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111 projects found for:
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Topic: Carbon Emissions and Climate Policy
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Wholesale Markets
Client: Conservation Services Group
Synapse represents and advises Conservation Services Group and a coalition of their renewable energy clients in their participation in ISO-NE and PJM wholesale markets. We advocate for the inclusion of energy efficiency, demand response, distributed generation, and renewable generation in all aspects of their participation in wholesale capacity, energy, and ancillary services markets. Project ongoing.
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New York Emissions
Client: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
For this project, Synapse is reviewing the effects of New York emissions laws on imports and exports and wholesale electric markets. Project ongoing.
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NEPOOL/ISO-NE
Client: Connecticut Office of the Consumer Counsel
For this project, Synapse is performing research and analysis of the New England bulk power system and representation in the New England stakeholder process. A focus is on markets, reliability, and transmission issues. Project ongoing.
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Review and Comment on Virginia Electric and Power Company's First IRP
Clients: Southern Environmental Law Center, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Appalachian Voices, Sierra Club
Synapse is providing consulting assistance in the drafting of formal comments on Virginia Electric and Power Company's IRP. Issues include resource planning, load forecasting and energy efficiency programs. Project ongoing.
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Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act
Client: Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
In 2008, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). Through the establishment of a series of regulatory programs, the Act hopes to mitigate Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions to 10-25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050. Synapse is working in conjunction with Eastern Research Group to assist the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources in strategy and policy development and coordination, along with modeling to project the costs and impacts of potential policies. Project ongoing.
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Developing US Climate Policy
Client: Regulatory Assistance Project
Synapse is providing assistance to the Regulatory Assistance Project to help inform and participate in state, regional, and national discussions on climate policy. These include but are not limited to: RGGI, WRCAI, CA, as well as the several bills that are currently being considered in Congress. The focus of these efforts is to assure that robust energy efficiency, DSM, and renewables are integrated into the various climate programs underway and under development, to help achieve the goals of stabilizing the earth's climate, increasing energy security, and maximizing consumer benefit. Project ongoing.
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Clean Air Act Lawsuit
Client: Sierra Club
Synapse was retained by the Sierra Club to assist in its litigation concerning the Stuart Station coal-fired generating facility in Ohio. Project completed in 2005.
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Regulatory and Economic Analysis of Renewable Portfolio Standards in New Brunswick
Client: New Brunswick Department of Energy
Synapse assisted the Department with the development of regulations for a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) in New Brunswick. One phase of the project included drafting regulations that will cover all aspects of the RPS, including the definition of eligible resources, the renewable target, treatment of imports, compliance mechanisms, generation information systems, and monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Another phase of the project included conducting an economic analysis of different RPS proposals. This analysis included a comprehensive assessment of the cost and availability of renewable resources in the region, especially wind generation. It also included an assessment of the demand for renewables, a forecast of wholesale market prices, and an estimate of the renewable premiums associated with different RPS proposals. The economic analysis also identified the likely impact of different renewable portfolio standards on electricity prices. Project completed in December 2005. Download Report
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Clean Energy Action Plan for States
Client: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Synapse contributed four chapters to EPA's guidebook of policies that states can implement to advance clean energy activities. These chapters address
1) integrating energy efficiency and renewables into air quality planning,
2) integrating energy efficiency and renewables into state and regional energy planning,
3) identifying and describing the financial incentive (and disincentive) mechanisms for clean energy and energy efficiency associated with state-level ratemaking structures for electric and gas utilities, and
4) the role of clean energy in integrated resource planning and portfolio management. The guidebook can be found on the EPA's website. Project completed in December 2005.
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Quantifying Carbon Emissions Reductions
Client: United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Clean energy projects added to the electric power grid can reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the power system and qualify for carbon reduction credit under the UNFCCC's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Our analysis of methods for quantifying the amount of carbon reduction credit to attribute to such projects included examination of "build margin" vs. "operating margin" (and combined) approaches, as well as the impact of project size, project timing, project output variability, and other factors. The report for the UNFCCC "Using Electric System Operating Margins and Build Margins in Quantification of Carbon Emission Reductions Attributable to Grid Connected CDM Projects," September 19, 2005 can be downloaded from the UNFCCC's website here. Project completed in October 2005. Download Report
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Implementation of the Renewable Portfolio Standard in Maryland
Client: Maryland Office of the People's Counsel
Synapse assisted the OPC in addressing many issues regarding the implementation of the renewable portfolio standard law in Maryland. Some of the key issues included the development of the Generator Attribute Tracking System at PJM, ensuring that necessary information is provided and processed appropriately, mitigating any market power problems in the renewable energy credit market, establishing appropriate compliance requirements, and ensuring that the requirements of the RPS law are met. Project completed in August 2005.
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Avoided Costs of Wind Generation in South Dakota
Client: South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Staff
Synapse prepared expert testimony regarding the avoided costs of wind generation in South Dakota. The project included the review and critique of avoided costs proposed by Montana-Dakota Utilities Company, as well as the review and critique of alternative avoided cost assumptions proposed by the wind developer. The testimony covered many aspects of avoided costs, including production cost modeling of energy costs, determination of the appropriate capacity value for wind generation, costs associated with integrating wind into an electricity system, and accounting for the costs of future climate change regulations. Direct testimony was submitted to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission on February 18, 2005. Download Testimony
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California Emissions Reductions
Client: California Institute for Energy and the Environment, California Energy Commission
Synapse was retained by the California Energy Commission to assess the possibility of abating air emissions in California through the implementation of energy efficiency and renewable generation programs. The project goal was to first build upon existing data and models to develop a framework for estimating the emissions reductions attributable to specific clean energy resources and then to apply these methodologies to develop estimates of emissions reductions applicable to clean energy projects in California. The primary steps of the project consisted of identifying and characterizing various clean energy projects, the assessment of models and their strengths and limitations, a discussion of the protocol for determining SIP credits, and the identification of evaluation procedures to validate the effectiveness of projects or measures. This project involved the development of both a near-term and a long-term emission displacement quantification framework. Project completed May 2010.
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Review of South Carolina Electric and Gas Company's Proposed DSM Programs
Clients: Southern Environmental Law Center, South Carolina Coastal Conservation League
Synapse provided expert witness services in a proceeding to review SCE&G's proposed DSM programs. Topics included cost-benefit testing, inclusion of carbon costs, cost allocation, and DSM services for hard-to-reach customers including limited-income customers. Project completed May 2010.
