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Recommended Reading
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Recent Publications
Use of Data Platforms to Identify and Verify Energy Savings in China
Document Summary
Use of Data Platforms to Identify and Verify Energy Savings in China
In response to Chinese government initiatives promoting demand-side management and energy efficiency, grid companies, government agencies, and private sector companies have established data platforms to identify and verify energy savings. The energy use data collected by these data platforms will eventually form a valuable national resource that will provide a unique insight into how energy is used in China. This information will enable the development of government policies to significantly reduce both the energy intensity and the pollution emissions intensity of the Chinese economy. This paper makes recommendations to ensure that the various energy use data platforms are set up in ways that maximize their effectiveness.
- Authors:
- David Crossley
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 1 MB
中国利用节能数据平台确认和验证节能量
Document Summary
中国利用节能数据平台确认和验证节能量
为响应中国政府促进电力需求侧管理、提高能效的举措，中国电网公司、政府机构和私营企业纷纷在各地建立了节能数据平台，用来确定和验证节能量。数据平台所收集的能源使用数据，最终将形成一种宝贵的国家资源，提供对中国能源使用状况独到的见解。这些信息将提供至关重要的参考依据，帮助政府制定政策，在中国经济发展的同时，实现节能减排的战略目标。本文旨在对目前正在建立的各种数据平台该如何设置提出建议，以最大限度地发挥其有效性。
- Authors:
- David Crossley
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 9 MB
Managing the Electricity-Water Nexus in India and China
- Date:
- Authors:
- Benjamin Sovacool, Sara Imperiale, Brian Thomson, Alex Gilbert, Ajith Rao, Jay Eidsness
Document Summary
Managing the Electricity-Water Nexus in India and China
Much has been written about the meteoric rise of the Chinese and Indian economies, and it is well documented that this phenomenal growth has coincided with a massive expansion of thermoelectric power plants—power plants that either burn their fuels to generate electricity or that fission atoms in nuclear reactors. The process of thermoelectric power generation utilizes prodigious amounts of water, primarily for cooling purposes. Most of the existing, as well as the planned thermoelectric generators are heavily dependent on the assumption that water resources remain abundant, clean, and readily available. For instance, on a typical day, Chinese and Indian power plants withdraw more than 480 billion liters of freshwater—nearly twice the amount that passes over Niagara Falls in a 24-hour period. This massive use of water presents a critical constraint often overlooked in electricity and energy decision-making. Addressing the challenges that the reliance on water poses to electricity generation requires us to think more broadly about integrated resource planning, reliability challenges, and resource selection. The ability of India and China to manage its respective electricity-water nexus will have profound implications on each country’s economic growth, social stability, environmental quality, and energy security.
- Authors:
- Benjamin Sovacool
- Sara Imperiale
- Brian Thomson
- Alex Gilbert
- Ajith Rao
- Jay Eidsness
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 845 kB
Can Competition Accelerate Energy Savings? Options and Challenges for Efficiency Feed-In Tariffs
Document Summary
Can Competition Accelerate Energy Savings? Options and Challenges for Efficiency Feed-In Tariffs
This paper appeared in Volume 24 of the Energy and Environment Journal. The authors identify key policy issues and options for an energy efficiency fed-in-tariff (EE FiT) design. While an EE FiT will not always be the best approach, its potential benefits merit serious consideration where alternative programmatic routes to efficiency are not well-established. In particular, EE FiTs offer the potential to create new markets and enable new market entrants to uncover and deliver energy efficiency resources. This market-based approach may also have advantages in jurisdictions facing political objections to other methods of funding efficiency initiatives. However, as the European experience with FiTs for renewable power reveals, any jurisdiction considering adoption of an EE FiT will need to consider a range of questions, both fundamental and practical. No jurisdiction to date has created an explicit EE FiT, so this paper draws on experience in Europe with white certificate programmes, and in the US with utility efficiency mandates and regional capacity markets, in particular the “standard offer” programmes that have been offered by obligated entities over the past two decades. The standard offer programmes differ from a pure efficiency FiT, as they have been offered as part of a portfolio of measures designed jointly to meet an energy savings obligation, not as the fundamental policy construct for achieving savings. Nevertheless, they offer valuable insights into the policy and implementation choices that would need to be made to enable an EE FiT to effectively deliver on its promise.
