Northwest Energy Efficiency Council

Nonprofit trade association of the energy efficiency industry

You are here: Home / Archives for Britton Rife

GridFWD 2019: October 7-9, Seattle, WA

By


More than 80 prominent speakers are now confirmed to participate at GridFWD 2019, October 7-9 in Seattle. Among this inspiring group are the leaders of some of the largest utilities across the region, as well as top regulators, CEOs of solution providers, leaders from federal and state agencies, and prominent thought-leaders. You can see all the speakers, and track the new ones to come, at www.gridfwd.com.

Get a complete perspective on grid innovation
You’ll get a first-hand experience of the most exciting initiatives and most pressing concerns in grid modernization today. The event sessions are organized around Modernization Best Practices, Emerging Markets & Models, and Nurturing a Culture of Innovation. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend grid modernization trainings and tours, and see speed pitches from leaders making innovation happen. No other event gives you such a 360° view into what’s driving change in the electric power sector.

Take a look at the preliminary agenda

And register today to lock in the best rates!

How Energy Efficiency Efforts Have Saved Major Companies $130M

By

The following article by Michael Holder was featured on BusinessGreen on July, 29 2019.

LED lighting is among the most low-cost energy efficiency measures to implement

Report by EP100 campaign reveals over past year 18 firms have collectively saved $55m from smarter energy use

Efforts from some of the world’s largest companies to use their energy more efficiently have collectively saved them $131m, while curbing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions of 134 US coal-fired power plants, according to the EP100 campaign.

A new report by the global initiative, which is run by green NGO The Climate Group and the Alliance to Save Energy, details progress to date from its 50 member companies, all of which have committed to significantly improving their energy productivity.

Firms as diverse as energy supplier SSE, insurer SwissRe and Indian cement brand UltraTech Cement have all signed up to the campaign, as part of which they commit to either doubling their energy productivity within 25 years, implementing an energy management system within 10 years, or achieving net zero carbon emissions from their buildings by 2030.

EP100’s first progress report, released on July 24th, reveals that to date 21 reporting member companies are already 67 percent of the way towards their energy productivity targets, collectively saving more than enough energy to power Germany for a whole year.

Moreover, the 18 companies which reported their financial data to the campaign have generated collective financial savings to the tune of $131m, while also reaping wider business benefits such as increased employee productivity and reputational boosts for their brands, according to the report.

In the past year alone, smarter energy use has saved those same 18 companies – which include major corporate names such as property giant LandSec, fashion retailer H&M, and hotel chain Hilton – $55m overall by achieving a higher economic output per unit of energy consumed.

On average EP100 companies are increasing their energy productivity by eight percent each year, with nine members achieving an improvement of 50 percent or more annually since their baseline year.

These energy efficiency efforts are having a sizeable impact on emissions, too, the report reveals. It estimates that 21 members reporting the emissions impacts of their energy productivity have avoided over 522 million tonnes of CO2 since their baseline commitment years, which is the equivalent CO2 to running 134 US coal-fired power plants for an entire year.

The report estimates that without the new energy efficiency efforts, EP100 firms would be using 146TWh more energy each year, producing emissions that would take an area of forest twice the size of the UK to sequester.

Helen Clarkson, CEO of The Climate Group, said the progress demonstrated by EP100 companies to date showed how improving energy productivity can unlock faster decarbonization of the global economy.

“From the boiler room to the boardroom, smarter energy use benefits a business at every level, helping to meet the growing expectations of shareholders, customers and employees while generating capital that can be reinvested in clean growth,” she said.

Click HERE to continue reading.

SCL Announces Launch of Energy Efficiency as a Service (EEaS)

By

Seattle City Light (SCL) is excited to announce the launch of its Energy Efficiency as a Service (EEaS) pilot program! For this initial launch, we are seeking 15 commercial buildings (new or existing) with plans to implement deep energy efficiency projects. Participants will be selected through a competitive Request for Projects (RFP) process which opens today and closes December 31, 2019.