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Testimony on the Ratemaking Implications of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company's Proposed Smart Grid Initiative
Client: Maryland Office of the People's Counsel
Synapse conducted an analysis of the projected costs and benefits of BGE's proposed Smart Grid Initiative as well as the proposed allocation of Initiative costs among rate classes and the design of the proposed Smart Grid Charge. Project completed April 2010. Download Testimony
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Testimony on the Ratemaking Implications of the Request by Potomac Electric Power Company and by Delmarva Power and Light Company to Deploy Advanced Meter Infrastructure
Client: Maryland Office of the People's Counsel
For the Maryland Office of People's Counsel, Synapse analyzed the projected costs and benefits of the AMI proposed by PEPCO MD and Delmarva MD respectively, as well as the rate and bill impacts of those proposals. Project completed April 2010. Download Direct Testimony
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Testimony Supporting Inputs, Assumptions, and Calculations Regarding AESC 2009 Projections of Avoided Costs
Client: AESC / Massachusetts Avoided Energy Supply Components Study Group
For this project, Synapse prepared testimony describing the major assumptions underlying AESC 2009 and summarizing its major results. Project completed April 2010.
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Cap and Invest: Controlling the Cost of Climate Legislation for Electricity Consumers
Client: Energy Foundation
On behalf of the Energy Foundation, Synapse prepared analysis of and reported on consumer impacts of federal climate legislation with and without supplemental investments in energy efficiency, by state, for the contiguous United States. Although the analysis was based on H.R. 2454 passed by Congress in 2009, the analytical approach and conclusions apply generally to cap-and-trade regulation. Project completed March 2010.
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Energy and Environmental Integration in China
Client: Regulatory Assistance Project
Synapse Senior Associate Chris James was retained to work with RAP on the following areas: improving integration of energy and environmental policies in the ministry of environmental project and the grid operators; adopting policies to improve energy efficiency for the industrial sector and multi-pollutant strategies for air quality. The project involved direct meetings with Chinese government officials, who are primarily located in Beijing. Several short papers have been written to help Chinese officials with emissions trading, the U.S. RGGI program, output-based emissions standards and multi-pollutant approaches for air quality. Project completed March 2010. Download Report
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FCM Working Group 2009
Client: Maine Office of the Public Advocate
Synapse assisted the Maine OPA in its participation in the FCM Working Group that is considering changes to the FCM rules in 2009. Project completed March 2010.
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Clean Air Act Litigation
Client: U.S. Department of Justice
Synapse prepared expert reports on the planning and modeling conducted by defendants in a series of lawsuits involving the New Source Review provisions of the Clean Air Act. This work has included a review of the Companies' application of the PROMOD and PROSYM models and the development of PROSYM model runs to analyze the relationships between power plant availability, generation, and emissions. Project completed March 2010.
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Setting Numerical Demand Side Management Goals for Multiple Florida Utilities
Clients: Natural Resources Defense Council, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Synapse provided expert witness services for a multi-utility proceeding before the Florida Public Service Commission concerning setting new ten-year goals for utility electric DSM programs. Synapse testimony focused on DSM ratemaking, cost-effectiveness testing, and selected program design issues. Project completed March 2010. Download Testimony
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Recommendations for Electric Utility DSM Programs in Virginia
Clients: Southern Environmental Law Center, Appalachian Voices, Sierra Club
Synapse provided expert witness services in a proceeding to establish numeric savings goals and program policies for electric utility DSM programs. Topics included cost-benefit testing, inclusion of carbon costs, cost allocation, and DSM services for hard-to-reach customers including limited-income customers. Project completed in 2010. Download Testimony
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Testimony Regarding the Smart Meter Technology Plans Filed by Allegheny Power and the FirstEnergy Companies
Client: Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
Synapse analyzed the policy and ratemaking implications of the Company filings, the level of projected benefits of the proposed Smart Meter Plans relative to their projected costs, the uncertainty associated with those benefits, and the allocation and rate design issues underlying the cost recovery proposals. Project completed March 2010. Download Direct Testimony
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Mississippi PSC Consideration of New PURPA Standards
Client: Sierra Club
Synapse provided expert witness services during the Mississippi PSC's consideration of several newly enacted PURPA standards relating to resource planning and DSM. Project completed in 2010.
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Review and Critique of FirstEnergy Companies' Proposed SSO Procurement
Client: Ohio Office of Consumer Counsel
Synapse, as a subcontractor to Resource Insight, Inc., provided expert testimony on portfolio management alternatives to the Companies' proposed declining clock auction for rolling three-year, slice of system contracts. Project completed in 2010.
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Carbon Constrained Electric System Integrated Resource Plan
Client: Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board
Synapse was retained to collaborate with Nova Scotia Power on an update to its Integrated Resource Planning process. The planning was done subject to a hard cap on system carbon dioxide emissions, and other constraints. The resulting reference plan included aggressive development of wind and biomass, and rapid ramp-up of energy efficiency programs. Project completed February 2010.
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Supporting a Cleaner Energy Mix in Nevada
Clients: Western Resource Advocates, Nevadans for Affordable Reliable Clean Energy
Synapse assisted Western Resource Advocates and its local affiliate, NCARE, in developing a clean energy planning model to show how renewable resources can meet Nevada's future power needs and produce economic benefits at minimal cost to ratepayers. Synapse developed a clean development model that shows how transmission investments support renewables, along with aggressive development of renewable and energy efficiency potential in the state, can more than meet Nevada's electricity needs without relying on expensive and CO2-emitting new resources such as a proposed coal plant. Project completed November 2009. Download Testimony
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2009 Avoided Energy Supply Component Study
Client: AESC / Massachusetts Avoided Energy Supply Components Study Group
As a follow-up to an initial study performed in 2007, Synapse and its subcontractors developed projections of marginal energy supply costs that would be avoided due to savings in electricity, natural gas and other fuels resulting from energy efficiency programs offered to customers. In our report, we provided detailed projections for an initial fifteen year period beginning in 2010, and escalation rates for another fifteen years from 2024 through 2039, as well as a detailed simulation of the electric energy market in New England over the study period. In addition to projecting the costs of energy and capacity avoided directly by program participants, the report provides estimates of the Demand-Reduction-Induced Price Effect ("DRIPE") of efficiency programs on market prices for electric energy and capacity. The report also provides a projection of annual additional environmental costs associated with emissions of CO2 externalities in New England. The estimates are equal to the cost of limiting CO2 emissions to a long term marginal abatement cost, estimated to be a control cost of $80/ton, and minus forecasted values of CO2 allowances under the cap and trade regulations expected over the study period. The 2009 AESC Study was sponsored by a group representing all of the major electric and gas utilities in New England as well as efficiency program administrators, energy offices and regulators. Project completed August 2009. Download Report
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Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Alaska
Client: Center for Climate Strategies
Synapse provided facilitation, policy and technical analyses for the Alaska climate change action planning process. Project completed September 2009.
