Western provides technical assistance to customers

Project examples

Energy/Water Management Program Options

Western provided assistance to Marshall Municipal Utilities in Minnesota to identify potential energy/water management program options in order to promote technology transfer of "whole system" energy/water resource planning for utilities with joint authority over electrical and water systems.

Alternatives to Transmission Line Rebuild

Western provided assistance to Empire Electric Association to evaluate the potential of a sustainable resource plan in lieu of a transmission line rebuild. The objective of this project was to support Western customers in the evaluation and implementation of demand-side and renewable energy resources. Find out more about Western's Renewable Resources Program.

Identification of DSM Measures

Western provided technical assistance to the Town of Wickenburg, Arizona, to identify appropriate DSM measures for the Town. Measures were identified through a preliminary screening methodology based on the Wickenburg's IRP development goals and objectives. Get a list of Energy Services publications addressing DSM measures, including the DSM Pocket Guidebook series.

Energy Services Options in a Competitive Utility Environment

Western provided direct technical support for integrated resource planning and associated energy service options in a competitive utility environment to Columbus Electric Cooperative and Medinal Electric, N.M., in developing a competitive IRP analysis and strategic plan, including a competitive rate analysis and action plan. For more information see integrated resource planning.

Lighting Financing Programs

Western developed a program design for Provo City Power, Utah, to use in implementing commercial lighting financing programs. Learn about Western's lighting kits and other equipment in the Equipment Loan Program.

IRP Customer Information

Western participated in the development of a customer information database in support of integrated resource planning for Heartland Consumers Power District, S.D., and its member cities. The database allows for analysis of raw data obtained in previous customer surveys and development of individual city reports. For more information see integrated resource planning.

Monitoring Solar Energy Systems

Western provided technical assistance to La Plata Electric, Colo., through monitoring of its modular PV system, and to Carbon Power and Light, Wyo., through monitoring of its passive tracking system.Western offered he assistance through its Renewable Resources Program.

Baseline Survey--Energy-Rated Homes

Western developed, implemented and evaluated a baseline survey for the Energy Rated Homes of Colorado, supported by the Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Conservation and six Colorado electric utilities. The survey gathered baseline information on the state of energy efficiency in the current housing market.

Sustainable Resource Plan

Western provided helped Mesa Verde National Parkin Colorado, through customer Empire Electric,launch a sustainable resource plan. Assistance included establishing preliminary implementation steps for a hybrid photovoltaic/generator system power supply, supplemented by location-specific demand-side management measures. Find out more about Western's Renewable Resources Program.

Shared Savings Energy-Water Conservation Programs

Western worked with East Bay Municipal Utility District in California to examine the benefits of shared savings energy-water conservation programs. Evaluation included the potential energy savings through water conservation programs, through reduced water pumping and distribution requirements and assisting in the development of program implementation methods with local electric utilities.

Irrigation Pump Tests

Western arranged for pump testson lift stations associated with West Stanislaus Irrigation District. Measurements and adjustments to pumps or pumping operations were carried out in conjunction with the pressure tests as deemed appropriate or necessary by the Irrigation District.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

Western worked with staff of Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona on a project to enhance the efficiency and quality of lighting within the Park. Learn about Western's lighting kits and other equipment in the Equipment Loan Program.

IRP Circuit Rider

Western co-sponsored, with utility customers including the Nebraska Municipal Power Pool, the IRP Circuit Rider program. This successful program provided integrated resource planning help to small, publicly owned utilities such as municipalities. Get more information on integrated resource planning.

Workshops

Western has conducted numerous workshops on energy efficiency and renewable energy, including integrated resource planning, demand-side management evaluation, motor auditing, pump testing, infrared camera use, efficient lighting techniques, financing for efficiency, public involvement, competitive strategies, rate setting and life-cycle costing, that are cost-shared with customers throughout Western's 15-state service territory. Get more information about regional workshops.