ISO-NE creates energy-efficiency forecast methodology, launches EE forecast working group

ISO New England has created a methodology to generate a long-term energy-efficiency (EE) forecast of the region’s state-sponsored EE programs. The goal is to equip transmission planners with longer-term information about the impacts of growing investment in EE.

Data collection for the initial EE forecast is underway. The ISO has developed a tool to gather information on specific EE programs administered by utility program administrators, especially the production cost of these programs (the cost per megawatt-hour savings). On January 9, 2012, the ISO hosted a webinar for utility program administrators to explain the EE data gathering tool.

In addition, the ISO has launched an EE Forecast Working Group (EEFWG). The EEFWG will be made up primarily of representatives of utility program administrators and state EE agencies. The meetings will provide the ISO with guidance on state-sponsored EE programs, technology trends, and associated changes in production costs, funding sources, and trends in prioritization of program implementation. The EEFWG will be chaired by a representative of ISO New England and will not be a formal NEPOOL committee or subcommittee. The first EEFWG meeting is scheduled for February 24, 2012, in Holyoke, Mass. The ISO will post meeting agendas and materials on its website and provide advance notice to all interested parties.

Read about the genesis of developing an EE forecast in the August 2011 Newswire article, Energy-efficiency efforts and future system planning. For more information, contact Eric Wilkinson, ISO New England External Affairs Representitive.