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Productive and Unproductive Costs of Cap-and-Trade: Impacts on Electricity Consumers and Producers
Clients: National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, American Public Power Association
Synapse modeled the impacts of a range of cap-and-trade allowance allocation scenarios on consumer and generator welfare in regulated and deregulated electricity markets in the United States. The analysis, which represents the early years of a national cap-and-trade program before generation changes or load reductions can be implemented, is unique in its treatment of economic impacts at the generating plant level, and in its focus on consumer impacts at the state and regional levels. The results indicated that cap-and-trade regulation will result in consumer-funded windfall profits for certain generators in deregulated electricity markets, and that any free allowance allocation to merchant generators will increase these windfall profits and the cost to consumers. Results are presented at the RTO and state levels to highlight regional differences in these impacts. Project completed August 2009. Download Report
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National Energy Efficiency Study: No Need To Wait
Client: Environmental Defense
Synapse sought to determine the ability of energy efficiency and agriculture offsets to provide Greenhouse gas reductions in order to meet goals of S 2191 (Lieberman-Warner Bill). Project completed August 2009. Download Report
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Climate Change Slide Presentation
Client: Civil Society Institute
Synapse provided CSI with slides relating to the electricity sector and climate change. Project completed March 2009.
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Proposed Little Gypsy Coal-Fired Power Plant
Client: Sierra Club
Synapse evaluated the economics of a proposed coal plant in Louisiana. Synapse found that Energy Louisiana had not prudently considered the potential for further increases in the cost of building the plant or the costs of likely federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. The Louisiana Public Service Commission approved the plant; however, our clients are currently seeking judicial review of that decision. Project completed in March 2009. Download Testimony
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Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy
Client: New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate
Synapse was retained to review aspects of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) policy and associated state policies, with the aim of implementing consistent and effective policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions at reasonable cost while minimizing "leakage," or electric system policy boundary, problems. Project completed February 2009.
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NEPOOL/ISO-NE
Client: New Hampshire Office of the Consumer Advocate
For this project, Synapse researched and analyzed New England's bulk power system and representation in the New England stakeholder process. The major focus was on markets, reliability, and transmission issues. Project completed in 2009, with extension projects continuing into 2010.
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Highlights of the 2009 AESC Report
Client: Vermont Public Service Board
Synapse prepared a presentation for the Vermont Public Service Board describing the major assumptions underlying AESC 2009 and summarizing its major results. Project completed in 2009.
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Climate Policy Assistance for the AARP
Client: American Association of Retired Persons
Synapse was hired by the AARP to assist in the development of a policy position for protecting vulnerable consumers in the face of likely federal greenhouse gas regulations. Specific tasks included preparation of research reports on various aspects of climate policy and their likely impact on consumers; reviews of ways in which these impacts can be mitigated; presentation of an overview of climate policy issues for AARP personnel, and assisting AARP in drafting of its policy positions in this area. Project completed July 2009.
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Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Maryland
Clients: Center for Climate Strategies, Maryland Climate Change Commission
Synapse facilitated a workgroup to develop, prioritize, and recommend action items that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Residential, Commercial, and Industrial (RCI) sector. Project completed in July 2008.
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Climate Policy Development for State Air Agencies
Client: National Association of Clean Air Agencies
Synapse was retained by the National Association of Clean Air Agencies to assist in several activities regarding the issue of climate change. For this project, the Synapse team prepared written comments and testimony on climate legislation being considered by Congress; developed agenda, participated and facilitated a major climate conference for state air, energy and utility regulators in February 2008; and coordinated conference calls for global warming, criteria pollutant and agriculture committee on a bi-monthly basis. Project completed in July 2008.
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Climate Change Planning in Florida
Client: Environmental Defense
Synapse provided assistance to Environmental Defense as part of Florida's climate change planning process. Work included analysis of policy options, review of legislation being considered, and development of a white paper to promote renewable development in the state. Project completed December 2008.
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Integrated Resource Planning and Demand-Side Management in Nova Scotia
Client: Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board
Synapse was retained to collaborate with Nova Scotia Power on its Integrated Resource Planning process. Synapse reviewed the input assumptions and developed a modeling plan. The IRP analysis used the Strategist model. Synapse's work on this IRP included research on a wide range of issues including the DSM potential study, the fuel price forecasts, the construction costs of new generating capacity, the integration of variable output wind to the NS grid, the prospects for and implications of future carbon emissions regulations, and the evaluation of alternate resource plans. Project completed 2008. Download Biewald Testimony
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Connecticut HEDD Analysis
Client: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Synapse was contracted by the US EPA to evaluate the air quality impacts from generators that operate during high electric demand days (HEDD) in Connecticut. Based on an evaluation of future electric demand, Synapse evaluated effects of increased energy efficiency and installing additional air pollution controls on the ability of Connecticut to attain compliance with EPA ozone standards. Synapse constructed a stochastic model using emissions reference data from EPA's emissions tracking system. The model enabled electricity demand to be grown to 2020, using ISO-NE load forecasts and Synapse's knowledge regarding future Connecticut energy and environmental policies. Model results predicted which generating unit would satisfy demand for each hour, and at what load condition, based on electricity demand. The project is on-going; a final report is expected to be issued prior to the end of summer 2008. Download Report
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Review of Proposed Demand-Side Management and Greenhouse Gas Rules
Client: Ohio Consumers' Counsel
The Ohio Consumer Counsel retained Synapse to critique proposed rules on energy efficiency portfolio standards and greenhouse gas reporting. Synapse also assisted in preparation of comments filed by OCC. Project completed October 2008.
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RGGI and New and Existing Coal
Client: Union of Concerned Scientists
Synapse was retained by UCS to write a report that describes the potential for new and existing coal plants, located just outside the boundaries of RGGI, to dilute the initiative's environmental objectives. Construction of new coal plants and upgrades and construction of new transmission lines could increase the imported quantity of coal-fired electricity into the RGGI region. Project completed December 2008. Download Report
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SierraPacific Integrated Resource Planning Case
Clients: Environmental Defense, Western Resource Advocates
Synapse prepared testimony related to carbon price and escalation of construction costs for coal plants. Synapse testified before the Nevada Public Service Commission regarding our findings, and afterward developed a report based on our testimony. Project completed September 2008.
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Emissions Impact of Green Energy Projects
Client: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Synapse was selected by the EPA's Office of Research and Development to identify and develop a methodology for calculating the emissions impact of "green energy" projects, such as wind power, municipal solid waste, and landfill gas generating resources. The goal was to investigate typical output characteristics of these resources on a regional basis, and to identify fossil fuel-based resources which are most likely to be displaced each hour by the green resources, given the operation of the regional electric power grid. Synapse analyzed industry data on resource operations together with information from the EPA's Clean Air Markets database (http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/emissions/index.html), to calculate the emissions benefits from green energy projects throughout the United States. Emissions analyzed include CO2, NOx and SO2. The paper is available for downloading on the EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/ord/NRMRL/pubs/600r08087/600r08087.htm. Project completed in August 2008. Download Report
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Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Avoided Cost
Client: National Grid USA
Synapse made adjustments to New England avoided electricity cost projections to account for various methods for treatment of carbon dioxide emissions. Project completed August 2008.
