Title
Load Research Equipment (NB)
Staff recommends establishing a contract with Enetics, Inc. for load research equipment.
Explanation
The ability to capture information about their customers’ use of electricity allows utilities to better understand the usage and needs of individual and multiple electric customers. This “load research” data can be used by a utility for generation planning, rate development, demand side management (measurement and verification), distribution planning and marketing. In addition, load research can provide essential information that is necessary for projecting the effects of various demand side management programs. To capture this data, a recorder is installed under the meter which records the customer’s usage information. The information is collected via a phone line modem and run through algorithms which transform the whole house readings into end use appliance load shapes. This is done by matching the changes present when appliances turn on and off to existing appliance models to determine which appliances are being used and when. Each recorder is calibrated based on the appliance present at that location. Staff has conducted a small scale pilot project to test three different recorders with the associated software over a three month period for the purpose of establishing this program. The result of the pilot project revealed that Enetics SPEED recorders offered the best overall process with reliable appliance level load research most cost effectively. The other systems tested required installation by a licensed electrician which increased the overall cost significantly and the research results were not as accurate because of the different means of capturing the data. Based on the results of the pilot, staff recommends negotiating a contract with Enetics, Inc. for the purchase of 200 recorders and related equipment and software.
Recommendations
The City Commission: 1) authorize the General Manager or her designee to n...
Click here for full text