WHAT IS EEaS?
EEaS is a monthly billing mechanism to quantify and return the value of energy efficiency savings to the entity funding energy improvements, rather than to tenants. This mechanism allows EEaS participants to overcome the “split incentive” between owners and tenants, enabling deeper energy efficiency improvements in commercial real estate. The benefits of participation are shared by many. By participating in EEaS, building owners benefit from increased asset values and more marketable efficient buildings. Tenants receive the comfort and productivity benefits associated with leasing space in a green building. Society and the City benefit from potentially substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?
To learn more about the proposed pilot, please visit energysolutions.seattle.gov/energy-efficiency-as-a-service to review the Request for Projects (RFP). The EEaS Program Manual will be published on August 27th, 2019 and made available on the program website. It will include the Participation Agreement, Power Purchase Agreement, Project Application, Quarterly Project and Workforce Reporting Template, and Measurement and Verification Requirements.

To learn more about the Energy Efficiency as a Service pilot program, join us at the Smart Buildings Center on Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM. You’ll learn about how the program works, how commercial properties can benefit from participating, and what you need to get started! Sign up to join us in person (limited availability) or attend the event as a webinar.

QUESTIONS?
Please submit questions and/or clarifications electronically to an Energy Advisor in written format with the e-mail header “EEaS RFP Question” by September 20th. City Light will respond to questions from potential Participants and Energy Efficiency Contractors in a FAQ document published October 18th, 2019.

Job Posting: Energy Business Developer, University Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

By

University Mechanical is seeking an Energy Business Developer to be based in Mukilteo WA. Global demands for viable energy and environmental solutions are increasing at a record pace. In response, University Mechanical Contractors recently combined three core business offerings into one group called UMC Energy & Environment (E&E). UMC E&E identifies client infrastructure needs which will protect your community, the health and welfare of your tenants, and your bottom line. We are recognized within the industry as a trusted partner and we are focused on delivering technically sound projects to our clients while doing so with the highest integrity. UMC E&E brings the best teams with the right approach for district energy, resource conservation, water treatment, controls, and resolving technical challenges related to energy management.

Locally owned and operated (Mukilteo WA), University Mechanical Contractors, Inc. designs and builds complete mechanical systems for commercial and industrial projects. With over 99 years of experience, UMC is one of the largest mechanical contractors in Washington State, having performed commercial and industrial work in Oregon, Alaska, Nevada, California, and Hawaii.

Please email resume to dbabington@umci.com. Click here for the full job description.

Job Posting: Senior Customer Solutions Planning Manager, Pacific Power

By

Location: Portland, OR, US, 97232
Company: PacifiCorp

General Purpose
Direct significant new corporate initiatives in the areas of energy efficiency, demand response, vehicle electrification, energy storage, renewable energy, and other customer-focused initiatives. Identify new opportunities to use data and advanced analytics to support Customer Solutions initiatives. Manage cross-functional resources to establish strategic business objectives, strategies, and plans in support of Company strategic goals, integrated resource planning, and regulatory and legislative requirements. Develop, implement and support Company programs and policies.  Provide expert witness testimony in support of Company regulatory and legislative proceedings. Represent the Company in state, regional, and national organizations. Act as lead for Customer Solutions Planning and analytics.