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The Electricity Industry at a Glance
Client: National Regulatory Research Institute
The National Regulatory Research Institute (NRRI) retained Synapse to prepare a primer on the U.S. electric industry for public utility commissioners and public utility commission staff. The primer provides basic information on the U.S. electric industry. It assumes only a basic understanding of the nature and purpose of utility regulation. While it addresses issues related to ratemaking, it is not an introduction to rate setting. Section I reviews the overall nature of the industry and of power production and use. Section II breaks down the industry into segments and discusses their recent and current status and organization. Section III (written by Scott Hempling of NRRI) covers regulatory jurisdiction, while Section IV identifies some of the critical issues facing the industry and its regulators. Project completed in November 2008. Download Report
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Risks of Investing in New Coal-Fired Power Plants
Client: Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility
Synapse authored Don't Get Burned, a report on the risks of investing in new coal-fired power plants. Synapse also spoke on this subject to rating agencies, investment analysts, investors, and regulatory commissioners. The risks to investors identified in our report include federally mandated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, state actions that would adversely affect the need and relative economics of coal-fired power plants, uncertainties related to carbon capture and sequestration, more stringent regulation of non-greenhouse gas emissions, increasing construction costs and schedule delays, and uncertainties regarding the recovery of plant construction and operating costs. Project completed in June 2008. Download Report
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Developing Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Strategies for South Carolina
Client: Center for Climate Strategies
Synapse coordinated a statewide effort to identify and evaluate potential state policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the state of South Carolina. Synapse's focus was on policies that would affect the electricity supply and demand sectors, including reducing the carbon footprint of the generation mix and improving the efficiency of energy use in the state. More about this project and Synapse's contributions can be found at http://www.scclimatechange.us/. Project completed in June 2008.
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Analysis of Need for Proposed Transmission Line
Client: Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
Synapse and Lanzalotta Associates analyzed the proposed $1 billion TrAIL 500 kV transmission line from southwestern Pennsylvania to northern Virginia for the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate. Their findings included recommendations to implement energy efficiency and demand response in the West Penn Power service territory of Allegheny Power to reduce local loading, and to reinforce the 138 kV system in the area, instead of building one portion of the proposed line, the segment between 502 Junction and Prexy in PA. The findings also included a recommendation for more rigorous analysis of the overall need for the remaining portion of the line between 502 Junction and Loudoun (No. VA), given PJM's minimal analysis of the effect of federal CO2 regulation on the claimed PJM dispatch efficiencies and production cost savings associated with the line. Project completed in May 2008. Download Fagan Testimony
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Treatment of Greenhouse Gas Prices in California Electricity Contracts
Client: Union of Concerned Scientists
In March 2008, Synapse participated in a California Public Utilities Commission workshop on greenhouse gas adders in Market Price Referent (MPR) methodology. Synapse's presentation focused on the appropriate greenhouse gas adder to consider when entering into long-term electricity contracts with renewable resources, and is based upon Synapse's carbon price forecasts. Project completed in May 2008. Download Presentation
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Proposed Holcolm Expansion Coal-Fired Power Plant
Client: Kansas Climate and Energy Project
Synapse was asked to prepare testimony and to speak in Kansas about the economic risks associated with the proposed 2100 MW Holcolm Expansion power plant. Project completed in May 2008.
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Energy Efficiency in Reliability Pricing Model
Client: Conservation Services Group
This project looked at integrating energy efficiency (EE) into the PJM capacity market (Reliability Pricing Model) through the PJM stakeholder process. Synapse developed a whitepaper and many related documents for the stakeholder process. Overall, the project was a short-term effort to push EE integration. Project completed in 2008.
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Potential Avoided Energy Costs
Client: National Grid USA
For Niagara Mohawk service territory in New York State, Synapse developed projections of electric energy and capacity costs which will be avoided due to reductions in electricity use and natural gas costs that will be avoided due to reductions in natural gas use. Deliverables included detailed projections for an initial fifteen year period beginning in 2007 and escalation rates for another fifteen years from 2022 through 2037. Project completed May 2008.
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Proposed Marshalltown Coal-Fired Power Plant
Client: Iowa Office of the Consumer Advocate
Synapse evaluated the economics of the proposed coal plant in Iowa. Synapse found that Alliant Energy had not prudently considered the potential for further increases in the cost of building the plant or the costs of likely federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. Synapse also found that a portfolio of energy efficiency, wind resources, and natural gas capacity was a lower cost option. Project completed in April 2008.
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Wise County Coal Plant
Client: Southern Environmental Law Center
Synapse evaluated the economics of the proposed coal plant in Wise County, Virginia. Synapse found that Dominion Virginia Power had not prudently considered the potential for further increases in the cost of building the plant or the costs of likely federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. The Corporation Commission of Virginia approved the plant, but limited recovery to the currently proposed construction costs unless the company proves that future cost increases are prudent. Project completed in March 2008. Download Testimony
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Review of AMP-Ohio's Proposed Coal-Fired Generating Plant
Clients: Natural Resources Defense Council, Ohio Environmental Council, Sierra Club
Synapse evaluated American Municipal Power's proposed 960 MW coal-fired power plant in Meigs County, Ohio and whether AMP-Ohio had adequately considered the risks associated with that proposed plant in its resource planning for its member communities. Synapse also examined the costs (including construction costs and the cost of CO2 regulations) of the proposed plant and of alternatives to the proposed plant. Synapse found that AMP-Ohio had not prudently evaluated the potential for further increases in the project's cost or the likely costs of federal regulations of greenhouse gas emissions. The Ohio Power Plant Siting Board approved the plant. Project completed January 2008. Download Report
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Review of Alliant Energy's Proposed Coal-Fired Power Plant in Wisconsin
Clients: Clean Wisconsin, Wisconsin Citizens Utility Board
Synapse evaluated the economics of a proposed coal plant in southern Wisconsin. Project completed in 2008. Download Schlissel Testimony
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The Cost of Climate Change: What We'll Pay if Global Warming Continues Unchecked
Clients: Tufts Global Development and Environment Institute, Natural Resources Defense Council
Synapse subcontracted to the Global Development and Environment Institute (GDAE) at Tufts University to write a chapter on the costs and risks of climate change to the electricity energy sector for a report presented by the NRDC. The chapter explored current energy infrastructure in the US and how it might be put at risk from climate change, as well as how energy use could be expected to change under a changing climate. Synapse created a regionally explicit model of hourly energy use in 2005, and applied expected seasonal temperature changes to each region to estimate expected per-capita energy consumption in 2025, 2050, 2075, and 2100. With energy consumption increasing during summer peak periods in warm climates, the costs of procuring power in the south (Florida in particular) and southwest (S. California) resulted in high costs to consumers in those regions. Lower consumption of electricity, gas, and oil in northern latitudes provided net savings for a limited number of consumers. Ultimately, the analysis concluded that climate change could result in net costs of $28 billion per annum by 2025 and $141 billion per annum by 2100. These costs did not include the risk of losing coastal power plants and other infrastructure to coastal flooding. To view the results of the project, please visit http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/cost/contents.asp. Project completed in 2008.
