcast featuring Conference Planning Group Co-chairs Mark Martinez, Southern California Edison,

and Brad Mantz, San Diego Gas and Electric.

Type: Web recording


January 2018

Award-Winning Demand Response Initiatives

Award Winning DR

Join us for an online repeat of last week's mega session at Distributech. Gain insight from the winners of the 14th PLMA awards, which recognized the best demand response programs, initiatives and achievements from calendar year 2016. Winners included:
– Program Pacesetters: AEP Indiana Michigan Power Company's Demand Response Service Emergency Program; Central Hudson Gas & Electric's Peak Perks Program; City of New York's Municipal Demand Response Program; Portland General Electric and AutoGrid for Pricing and Peak Time Rebate Program; and Target Corp.'s Demand Side Energy Program.
– Thought Leaders: KCP&L and Nest for KCP&L Thermostat Program; Alectra Utilities, Advantage Power Pricing; and Brett Feldman, Navigant

Source: PLMA DR Dialogue recording featuring: Richard Philip, Duke Energy; Neetika Sathe, Alectra Utilities; Brett Feldman, Navigant, and Dain Nestel, CLEAResult
Type: Web recording