- Authors:
- Chris Neme
- Richard Cowart
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 160 kB
Rate Design Where Advanced Metering Infrastructure Has Not Been Fully Deployed
Document Summary
Rate Design Where Advanced Metering Infrastructure Has Not Been Fully Deployed
This paper identifies sound practices in rate design applied around the globe using conventional metering technology. Rate design for most residential and small commercial customers (mass market consumers) is most often reflected in a simple monthly access charge and a per-kWh usage rate in one or more blocks and one or more seasons. A central theme across the practices highlighted in this paper is that of sending effective pricing signals through the usage-sensitive components of rates in a way that reflects the character of underlying long-run costs associated with production and usage. While new technology is enabling innovations in rate design that carry some promise of better capturing opportunities for more responsive load, the majority of the world’s electricity usage is expected to remain under conventional pricing at least through the end of the decade, and much longer in some areas. Experience to date has shown that the traditional approaches to rate design persist well after the enabling technology is in place that leads to change.
- Authors:
- Jim Lazar
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 1 MB
Tracking Emissions Associated with Energy Serving Load in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) States: a Feasibility Study
Document Summary
Tracking Emissions Associated with Energy Serving Load in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) States: a Feasibility Study
In this paper RAP assesses the suitability for tracking CO2 emissions associated with electricity imported into the RGGI region of two energy attribute tracking systems currently in use in the RGGI region. The paper explores the capacity of the Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS) in PJM and New England’s Generation Information System (GIS), and evaluates their capacity for this purpose. The paper finds that the use of GATS and GIS to track emissions associated with energy imported into the RGGI region is technically feasible, but poses challenges related to data quality, regulator access, and system coordination that will need to be addressed. Finally, the paper concludes that, as the RGGI’s participating states seek a means of tracking emissions associated with imports into the RGGI region, these tracking systems represent existing capacity that should not be overlooked.
- Authors:
- David Farnsworth
- Rachael Terada
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 1 MB
Looking Beyond Transmission: FERC Order 1000 and the Case for Alternative Solutions
Document Summary
Looking Beyond Transmission: FERC Order 1000 and the Case for Alternative Solutions
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Order 1000 makes great strides towards ensuring just and reasonable transmission rates and a level competitive playing field. It does this, in part, by requiring the consideration of non-transmission alternatives (NTAs) during regional transmission planning. Unfortunately, however, the order fails to address certain significant barriers to the implementation of NTAs, making it unlikely that regional plans will ever approve their implementation—or that genuinely competitive solutions will prevail anytime soon. While FERC might provide guidance on these issues in the future, states have the opportunity to remove competitive barriers to NTAs now. By doing so, they can help ensure that the transmission system built under Order 1000 provides the greatest benefits to ratepayers at the lowest possible cost.