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PJM Regional Transmission Organization
Client: Office of the People's Counsel for the District of Columbia
Synapse was involved in a three year effort in coordination with PA , MD, and OH advocates to monitor RTO activities in PJM. The central focus of the project was on RPM development and also market monitoring, transmission planning, and load forecasts. Project completed in 2008.
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TURN California Allowance Allocation
Client: The Utility Reform Network (TURN)
For this project, Synapse provided comments to TURN for submission to the California Public Utilities Commission (CA PUC) for Greenhouse Gas Docket R 06-04-009 CPUC . Project work included attending a CA PUC workshop held in San Francisco on May 6, 2008 on greenhouse gas and E3 carbon allocation modeling. Project completed December 2008.
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Mississippi Integrated Resource Plan Testimony
Client: Sierra Club
The Sierra Club retained Synapse to provide testimony on the proper goals, approach, and methods for IRP preparation by Mississippi's electric utilities. Synapse provided prefiled and oral testimony on IRP, supply planning, T&D issues, energy efficiency and load control, and related topics in the Mississippi Commission's generic proceeding on resource planning. Project completed in 2008. Download Steinhurst Testimony
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State Climate Change Action Plans
Clients: Stockholm Environment Institute, Center for Climate Change Strategies
Provided analytical assistance to SEI/CCS and evaluated a number of policies/programs to tackle climate change including utility energy efficiency programs and renewable energy portfolio standards. More specifically we evaluated costs of and energy and emissions savings from those policies/programs. Project completed in 2008.
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Environmental Vulnerability to Climate Change: A Review of Thresholds and Ecosystem Models
Client: Stockholm Environment Institute
In 2008, Synapse worked with the Stockholm Environment Institute on a comprehensive literature review of the expected impacts of climate change on the dryland ecosystems of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency. The final report, written in collaboration with the SEI and an IPCC adaptation author, explored the expected impacts of climate change on the Middle East and the Saudi peninsula, and dryland ecosystems. Generally, it is unknown if precipitation will increase or decrease in the hot and hyper-arid region due to climate change, but it is expected that temperatures will increase. Ecosystems already adapted to arid to hyper-arid environmental conditions are likely to be subjected to stresses of increased nighttime temperatures, less predictable rainfall, and shifting seasonality. The Synapse report found that the most significant impacts of climate change in the Saudi peninsula are expected to be coupled with anthropogenic (human) environmental stresses, such as development in critical corridors and overgrazing of marginal grass and shrublands. The report suggested research, modeling, and mitigation techniques to explore the impacts and adaptation potential, culminating in a recommendation to pursue an adaptive management mechanism to increase resilience in this marginal environment. Project completed in late 2008.
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Analysis of Coal-Fired Power in the Northeast
Client: Union of Concerned Scientists
Synapse assisted UCS with an assessment of the prospects for additional coal-fired electric power generation in the Midwest to serve demand in the Northeast. This analysis considered transmission constraints, headroom for existing coal units to increase capacity factors, and carbon dioxide emissions cap and trade regulation. Project completed December 2007.
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Florida Climate Action Team
Client: Environmental Defense
In August 2007, Governor Crist of Florida appointed the Florida Governor's Action Team on Energy and Climate Change. Environmental Defense is a member of the Action Team that will be developing Florida's Energy and Climate Change Action Plan. Synapse assisted Environmental Defense in evaluating energy supply and energy efficiency policies that will be discussed by the Action Team during the first phase of this process. Synapse also assisted Environmental Defense identify strategies to help the state achieve its greenhouse gas reduction goals. Project was completed in December 2007.
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Greenhouse Gas Reduction Policy Working Groups in Colorado
Client: Center for Climate Strategies
Synapse facilitated two Working Groups of the Colorado Climate Action Panel (CAP) to develop state policies that will lead to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from the Energy Supply (ES) and Residential, Commercial, and Industrial (RCI) sectors in Colorado. The Working Groups included representatives from state and local governments, utilities, businesses, the building and green energy sectors, environmental groups, and the research community.
In addition to facilitating these Working Groups in the development of state policy proposals, Synapse analyzed the cost of and potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a number of policy mechanisms. For the energy supply sector, these include expanded use of renewable energy, recapture of waste energy, improved efficiency of new and existing power plants, and reduction of natural gas leakage. The workgroup also identified opportunities for the use of distributed renewable resources at customer sites, exploitation of small hydropower resources and other small renewables, and considered adoption of a carbon price. For the residential, commercial, and industrial sector, policies included expanded demand-side management, improved building codes and enforcement, combined heat & power, and other energy efficiency measures.
The workgroup identified a total of 15 policies for the energy supply sector and 11 policies for the residential, commercial, and industrial sector that offer the potential for significant greenhouse gas reductions in the state. Project completed November 2007.
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Impacts of Climate Change on Florida's Electric Sector
Client: Global Development and Environment Institute
Over the coming decades, global climate change is expected to cause changes to electric system loads and power infrastructure viability and operation. During this project, Synapse estimated that in the business as usual scenario, expected changes in temperature (9 degrees Fahrenheit increase over the next century) would result in electric system demand increases by 0.3 percentage points faster than would otherwise occur. We also found that expected sea level rises would submerge most of the generating capacity in the state of Florida, as many of these facilities are to located on the coast. Project completed in October 2007.
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State Load-Side Carbon Policy Design
Clients: Regulatory Assistance Project, California Public Utilities Commission
Synapse was hired to analyze the costs and effectiveness of supply-side and load-side up approaches for state carbon reduction policy for the electric power sector. Bruce Biewald prepared a simple Excel model and presented the results to CPUC/CEC. Project completed in October 2007. Download Presentation
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Review of Resource Options
Client: Vermont Natural Resources Council
Synapse provided a review and assessment of energy options for VNRC's use in considering positions on potential energy policy legislation. Project completed in August 2007.
