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51 projects found for:
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Topic: Distributed Generation and Distribution Systems
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New England Markets Services for NEPOOL Alternative Resource Sector Clients
Clients: Conservation Services Group, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, EnerNOC
Since 2005, Synapse has provided monitoring and representation services for CSG and small companies associated with CSG who have recently become NEPOOL members in the new NEPOOL Alternative Resources sector. In 2006, VEIC became a NEPOOL member and a Synapse client for whom Synapse provides information and representation services. In 2007, EnerNOC became a Synapse client for whom Synapse provides monitoring and information services. The Alternative Resources sector is comprised of providers of energy efficiency, renewable, distributed generation, and demand response resources. Project ongoing.
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New England Markets Services for Consumer Advocate Clients
Clients: Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel, New Hampshire Office of the Consumer Advocate, Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General
Since 2001, Synapse has engaged in NEPOOL and ISO New England committee and working group meetings on behalf of New England consumer advocate clients. NH OCA and CT OCC are NEPOOL members of the End Use sector and Synapse provides representation services (voting) in addition to the monitoring and information services provide to all three consumer advocate clients. Project ongoing.
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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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Distributed Generation Study in New York
Client: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Together with the Pace Energy Project, Synapse is under contract to NYSERDA to provide analyses regarding distributed generation (DG) and combined heat and power (CHP) in New York. This project is composed of three major phases. First, Synapse is leading an analysis of estimating the price benefits of incorporating DG/CHP in New York utility systems, providing a "Gap Analysis" of what is needed and what is available to realize the benefits, and including and drawing upon case studies of quantifying DG/CHP benefits. Second, Synapse and Pace are investigating the implications and impact of DG/CHP rules and regulations in New York (especially decoupling) on the development of DG/CHP. Finally, Synapse and Pace are examining three models illuminating policy options to encourage DG (namely utility DG model, DG development zone model, and refined RFP model) from various perspectives including the level of and overall cost of DG/CHP development in New York. Project ongoing.
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Assessment of Proposal for Landlord Submetering
Client: New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate
Multi-Employer Property Trust (MEPT) Journal Square Urban Renewal applied to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for a ruling to enable it to submeter and charge tenants in its new project for electricity, in lieu of utility submetering. The proposal was tied to a plan to use in-house fuel cells to generate electricity. The project evaluates the application from the viewpoints of energy conservation and consumer protection. Project ongoing.
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Midwest ISO Planning and Demand Resources
Client: Project for Sustainable FERC Energy Policy
Synapse is assisting stakeholders in Midwest ISO to advocate for the inclusion of demand resources, energy efficiency, and demand response in MISO markets and transmission planning. Project ongoing. Download Report
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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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Review of Distributed Generation Planning in New York
Client: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
Synapse collaborated with the Pace Energy Project to evaluate New York State's Distributed Generation (DG) Pilot Program. The pilot project was conducted from 2002 to 2004. Through this procedure, New York utilities put selected distribution system projects out to bid among DG developers to determine whether DG could provide the service at a lower cost than the project proposed by the utility. Of the DG bids offered, none were selected as the least-cost alternative to distribution projects. In the fall of 2004, NYSERDA hired Pace and Synapse to evaluate the results of the three-year pilot program, assess the program's effectiveness in meeting pilot program objectives, and to identify and evaluate alternative approaches for procuring DG as a distribution system resource. Pace and Synapse made recommendations to improve the DG procurement process based on our independent assessment of the DG Pilot experience, as well as based on a review of similar efforts to integrate DG in transmission and distribution system planning across the United States. The report was completed in August 2006. Download Report
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NEPOOL Representation for Renewable, Demand Response, Distributed Generation and Energy Efficiency clients
Client: Conservation Services Group
The New England Power Pool recently opened its governance structure to allow renewable and alternative power producers to become voting members. CSG, along with a coalition of its affiliates, hired Synapse to represent Renewable, Demand Response, Distributed Generation, and Energy Efficiency interests by participating in committee discussions and voting on key issues. Major contributions include successful lobbying for the inclusion of utility, state-mandated, and merchant energy efficiency projects as qualified capacity in New England's recent capacity market structure (pending FERC approval). Project has continued for additional clients. Project completed in January 2006.