Responsibilities
  • Lead key new Customer Solutions initiatives through planning, valuation, and regulatory approval stages.
  • Advocate for Company principles in legislative and regulatory policy development and rulemaking.
  • Direct Customer Solutions data and advanced analytics initiatives and projects.
  • Apply technical expertise to support the Company’s strategic goals and initiatives in legislative and regulatory proceedings.
  • Prepare expert testimony for legislative hearings, regulatory proceedings and court proceedings.
  • Lead discovery response development and correspondence with utility commissions on customer solutions-related issues.
  • Ensure that Customer Solutions initiatives are appropriately captured in the Company’s ten-year business plan budgets and forecasts.
  • Facilitate change, develop others, foster continuous improvement and drive innovation.
  • Foster collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ensure that best practices are applied across all Customer Solutions planning activities.
  • Oversee special projects as assigned.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, or local regulations.
  • Develop and implement detailed action plans for achieving objectives.
  • Represent the Company in Berkshire Hathaway Energy-wide initiatives and work groups related to Customer Solutions.
  • Represent the Company in state, regional, and national organizations.
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Management, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • A minimum of eight years of professional experience with Customer Solutions programs and technologies, resource evaluation and valuation.
  • Demonstrated experience in Customer Solutions resource market analysis, resource modeling, technology, valuation and performance/delivery contracting.
  • Management skills including the ability to establish objectives, execute policy, monitor resources, and manage the development or implementation of a system, program, or process.
  • Leadership and teamwork skills to provide input into policy decisions and to mobilize resources to produce desired business results.
  • Superior communication and interpersonal skills to manage and motivate employees.
  • Experience in budget preparation, analysis tracking, and cost management.
  • Broad exposure to stakeholder engagements / process (utility commissions, state/local agencies, consumer groups, technology providers, etc)
  • Excellent oral and written communication to communicate objectives and action plans.

Click HERE for more information and to apply.

The Building Walk Down: Uncovering Hidden Opportunities for Savings

By

          

A no-cost WSU Energy Program and Smart Buildings Center Webinar for Resource Conservation Managers and Energy Managers at public facilities in Washington State and the Northwest.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019
12:00 to 1:00 PM Pacific Time

Click here to register

Take a virtual “walk down” through a building to find no- and low-cost energy savings opportunities. Melissa Sokolowsky, the tools expert at the Smart Buildings Center, will show us what to look for, where to look, and how we can turn an energy problem into an energy-saving measure. This webinar focuses on small to medium public buildings with no building automation system.

RCMs, energy managers, and similar staff from Washington state public and government institutions and agencies are the intended audience. Others from the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere may attend if space allows.

Washington State University Energy Program promotes and supports RCM programs with technical assistance, hiring and job description information, monthly newsletters, website, and more.

This free webinar from Washington State University Energy Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program through the Washington State Department of Commerce Energy Division.

For more information, contact Karen Janowitz at janowitzk@energy.wsu.edu.

Energy Trust Invites Public Input on Draft 2020-2024 Strategic Plan

By

Board of directors will consider comments submitted by August 2.

PORTLAND, Ore. — June 26, 2019 — Energy Trust of Oregon welcomes public comment to inform its draft 2020-2024 Strategic Plan. The strategic plan builds on the organization’s successful 17-year history serving Oregon residents and businesses with clean energy solutions. Once adopted, the strategic plan will help Energy Trust achieve its goals and deliver benefits to all Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista and Southwest Washington customers of NW Natural.

Public comments are invited through August 2. After that time, Energy Trust staff and board of directors will consider the comments and propose changes if needed in the final draft, which will be presented for consideration at the organization’s October 16 board meeting.

“This is an exciting time for Energy Trust as we define the roadmap for our next five years,” said Michael Colgrove, executive director. “We anticipate the next five years to be full of changes in markets, policies, energy consumption and demands, and demographics. With these changes in mind, our plan features five focus areas that we believe will enable Energy Trust to maximize the value we can deliver to all eligible utility customers through new program designs and customer services.”