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2007 Avoided Energy Supply Component Study
Client: AESC / Massachusetts Avoided Energy Supply Components Study Group
Synapse was retained to develop projections of marginal energy supply costs which will be avoided due to savings in electricity, natural gas and other fuels resulting from energy efficiency programs offered to customers throughout New England. In our report, we provided detailed projections for an initial fifteen year period beginning in 2007, and escalation rates for another fifteen years from 2022 through 2037, as well as a detailed simulation of the electric energy market in New England over the study period. In addition to projecting the costs of energy and capacity avoided directly by program participants, the report provides estimates of the Demand-Reduction-Induced Price Effect ("DRIPE") of efficiency programs on market prices for electric energy and capacity. The report also provides a projection of annual additional environmental costs associated with emissions of CO2 in New England. The estimates are equal to the cost of limiting CO2 emissions to a "sustainability target" level, estimated to be a control cost of $60/ton, and minus the forecast value of CO2 allowances under the cap and trade regulations expected over the study period. The 2007 AESC Study was sponsored by a group representing all of the major electric and gas utilities in New England as well efficiency program administrators, energy offices and regulators. Project completed in August 2007. Download Report
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Companion Scenario Analysis
Clients: Conservation Law Foundation, Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships
For this project, Synapse reviewed a ISO-NE Scenario Analysis report and developed a Companion Report that evaluated two additional scenarios for greater EE, DR, renewables, and reduced carbon resources. Project completed in 2007. Download Report
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International Panel on Climate Change
Client: Union of Concerned Scientists
Synapse reviewed and critiqued IPCC WGIII draft reports- chapters 4,5,11,13 to understand the reports' underlying assumptions on costs and reduction potential of different policies and measures in the energy and transportation sectors. Synapse also conducted a literature review of U.S. and international studies to develop a more realistic range of costs and reduction potentials. Project completed July 2007.
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Economic Analysis of Proposed IGCC Coal Power Plant and Alternatives
Clients: Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, Save the Valley, Valley Watch, Sierra Club
Synapse was hired by a coalition of public interest organizations to review the proposal by Duke Energy Indiana and Vectren to invest approximately $2 billion in a new integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) coal power plant at Edwardsport. The project included analysis and testimony by Bruce Biewald on computer modeling and resource planning, levelized cost comparisons, and ratemaking issues; by Phil Mosenthal of Optimal Energy on demand-side management potential and costs; Robert Fagan on renewable resource potential and costs; and David Schlissel on carbon dioxide regulations and power plant construction costs. The project team found that the Companies' planning for Edwardsport was inadequate, that the IGCC plant would increase dependence upon coal for electricity generation and would subject the Companies' shareholders and customers to unnecessary costs and increased risks. Synapse witnesses recommended that the Commission reject the Companies' request for approval of the proposal to construct and own the Edwardsport IGCC project, and instead require the Companies to do complete and proper planning which should include: (1) up-to-date construction cost estimates for IGCC and other resources; (2) analysis of the cost impacts on customers that reflect the ratemaking treatment that the Companies' request be used for the resources; (3) use of a realistic range of low, mid, and high case projections for future carbon dioxide prices; (4) full consideration of cost-effective demand-side management, combined heat and power, and renewable resources, and (5) a proper risk analysis that recognizes a range of risks including but not limited to construction cost overruns and project delays as well as fuel prices and environmental compliance requirements. Project completed in June 2007. Download Biewald Testimony
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Displaced Carbon Dioxide Emissions Conference Coordination
Client: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, & A/C Engineers
Synapse was asked to assist with the coordination and documentation of a conference of experts on the calculation of carbon emissions displacement held in April 2007. Specific tasks included development of the meeting agenda, documenting the workshop proceedings and preparation of a draft workshop report, solicitation and coordination of participant input on the report, and preparation of a final workshop report. Synapse's experts on displaced emissions calculation were also participants in the conference. The final report was completed in June 2007. Download Report
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Proposed Cliffside Project
Clients: Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Environmental Defense, Southern Environmental Law Center
Synapse was asked to evaluate the need for and the economics of Duke Energy Carolinas' ("Duke" or "the Company") Cliffside Project consisting of two 800 MW coal-fired generating units. Synapse's testimony demonstrated that Duke had not adequately considered the potential for federal greenhouse gas regulations, had not adequately considered energy efficiency and renewable technologies as alternatives to the proposed 800 MW coal-fired plants, and had not shown a need for the generating facilities. Synapse also testified that the Company's planning methodology was flawed and, therefore, that the modeling analyses presented by Duke did not show that the proposed plants were the lowest cost option. On the basis of this testimony Synapse recommended that the North Carolina Utilities Commission not grant a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the proposed Cliffside Project. The Commission agreed, in part, and only granted a Certificate for one of the two proposed coal-fired units. Project completed in June 2007. Download Reply Comments
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White Paper on Least Cost Electricity Procurement for Standard Offer Service in Rhode Island
Client: Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Working Group
In collaboration with Raab Associates, Synapse provided a summary overview of the background to, and context for implementation of the Least Cost Electricity Procurement in Rhode Island and an outline of the major issues associated with its implementation. Project completed in June 2007. Download Whitepaper
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Proposed Glades Power Park Coal Plants
Clients: Earthjustice, Sierra Club, Save our Creeks, Florida Wildlife Federation, Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida
Synapse was asked to evaluate Florida Light & Power Company's justification for its proposed 2000 MW coal-fired Glades Park Power plants. The specific subjects addressed by Synapse in testimony included the likely future CO2 emission costs that will result from federal greenhouse gas regulations/restrictions; the Company's resource planning; and the results of the Company's economic analyses of the proposed Glades Project. Synapse found that the proposed Project would be the more economic option only if the potential costs of CO2 regulations were not considered or if a very high difference was assumed between natural gas and coal prices. Synapse also found that the Company had not fully reflected the risk of increases in the actual capital cost of completing the proposed Project and placing the generating units in commercial operation. As a result, Synapse recommended that the Commission deny Florida Light & Power Company's need request because the Company had failed to demonstrate that the proposed Project was the least cost, least risk addition to its system. The Florida Public Service Commission agreed with the conclusion that the proposed Glades Project was not the most cost-effective option and, therefore, denied the request for a certificate to build the plants. Project completed in May 2007. Download Testimony
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Carbon Emissions Mitigation
Client: Union of Concerned Scientists
At the request of the Union of Concerned Scientists, Synapse collaborated with Bill Moomaw, Director of the Center for International Environment and Resource Policy at Tufts University, to write a report on carbon emissions mitigation options in the Northeast. Synapse reviewed various resource options such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and load response. The report recommends that carbon emissions could potentially be stabilized with annual emission reductions of three percent. The project was completed in the spring of 2007, with the final report release expected in 2008.
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Carbon Policy Risks and Opportunities for a Gas Utility
Client: Tokyo Gas Company
Synapse advised Tokyo Gas Company, a large natural gas utility in Japan, with regard to the implications of climate change policy on its business opportunities and risks. Project completed April 2007.