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Innovative Ratemaking Treatment for Distributed Generation
Client: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Synapse Energy Economics and the Regulatory Assistance Project, under a contract with the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), undertook to survey state policy on rates for partial requirements customers. We reviewed more than a dozen states, diverse both in their geography and in the structures of their electric industries. Through review of regulatory proceedings, tariffs, publications, and interviews, we identified a number of approaches to stand-by and associated rates that deserve policymakers' attention if they aim to promote the deployment of cost-effective distributed generation in their states. Project completed in December 2005. Download Report
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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 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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Analysis of Ontario Power Authority Integrated Power System Plan
Client: Pollution Probe
The project reviewed, critiqued and provided expert testimony on distributed generation and demand response aspects of Ontario Power Authority's proposed "Integrated Power System Plan". Project completed 2010.
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Japan Energy Efficiency Tour
Client: Unión Fenosa
This project involved arranging meetings for Union Fenosa with Japanese and Korean organizations that produce energy efficiency products and services (e.g., high efficient heat pump and zero emission house) or are engaged in energy efficiency related programs and policies; and visiting Japanese organizations with the delegates of Union Fenosa and providing them technical and translation help so that they were able to gain and understanding of Japanese energy efficiency products, services, programs and policies. While the main focus was on efficiency, renewable energy and distributed generation technologies were also studied during the tour in Japan. Project completed in September 2009.
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Proposal for Solar Investment
Client: New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate
Synapse provided analysis of Public Service Enterprise Group filing for rate recovery of solar photovoltaic investment and provision of testimony addressing Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) treatment. Project completed March 2009.
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Comments Regarding IRP in Connecticut
Client: AARP
Synapse prepared comments for the AARP to be submitted to the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board in February 2008. Completed in February 2009. Download Comments
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Report on Back-Up Generation
Client: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Synapse was directed by EPA to prepare a report on several aspects of back-up generators (BUGs). These include how BUGs are used in various RTOs around the US; applicable rules and requirements for air permits and operation; the number of BUGs deployed and their potential air quality impacts. Project completed January 2009.
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Demand Side Management Rulemaking
Clients: Sierra Club, Oklahoma Sustainability Network
The Sierra Club and the Oklahoma Sustainability Network retained Synapse to provide support in a state Commission rulemaking on demand side management (DSM) by electric utilities. Synapse provided assistance in drafting comments, attended workshops and negotiation meetings, and advised on strategy and economic impacts. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission adopted a new DSM rule as a result of this proceeding. Project completed in 2009.
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Central Vermont Public Service Alternative Regulation
Client: Conservation Law Foundation
Synapse provided litigation support to CLF in evaluating CVPS's proposed alternative regulation plan. Project completed July 2009.
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AmerenUE Proposed 2008 Integrated Resource Plan
Client: Missouri Department of Natural Resources
This project consisted of a review of the 2008 integrated resource plan filed by AmerenUE. Project completed in 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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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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Pricing and Emission Impacts of Distributed Generation
Client: Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
For this project, Synapse performed a detailed analysis of the impacts of distributed generation resources on wholesale electric energy prices and air emissions in Massachusetts. Impacts analyzed include potential reductions on the level of wholesale electricity market prices and associated air emissions. Project completed in May 2008. Download Report
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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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Increasing Demand Response in Maine
Client: Maine Public Utilities Commission
Synapse was retained by the Maine Public Utilities Commission to evaluate the potential for increasing demand response in Maine. Project work involved estimating the potential for incremental peak load reduction in Maine, describing the most promising demand response technologies, describing the most promising policies and programs to capture the demand response potential, identifying and discussing potential barriers, and suggesting steps to encourage increased demand response in the state. Project completed in March 2008.