- Authors:
- Elizabeth Watson
- Ken Colburn
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 706 kB
空气污染应急机制国际经验
Document Summary
空气污染应急机制国际经验
中国清洁空气联盟（CAAC）知识系列之一“空气污染应急机制国际经验”在回顾了中国2013年1月大面积遭遇灰霾天气而采取的应急方案之后，介绍了欧洲和美国污染应急领域所开展的工作和历程，并结合中国的空气污染情况为中国构建空气污染应急机制提出了建议。文中从空气质量的预测、空气污染警报服务、有效的污染控制措施三个方面来描述如何构建完备的空气污染应急系统。其中建议还包括需要不断完善长期的空气质量管理体系来最终杜绝极端污染天气。
- Authors:
- Chris James
- Catherine Witherspoon
- Simon Birkett
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 2 MB
Recent Presentations
Internationale Erfahrungen der aktiven Einbindung der Nachfrage
Document Summary
Internationale Erfahrungen der aktiven Einbindung der Nachfrage
In Mai 2013 traffen sich Vertreter aus Politik, Wirtschaft und Verbänden sowie Energieberater, Architekten und Ingenieure zu den Berliner Energietagen. Im Mittelpunkt der diesjährigen Konferenz stand die Energieeffizienz in Deutschland. Im Rahmen des Programs präsentierten RAP Principal Meg Gottstein und Senior Associate Andreas Jahn internationale Erfahrungen mit der aktiven Einbindung der Nachfragesteuerung vor dem Hintergrund der vier Dimensionen der Versorgungsicherheit: Abdeckung der Spitzenlast, Spannungs- und Frequenzhaltung, Regelleistung, um Angebot und Nachfrage in Einklang zu bringen und Reserve zur Absicherung eines Ausfalls im Notfall. Mit Beispielen aus den USA und aus Dänemark unterstrichen Frau Gottstein und Herr Jahn, dass Nachfragesteuerung eine zuverlässige, wettbewerbsfähige, sowie günstige Option darstellt. Der US-Regulierer FERC bewirkte einen Umschwung für die Nachfragesteuerung durch eindeutige Anweisungen zur gleichberechtigen Berücksichtigung gegenüber Geboten anderer Resourcen für Systemdienstleistungen. Wenn Nachfragesteuerung genauso zum Ausgleich von Angebot und Nachfrage wie Erzeugungseinheiten beiträgt, müssen sie ebenso entlohnt werden. Ferner müssen Sytembetreiber Resourcen entsprechend ihrer Erfüllungsqualitäten, wie Geschwindigkeit und Genauigkeit, entlohnen.
- Authors:
- Andreas Jahn
- Meg Gottstein
- Date:
- Filetype:
- PPTX
- Size:
- 9 MB
Recovering Smart Grid Costs In Electricity Rates
Document Summary
Recovering Smart Grid Costs In Electricity Rates
Jim Lazar, RAP senior advisor, describes how the costs of smart grid should be reflected in utility cost allocation studies and in rate design. Smart meters enable many capacity and energy saving measures, and should not be classified as 100% customer-related, as has been the practice with traditional meters. Similarly, distribution automation investments are typically used to reduce line losses, which are energy-related savings, and should not be classified as 100% demand-related, as is the general practice with substation investment. The bottom line is that cost-effective smart grid investments should enable reduction of customer demand, and energy costs on a system, and the investment should be apportioned on the basis of costs-follows-benefits. In this presentation to the California Municipal Rates Group, Mr. Lazar suggests an innovative, bi-directional rate design that charges all customers for the services they use.
- Authors:
- Jim Lazar
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 992 kB
Global Best Practices in Residential Electric Rate Design
Document Summary
Global Best Practices in Residential Electric Rate Design
Jim Lazar, RAP senior advisor, shared best practices in residential rate design with members of the California Municipal Rates Group. He emphasized the need to align rates with long-run marginal costs, so consumers make good long-run choices. The inclining block rate, with a zero or minimal customer charge, is extremely common around the world, and provides an incentive to customers to invest in efficiency resources. Mr. Lazar also demonstrates several examples of time of use and critical peak pricing rates that can be implemented with advanced metering infrastructure.