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Review of Standard Offer Service Pricing
Client: Ohio Consumers' Counsel
Synapse analyzed the rate components of Duke Energy Ohio's standard offer service to determine whether they provide reasonably priced service in terms of accounting costs or market pricing principles. Taken together, we found the rates poorly defined and to not have a reasonable basis. Neil Talbot presented testimony in this case before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on March 9, 2007. Download Testimony
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The Appropriate Carbon Dioxide Emission Prices to Include in Electric Resource Planning
Client: New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
On the basis of Synapse's analysis of likely future CO2 prices and a presentation by Synapse staff at a March 2007 workshop, the New Mexico Commission adopted a range of projected levelized CO2 emission allowance costs of between $8 and $40 that electric utilities will have to use in their future resource planning. Project completed in February 2007. Download Presentation
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Comments on Greenhouse Gas Allowance Docket
Client: The Utility Reform Network (TURN)
On behalf of The Utility Reform Network (TURN), Synapse is currently preparing written comments for TURN to submit before the California Energy Commission on greenhouse gas allowance design, including auctioning of allowances and distribution of revenue. Project completed in 2007.
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Estimation of Carbon Regulation Impact on Electricity Prices
Client: Dow Corning
Synapse provided estimates of impacts of carbon regulation on prics of ellectricity in specific jurisdictions in the United States and Canada. Project completed in 2007.
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Economic and Environmental Benefits of Glebe Mountain Wind Farm
Client: Catamount Energy
Synapse was asked to provide prefiled testimony in a 248 proceeding (Certificate of Public Need) on behalf of Catamount Energy, Inc., outlining the economic and environmental benefits of a proposed wind farm in Glebe Mountain, Vermont. Synapse evaluated the need for new energy resources in Vermont, the demand for renewable energy to fulfill state Renewable Portfolio Standards in the region, and the economic benefits of clean energy and displaced emissions. In addition, Synapse evaluated how the proposed project conformed to the Vermont Electric Plan. Project completed in April 2006.
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Introduction to Generation Technologies for Regulators
Client: National Regulatory Research Institute
Synapse provided technical consulting to NRRI in the preparation of a report on the factors regulators should understand and consider when deliberating on the selection between generation technologies. Project completed in December 2006.
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Proposed Big Stone II Generating Plant
Clients: Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Fresh Energy, Izaak Walton League of America Midwest Office, Wind on the Wires, Union of Concerned Scientists
Synapse was asked to examine whether the co-owners of the proposed Big Stone II had demonstrated that the demand for electricity cannot be met more cost effectively through energy conservation and load-management measures or through renewable resources. The testimony filed by Synapse found that the Big Stone II co-owners had not adequately considered the risks associated with building a new coal-fired generating unit in their modeling analyses, including the risk of future greenhouse gas regulations, the potential for further increases in the Project's capital cost, and the potential for fuel supply disruptions that could affect plant operating performance and fuel costs. Synapse's testimony also found that the Big Stone II co-owners had not shown that their demand for electricity cannot be met more cost effectively through energy conservation and load-management measures or through renewable resources. This portion of the project was completed in 2006, with overall project work continuing into 2009. Schlissel & Sommer Testimony regarding Greenhouse Gas Regulations 11/17/06
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Integrated Resource Planning for a Municipal Electric Utility
Client: City of Tallahassee
Synapse assisted the Tallahassee electric company in preparing an integrated resource plan. We played an advisory role to the electric company planners in four ways:
(a) reviewing the potential for demand-side management,
(b) assisting in developing strategies to assess large amounts of energy efficiency and renewable resources,
(c) developing methods to account for environmental factors, including CO2 emissions, and
(d) developing methods for evaluating and selecting among different electricity resource options. Project completed in September 2006.
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Review of Proposed Coal-Fired Generating Facility in the Upper Midwest
Client: Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy
Synapse evaluated whether there are supply and demand-side alternatives to the proposed Big Stone II coal-fired generating facility that are technically feasible and economically cost-effective. Synapse also investigated whether the applicants included appropriate emissions control technologies in the design of the proposed facility and whether the applicants appropriately reflected the potential for the regulation of greenhouse gases in the design of the proposed facility and in their analyses of the alternatives. Project completed in September 2006. Schlissel & Sommer Testimony 5/19/06
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Review of Pacific Gas and Electric's Application to Establish a Voluntary Climate Protection Program and Tariff Option
Client: The Utility Reform Network (TURN)
Synapse reviewed PG&E's application to establish a voluntary customer climate protection program. Synapse made the following determinations: 1) PG&E shareholders would likely benefit from such a program, and 2) there would be greater customer participation in the program if PG&E shareholders participated in the funding for the program. Given these findings, Synapse recommended that PG&E pay for most of the marketing and administration costs associated with the proposed program. In addition, Synapse recommended that PG&E pursue the option of making the monthly voluntary customer contributions tax deductible. As a result of Synapse's testimony, the Commission ruled to share marketing and administration costs 50/50 between non-participant and participant ratepayers, to require PG&E shareholders to guarantee 1.5 million tons of CO2 reductions regardless of subscriptions to the program, and to adopt certain ratemaking treatment preferred by TURN. In addition, the Commission directed PG&E to further explore the tax deductibility issue. Project completed in August 2006. Download Testimony
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Energy-Economic Situation Analysis of the Northern Forest
Client: Northern Forest Center
Synapse prepared a high level "thought" piece for the client, presenting the important issues and trends in the energy sector in the Northern Forest Region, a 34 county area stretching from Oswego, NY, across northern Vermont and New Hampshire, to eastern coastal Maine. The data collection, research and final report preparation were carried out on a compressed schedule of approximately one month to meet the needs of the client. Primary data, tables and detailed explanations were provided in separate appendices. The paper was written to be thought provoking, to raise critical issues and opportunities that will frame stakeholder dialogue, further analytical study and decision-making for the next phases in the development of the economic adjustment strategy, and to identify and choose among sustainable development options and recommendations in the Northern Forest region. It introduced the important issues, trends, priorities and realities of the energy sector in the 34-county region and set them in context with energy issues and trends from relevant regions elsewhere in the nation. The paper was future oriented, synthesizing key issues and concepts drawn from data and the conclusions of previous analytical work, including detailed economic modeling studies previously conducted by Synapse to measure employment and air pollution impacts of regional strategies for renewable energy and energy efficiency. Project completed in May 2006. Download Report
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Air Emissions, Efficiency, and Renewable Energy
Client: Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana
Synapse reviewed SIGECO's (Vectren's) environmental compliance plan and prepared testimony addressing system planning, the proper role of DSM and renewables in compliance planning, and the need to anticipate climate policy and carbon prices. Synapse's analysis and recommendations are presented in the testimony of Bruce Biewald in Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Cause No. 42861. Project completed in May 2006.
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Displaced Emissions Website
Client: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Synapse was asked by the United States EPA to develop content for the EPA's Clean Energy Website on the calculation and evaluation of displaced pollutant emissions resulting from energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. The website content includes a description of several approaches that could be used to calculate displaced emissions, as well as descriptions of their applicability, resource requirements, and precision. The product is to be available as a "decision support" tool for anyone involved in energy efficiency or renewable energy projects to help them assess the emissions benefits of their efforts. Project completed in April 2006.