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Analysis of Sub-Transmission Reinforcement Alternatives in the Saco Bay
Client: Maine Office of the Public Advocate
In conjunction with Lanzalotta Associates, Synapse evaluated the proposal by Central Maine Power to upgrade local area supply from 34.5 kV to 115 kV in Southern Maine. Synapse assessed the ability for conservation, energy efficiency, and demand response to reduce projected load increases and allow for a less expensive upgrade to the local sub-transmission system. Synapse and Lanzalotta are jointly sponsoring testimony before the Maine Public Service Commission. Project completed December 2008. Download Surrebuttal Testimony
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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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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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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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Estimated Benefits of Distributed Generation
Client: Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
For this project, Synapse contributed to the estimation of energy price and environmental benefits of distributed generation (DG) and analysis of business and regulatory options to encourage DG. Project completed in 2007.
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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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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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Demand Side Management and Advanced Metering in Pennsylvania
Client: Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
Synapse represented the staff of the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate in the demand-side management (DSM) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) workgroup. We reviewed various aspects of DSM and AMI initiatives, prepared documents on good practices in these areas, recommended specific programs from other states, and participated in the workgroup. Project completed in June 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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Executive Order Energy Policy Study
Client: Delaware Public Service Commission Staff
Provided research and consulting support to PSC Staff in the preparation of an energy policy study mandated by an Executive Order of the Governor. Project completed in April 2006. Download Report
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Transmission Planning Process in Vermont
Client: Conservation Law Foundation
Pursuant to a Vermont Public Service Board Order in Docket No. 7801, a mediated negotiation process was established to review the process by which VT electric utilities conduct transmission system planning with a particular focus on the evaluation of non-transmission alternatives (NTAs) that could include energy efficiency, demand response, or distributed generation resources. Synapse assisted CLF, a party to Docket 7801, in the mediated negotiation process. Synapse also provided direct and rebuttal testimony that urged the VT PSB to reject the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) submitted by the majority of the utility parties and the Department of Public Service. The VT PSB issued a decision on June 20, 2007. In the Order, the VT PSB largely accepted the provisions of the MOU and, after a lengthy discussion, rejected CLF's positions. Project completed in December 2006. Download Testimony
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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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Cape Light Compact Cooperative Investigation
Client: Cape Light Compact
Synapse provided technical and managerial support to the Cape Light Compact as part of the Compact's investigation of cooperative business models that may assist the Compact in furthering its goals. Project completed in November 2006.
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VELCO Northwest Reliability Project
Client: Town of Charlotte, VT
Synapse Assisted the Town of Charlotte, Vermont in its participation before the Vermont Public Service Board in Docket No. 6860. The particular issue in dispute was the extent to which cost recovery would be available on a regional (New England) basis for various components of the new 115kV line being proposed by VELCO. Synapse provided analysis and testimony for the town and participated in hearings before the Public Service Board. Project completed in September 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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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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Performance Based Regulation
Client: Conservation Law Foundation
Synapse, working with the Conservation Law Foundation, examined the potential for performance-based regulation to encourage greater reliance on energy efficiency and renewable energy resources by Green Mountain Power. Project completed in August 2004.
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Distributed Generation in Hawaii
Client: Hawaii Gas Company
Synapse assisted the company in a rule-making proceeding concerning small, customer-sited distributed generation. Project completed in July 2004.
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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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A Clean Electricity Plan for the Hudson River Valley
Client: Pace Law School Energy Project
Synapse developed a clean electricity plan for the Hudson River Valley. While the plan explored options for reducing electricity use and adding new renewable generation throughout the Valley, it focused on reducing the environmental impacts of four, older power plants on the lower Hudson River: Bowline, Lovett, Danskammer and Roseton. As part of the work, Synapse modeled the future operation of these plants in a "business-as-usual" scenario, prioritized action in terms of the plants' environmental impacts and assessed a variety of options for reducing the water and air impacts from the plants. Project completed in August 2003. Download Report
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Oklahoma Rate Case
Client: Oklahoma Attorney General's Office
Synapse was retained to assist the Attorney General's Office in the Empire District Electric Company rate case. Synapse investigated a number of issues including excess capacity, the cost of new generation, transmission and distribution investments, the Company's weather normalization methodology, and the rate of return. Project completed in July 2003. Download Schlissel 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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