- Authors:
- Jim Lazar
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 1 MB
中国电网企业开展电力需求侧工作中节能服务公司的运作机制
Document Summary
中国电网企业开展电力需求侧工作中节能服务公司的运作机制
2010年11月，中国国家发展改革委员会颁布了一份指导文件，要求中国电网公司开展电力需求侧管理(DSM)工作，提出了实现减少售电量(GWh)和降低高峰用电需求(MW)的具体指标。中国政府对节能服务公司(ESCOs)的扶持，以及为开展合同能源管理工作提供的财政奖励政策，鼓励了电网企业组建节能服务公司，作为节约能源、降低能源需求的主要运作机制。这个演讲在北京举办的国家电网节能服务公司发展研讨会上，诠释了不同节能服务公司的商业运作模式，描述了节能服务行业在中国的发展，并提出国际经验说明节能服务公司的运作模式并不一定在任何情况下都能良好运转。对中国的建议包括应该促使电网公司直接投资终端用户的节能项目和引入第三方节能服务公司，避免电网企业下属的节能服务公司在所有细分市场与第三方节能服务公司竞争。采纳这些建议将有利于电网企业业务模式的转型，从以电力供应为重点转向为客户提供全方位的能源服务，从而降低成本，提高经济效益。
- Authors:
- David Crossley
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 694 kB
Demand Response as a System Reliability Resource
Document Summary
Demand Response as a System Reliability Resource
As part of the three-day Energy Days symposium held in Berlin, Germany, RAP principal Meg Gottstein and senior associate Andreas Jahn joined respected speakers Dr. Dorothee Mühl from the Ministry of Economics and Technology and Dr. Marian Klobasa of the Fraunhofer Institute for a panel discussion on the importance of demand-side resources. Ms. Gottstein and Mr. Jahn explored international experiences with demand response against the backdrop of the four dimensions of system reliability - reserves, regulation, capacity, and emergency response. They highlighted experiences from New England and the Danish island of Bornholm to underscore that demand response is a reliable, competitive, and low-cost resource option. In the US, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission paved the way for demand response in the competitive market by issuing orders to create a level playing field with other resources. The orders address compensation for the flexibility and reliability benefits offered by demand response. (Presentation in German)
- Authors:
- Andreas Jahn
- Meg Gottstein
- Date:
- Filetype:
- PPTX
- Size:
- 9 MB
A Preview of America's Power Plan: Aligning America's Power Markets
Document Summary
A Preview of America's Power Plan: Aligning America's Power Markets
Mike Hogan, RAP senior advisor discussed the need for matching the structure and operation of wholesale power markets to the needs of the 21st century at the American Wind Energy Association’s 2013 Windpower conference. He participated in a panel discussion designed to “preview America’s power plan” and the opportunities to move towards a more sustainable power sector, particularly one that has a high share of renewable energy. Mr. Hogan emphasized the need for power markets to value energy efficiency and demand response resources capable of providing the flexibility needed to balance variable renewable resources.
- Authors:
- Mike Hogan
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 1 MB
Energy Service Companies as a Delivery Mechanism for Grid Company DSM in China
Document Summary
Energy Service Companies as a Delivery Mechanism for Grid Company DSM in China
In November 2010, China’s National Development and Reform Commission issued a guidance document that requires grid companies in China to carry out demand-side management (DSM) activities to achieve specified targets for reductions in electricity sales (GWh) and peak demand (MW). Chinese government support for energy service companies (ESCOs) and financial incentives for energy performance contracting have encouraged the grid companies to establish ESCOs as their main mechanism for acquiring energy and demand savings. This presentation to a State Grid workshop on ESCOs held in Beijing explores various ESCO business models, describes the development of the energy services industry in China to date, and outlines international experience, which shows that the ESCO business model does not necessarily work well in all situations. Recommendations for China include enabling grid companies to directly fund end-use energy efficiency projects and to engage third-party ESCOs, rather than requiring grid company ESCOs to compete with third-party ESCOs across all market segments. Implementing these recommendations will help the grid companies change their business models from supplying electricity to providing comprehensive energy services to their customers, thereby reducing costs and increasing economic efficiency.
- Authors:
- David Crossley
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 694 kB
Inherent Risks in the Utility Industry and Risk-Aware Electricity Regulation
Document Summary
Inherent Risks in the Utility Industry and Risk-Aware Electricity Regulation
The Society of Utility and Regulatory Financial Analysts welcomed RAP principal Carl Linvill to discuss risk-aware regulation at the 45th Financial Forum: Current Issues Affecting the Cost of Capital. Mr. Linvill participated in a panel titled, “Inherent Risks in the Utility Industry” and presented strategies for minimizing, not shifting risk. He emphasized the importance of building a flexible, robust electric system in order to manage risk. The panel was part of a two-day session to foster communication among utilities, regulators, and the financial community on issues that affect the financial performance of the utility sector.
- Authors:
- Carl Linvill
- Date:
- Filetype:
- Size:
- 991 kB
