| |
EES Consulting offers utility system planning services that provide a range of state-of-the-art and cost-effective solutions for electric, gas, water and wastewater utilities and their customers. These services employ statistical, econometric, and operation research techniques to provide cost-effective PC-based solutions to utility-oriented problems. These services include:
- Optimization modeling for short-term and long-term forecasting and analysis
- Econometric forecasting and analysis
- Survey design and implementation
- Statistical analysis and evaluation
- Decision analysis
- Risk and probabilistic simulation
- Load and flow research
These services have been used to address a wide range of utility problems, including resource dispatching, integrated resource planning, water quality treatment evaluation and distribution system sizing.
Dispatch Modeling
EES Consulting has developed a PC based optimization computer model to perform dispatching. The dispatch model determines the most economic levels of available resources to meet daily loads over a short-term planning horizon, one year or less. Pipeline, storage, demand nodes and contractual constraints are inputs to the model. The model has the capability to also evaluate capacity release options. The model determines the optimum level of resource operation by minimizing resource costs utilizing an advanced linear programming algorithm.
The dispatching model operates under a Windows interface utilizing spreadsheets for inputs and outputs. This allows the user to readily change inputs and to reformat output information as needed. Using a spreadsheet and Windows based environment allows the analyst to quickly and easily edit and run scenarios and to produce custom reports. The dispatch model can be used on a daily basis to make nominations with information uploaded to bulletin board and accounting systems in an automated fashion. The model can also be utilized to develop annual or seasonal plans recognizing chronological demands. Specialized contract provisions, transport constraints, different weather scenarios and capacity release are all elements that the model can accommodate.
Integrated Resource Planning
EES Consulting provides a variety of Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) services including:
- Total IRP development
- IRP components
- Long-term optimization modeling
- Stakeholder group assistance
EES Consulting can provide all of the components of an IRP: demand forecast, demand side and supply side evaluation, externality evaluation, resource integration, scenario development and risk evaluation.
EES Consulting has available a PC based long-term optimization model that determines the best timing and general operation of new resources on the basis of the present value of resource costs. The key difference between the dispatch model and the long-term model is that the long-term model determines which resources are required and when, over a long-term planning horizon. The dispatch model optimizes the operation of a given set of resources for a short-term planning horizon. The advantages of a PC Windows based model hold for both.
An important aspect of any planning is the acceptance of plans by the stakeholders. EES Consulting staff has wide experience in presenting planning methodology and results to regulatory bodies and stakeholder groups. In addition, multi-attribute decision analysis and other decision methods have been implemented by EES Consulting to evaluate plans based on economic and non-economic criteria, while incorporating the value system of the stakeholders. This methodology has been successfully used in the past to reach consensus among stakeholders with opposing views.
Forecasting and DSM Evaluation
Forecasting loads or utilizing statistical and economic techniques for evaluating demand side resources are essential services for both long term and short term planning. EES Consulting has an extensive record of experience in demand forecasting and econometric analysis for utilities. This work has included a variety of advanced statistical and econometric techniques: generalized least regression squares, time series analysis, logit regression models, non-parametric analysis and neural network analysis. EES Consulting analysis has been utilized in a variety of regulatory arenas.
More and more frequently, an essential element of any utility plan is a comprehensive demand-side management plan. EES Consulting staff have designed and helped to evaluate and implement cost effective demand-side management programs for several utilities. EES Consulting also evaluates savings from these programs to ensure that the investment in conservation is well spent. |
|