The five focus areas of the strategic plan include:

  • Providing programs, information and services for all utility customers Energy Trust serves, with particular attention to underserved customers. This includes more services and tailored programs and offers to effectively serve people with lower incomes, communities of color and rural communities. Helping customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power is Energy Trust’s core work and is the priority focus area.
  • Delivering additional value to customers by linking energy efficiency and renewable energy to the approaches that utilities are using to meet changing energy needs. For example, Energy Trust will coordinate with utilities to boost customer adoption of energy-saving and solar technologies in specific locations where utilities are seeking additional load management and flexibility.
  • Providing objective information and analyses to support development and implementation of energy-related policies. Energy Trust will continue to be a resource to the state and can share program and industry expertise to support emerging and new energy policies at the city, county or state level.
  • Maximizing public purpose charge investments by leveraging additional funding to accomplish clean energy projects that offer multiple public benefits. A current example is irrigation modernization projects, which leverage a blend of funding from Energy Trust incentives, state and federal government, grants and more to achieve energy savings and generation, as well as other important benefits such as water conservation and economic development for rural communities.
  • Enhancing the organization’s ability to quickly and effectively respond to changes, needs and new opportunities. In a rapidly changing landscape, Energy Trust must be able to identify promising new ideas and actively pursue innovation to continue delivering value to utility customers. Intentionally cultivating diversity in the board of directors, advisory councils, staff and contractors will help Energy Trust be successful.

How to get involved

  1. Download the current strategic plan draft at www.energytrust.org/strategicplan.
  2. Watch a 15-minute on-demand webinar featuring Executive Director Michael Colgrove presenting highlights of the draft plan.
  3. Submit comments by August 2 via email to info@energytrust.org or by mail to Energy Trust of Oregon, Attention: Strategic Plan, 421 SW Oak St., Suite 300, Portland, OR 97204.

About Energy Trust’s strategic planning process

The current strategic plan draft is a product of more than a year’s worth of work by Energy Trust staff and board. Recently, the board held a public workshop to discuss a working draft of the plan and the five proposed focus areas. Energy Trust also has solicited input from its advisory councils, the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC), utility partners Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista, and other community stakeholders. This open process ensures that the board benefits from the input and perspectives of communities, partners and the public in shaping the organization’s direction.

Every five years, Energy Trust engages in a strategic planning process to define its goals, strategies and priorities for the coming years. The plan is required by a grant agreement with OPUC.

A final version of the plan will be posted on Energy Trust’s website in October.

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista save $3.4 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.

PSE Releases RFP for 2020-21 Program Years

By

Puget Sound Energy, Inc. (PSE) is soliciting proposals for the renewal of existing energy efficiency programs and services as well as new offerings of energy efficiency programs and services for the 2020 through 2021 program period. This Request for Proposals (RFP) is sponsored by the Customer Energy Management (CEM) group at PSE. The CEM group is soliciting support for existing demand side management products, programs and/or services that will result in direct and measurable gas and/or electric energy savings.

PSE is soliciting proposals for 10 programs/pilots in these sector topic areas:

A. Engineering Services and Sub-metering Program RFP*
B. Small Business Direct Install
C. Wholesale Midstream Rebate Delivery
D. Midstream Residential Rebate Attribution*
E. Field Services
F. Home Energy Reports
G. Home Energy Assessments/Residential In-Home Services
H. Residential Customer Efficiency Purchase Pilot*
I. AMI Single Family Enhanced Engagement Pilot*
J. AMI Small and Medium Business (SMB) Enhanced Engagement Pilot*
* indicates new or substantially modified program

The first action item (see Solicitation Timeline in I. Introduction, Section C of the RFP) is to provide a completed Intent to Bid form identifying the sector topic areas for which you would like to submit a proposal. This allows PSE to identify contact(s) for ongoing RFP communications such as answers to questions and RFP updates. Bidder questions are due a week later.

  • Intent to Bid forms are due July 3rd, 2019 and must be submitted electronically to CEMRFP@pse.com.
  • Bidder Questions are due July 10th, 2019 and must be submitted electronically to CEMRFP@pse.com.
  • Electronic proposal responses must be received by no later than 5:00 PM Pacific Time, August 7th, 2019 to CEMRFP@pse.com.

All communication regarding this RFP should be directed to CEMRFP@pse.com.

Please see the full RFP document for all details.