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Economic and Environmental Benefits of Deerfield Wind Farm
Client: Private-sector wind developer
Synapse was asked to provide prefiled testimony in a 248 proceeding (Certificate of Public Need) on behalf of a private sector wind developer, outlining the economic and environmental benefits of a proposed wind farm in Deerfield, Vermont. Synapse evaluated the need for new energy resources in Vermont, the demand for renewable energy to fulfill state Renewable Portfolio Standards in the region, and the economic benefits of clean energy and displaced emissions. In addition, Synapse projected project costs and revenues to demonstrate the economic viability of the proposal. Project completed in March 2006.
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Air Emission Reduction Strategy in Nova Scotia
Client: Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board
Synapse was retained to analyze and critique NSPI's application for an air emissions strategy to meet Provincial emission compliance regulations. Our focus was upon the alternatives and methodology used by NSPI to determine its preferred option for SO2 and NOx reduction. We reviewed the Company's STRATEGIST model runs. Project completed in January 2006. Download Testimony
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Salem Harbor Reliability and Environmental Compliance Assessment
Client: Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General
Synapse assisted a coalition of intervening parties in a utility environmental compliance settlement involving a multi-unit coal and oil generation station in Salem, MA. Synapse provided an analysis of the impact of future transmission upgrades on the reliability need for coal and oil units that were out of compliance with Massachusetts environmental regulations for air emissions. The intervenors were considering possible settlement strategies to allow for the continued operation of the non-compliant units contingent on the addition of specific short-term remedial actions to reduce emissions. Project completed in September 2005.
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Air Emissions, Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Clients: Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, Hoosier Environmental Council
Synapse reviewed PSI Energy Inc.'s environmental compliance plan for NOx, SO2, and mercury air regulations, and prepared testimony addressing system planning, cost estimates for emission control technologies, climate policy and carbon prices, energy efficiency as a compliance option, renewable generation as a compliance option, and analysis of the retirement of older generating units. Synapse's analysis and recommendations are presented in the Testimony of Bruce Biewald in Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Cause Nos. 42622 and 42718, filed March 18, 2005. Project completed in May 2005. Download Report
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National Electricity Scenarios
Clients: National Commission on Energy Policy, National Association of State PIRGs
Synapse developed and analyzed scenarios for the electric power system in the United States, comparing "business as usual" with a clean energy development path. Project completed in May 2004. Download Report
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Development of a Clean Power Plan for the West
Client: Western Resource Advocates
Synapse and Tellus Institute developed a plan for the aggressive implementation of energy efficiency and renewable resources in seven Interior West states. The analysis included PROSYM electricity market simulation modeling, a technical assessment of cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities, a technical and economic assessment of renewable resource potential, and the development of policies for overcoming market barriers to these clean resources. The study also assessed the role of renewable and distributed generation resources in addressing transmission constraints. Project completed in May 2004. Download Report
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Workbook Tool to Estimate CO2 Reductions in Climate Change Action Plans
Client: Massachusetts Climate Action Network
Synapse developed an Excel workbook tool to estimate CO2 reductions from electricity measures in Municipal Climate Change Action Plans. Users have the flexibility to choose among standard emission reduction options or to add their own options. The tool also allows users to input demographic and other data specific to their municipality, but offers default data for those cases where specific data is unavailable. This tool was applied to the town of Arlington's Sustainability Action Plan, and is being expanded to cover additional sectors. Project completed in January 2004.
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Climate Modeling in the Northeast
Client: Connecticut Climate Coalition
Synapse reviewed the modeling of various climate policies for ten northeast states. The policies included renewable portfolio standards and carbon emissions cap-and-trade. Project completed in December 2003. Download Memo
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Cost Impacts of a Vermont Renewable Portfolio Standard
Client: Vermont Public Service Board
Synapse prepared an estimate of the likely impact of a proposed renewable portfolio standard on electricity rates in Vermont. The analysis was based on a detailed "supply curve" of potential new renewable resources in the New England region, as well as potential imports from Canada and New York. The analysis considered two different renewable standards, one where renewables were broadly defined (including small hydro projects and all biomass), and one where renewables were limited to those eligible in the Massachusetts and Connecticut renewable portfolio standards. The report was presented to the Board and used to inform the Vermont RPS Collaborative discussions. Project completed in October 2003. Download Report
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Long-Term Forecast of Energy Efficiency Potential
Client: Cape Light Compact
Synapse estimated the potential for implementing cost-effective efficiency programs on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard through the year 2015. The estimates were based on efficiency measures and programs included in the Compact's Energy Efficiency Plan: 2003-2007, and thus were based on real-world efficiency opportunities. The study investigated several different scenarios, including one to eliminate future load growth and one to stabilize CO2 emissions. Project completed in May 2003. Download Report
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A Clean Air Plan for Queens County
Clients: Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Coalition Helping Organize a Kleaner Environment, Keyspan Energy
Synapse investigated the sources of air pollution in Queens County, assessed their local impact on air quality, and recommended remedies for the sources causing the greatest threat to public health. The study included evaluations of energy efficiency resources, unit repowering, emissions control technologies, and other options for improving air quality. The PROSYM model was used to develop a cohesive clean air plan for the county. Project completed in May 2003. Download Full Report
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Economic Analysis of Coal Phase Out
Client: Sierra Club Ontario
Synapse examined the feasibility and costs of meeting Ontario's commitments under the US-Canadian Ozone Annex by phasing out coal generation at the Nanticoke and Lambton power stations. Project completed in April 2003. Download Report
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Economic Analysis of Renewable Portfolio Standard
Client: Maryland Public Interest Research Group
Synapse prepared a report on the proposed Maryland Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). The analysis examined benefits of the policy, experiences in other states, elements of a successful RPS, renewable power generation resource options, and projected cost impacts of the policy. Project completed in April 2003. Download Report
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Determining the Benchmark Price for the California Renewable Portfolio Standard
Client: Union of Concerned Scientists
Synapse analyzed the value that renewable resources offer when acting as a hedge against volatile fossil-fuel prices. The analysis focused on the risk of fossil-fuel prices increasing over time in response to future environmental regulations. Synapse prepared a summary of recent activities to regulate or otherwise control CO2 emissions, and developed a quantitative estimate of the hedge value of emission-free renewables. The results were presented in the testimony of Tim Woolf before the California Public Utilities Commission, Docket No. 01-10-024. Project completed in April 2003. Download Testimony
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Environmental Externalities Valuation for Distributed Utility Planning
Client: Vermont Department of Public Service
Synapse examined the economic theory and methodology supporting the calculation of environmental externality values. These values were used in distributed utility planning in Vermont. The analysis was conducted by Dr. Frank Ackerman, Director of the Research and Policy Program at the Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University. Project completed in February 2003.
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Review of a Green Power Proposal
Client: Delaware Public Service Commission Staff
Synapse assisted the Staff in reviewing proposals from Green Mountain Power and Conectiv Energy to offer an innovative green power program to residential electricity customers. Project completed in October 2002.
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