In 2007, EES Consulting prepared a Conservation Potential Study for McMinnville Water & Light (MW&L) as part of their Electric Resource Plan (ERP).  

The Conservation Potential Study analyzed conservation funding options available to MW&L.  Specifically, costs and savings were calculated for scenarios in which MW&L self-funds conservation compared to when MW&L uses BPA funds.  The two options affect how the utility’s High Water Mark (also referred to as HWM, or the amount of the least cost power MW&L is able to purchase) is calculated.  From the analysis, EESC suggested the best plan of action for conservation funding.

Also, the Conservation Potential Study provided planning and results for three conservation scenarios.   The conservation scenarios include only currently cost effective measures and various achievability rates.  The costs and savings of each of the scenarios are used to evaluate conservation costs and savings next to traditional supply-side resources.  The Conservation Potential Study will assist MW&L in meeting its future resource needs, and it will also help in assessing the level of conservation and type of funding that minimizes MW&L costs.