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114 projects found for:
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Topic: Environmental Regulations and Policies
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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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Residential DLC Proposal Evaluation
Client: New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate
Evaluation of cost-effectiveness of residential DLC proposals filed by Jersey Central Power & Light. Analysis of various components of the estimated costs, including equipment costs and payments to DLC participants, and of the estimated benefits, including the disposition of payments made by PJM to the utilities for the reductions in demand achieved through DLC. Project ongoing.
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Advising the Vermont Legislature on the Future of Vermont Yankee
Client: Vermont General Assembly
Synapse was hired by the Vermont Legislature to identify and analyze numerous technical, economic, and reliability issues surrounding the continued operation of the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station once its initial license period expires in March 2012. Specific tasks include attending and participating in hearings, organizing and staffing informational briefings for the legislature, preparing issue briefs, and performing and/or supervising quantitative analysis of the likely economic attributes of the plant and associated power purchase agreements. 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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Renewable Energy Resources from the Outer Continental Shelf
Client: Department of the Interior: Minerals Management Services
Synapse is assisting ERG and the Department of the Interior: Minerals Management Service in identifying and analyzing issues related to the integration of offshore renewable resources into the electrical grid. As part of the ongoing work, Synapse will provide MMS with background information crucial to managing these new resources. The overall project will also identify existing and future infrastructure needs that will be required to responsibly develop offshore renewable resources. 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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Protocols Used to Evaluate, Measure and Verify Savings from Energy Efficiency Programs
Client: Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships
Synapse is providing technical assistance and advice to NEEP in a project that is 1) determining how states in the Northeast and Middle Atlantic measure the energy savings from their energy efficiency programs and 2) evaluating how these energy savings are in turn converted into displaced emissions that air regulators can consider as part of their air quality plans. 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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Treatment of Internal Corporate Documents During Litigation
Clients: New York State Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice
Synapse reviewed numerous categories of documents provided by the defendants during discovery related to Clean Air Act lawsuits against American Electric Power Company and Cinergy Corporation and evaluated whether the public release of these materials would cause competitive harm to the companies. Project completed in January 2005.
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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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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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Health and Water Co-Benefits of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Utah
Client: State of Utah Energy Office
Synapse was contracted by the State of Utah to estimate the water and health co-benefits of implementing energy efficiency (EE) and increasing renewable energy (RE) resources in Utah. This modeling-based exercise drew upon power system expertise at Synapse, civil engineering at Tufts University, and emissions-receptor modeling from the Harvard School of Public Health. New EE and RE resources reduced in-state demand, which reduced some aspects of in-state generation. Synapse and team members identified current and future water and health externalities from baseline generation and load growth; co-benefits are identified as the difference between externalities from baseline generation and the EE / RE scenarios. For this project, Synapse modified an in-house statistically-based hourly dispatch model, developed using publically-available historical generation and emissions data. Future build-out and resource replacement were explicitly modeled. Total generation and emissions from each scenario were used to estimate externalities and associated costs: water consumption was based on reported water use for unit-specific cooling systems; the externality cost of water was the regional marginal cost of water, derived from transaction data; Mortality and morbidity were calculated from the formation, dispersion, and geographically distributed population uptake of primary and secondary particulates and ozone; externality values were based the statistical value of life and healthcare costs for hospital visits and lost productivity. Project completed March 2010. Download Report
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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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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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Review and Analysis of Delmarva Power Integrated Resource Plan
Client: Delaware Public Service Commission Staff
Synapse is evaluating the Integrated Resource Plan filing of Delmarva Power and Light. Synapse is reviewing the way in which the plan complies or does not comply with state directives on integrated resource planning and provision of default service supply. Synapse is also providing advice to the Commission on related issues with Delaware's RFP for new generation to be long-term contracted with Delmarva. The first phase of the project was completed in 2009, and a second phase is underway to review a forthcoming (Fall 2010) IRP from Delmarva Power and Light.
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PSNH Title V Air Quality Permit
Client: Conservation Law Foundation
Synapse reviewed the Title V air quality permit for the PSNH Merrimack power plant and developed comments for submission to the New Hampshire DES. The comments provided recommendations to improve the enforceability of the permit; ensured that emissions were appropriately monitored, recorded and reported; and that the anticipated emissions reductions would occur. Project completed March 2010.
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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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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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Certificate of Public Good for Deerfield Wind Project
Client: PPM Energy
Synapse provided expert analysis and testimony in support of a proposed wind farm to be located in Vermont. Our analysis showed that the project will provide needed power, will satisfy renewable energy requirements in the state and the broader region, and provide a hedge against fuel and emissions costs for Vermont ratepayers. Project completed August 2009. Download Testimony
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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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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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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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Evaluation of DLC and AMI Proposals
Client: New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate
Project work included evaluating the cost-effectiveness of residential DLC and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) proposals filed by Public Service Electric and Gas. Project completed February 2009.
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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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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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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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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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Millstone Cooling System
Client: Soundkeeper
Synapse was retained to evaluate the economic impact of converting the Millstone Nuclear Power Plants from once-through to closed-cycle cooling. Project completed October 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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Analysis of Real-time Pricing Program
Client: Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
For this project, Synapse reviewed the reasonableness of a proposed residential real-time energy pricing program and suggested changes in design as well as alternative programs. Project completed in 2008. Download Testimony
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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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Benefits of Clean Energy Programs and Policies
Client: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Clean energy programs and policies can help states achieve their goal of providing a less polluting, reliable, and affordable energy system. Working under Stratus Consulting, Synapse jointly authored a guidebook for evaluating energy system impacts and air emissions reductions from implementing clean energy measures. This guidebook introduces state policymakers and analysts to the concepts, terms, methods, tools, assumptions and models that Public Utility Commissions and utilities use to compare traditional grid electricity with demand and supply-side clean energy resources (e.g., energy efficiency, renewable energy, CHP, and clean distributed generation). Short examples and case studies illustrate the challenges that states face in analyzing clean energy initiatives, as well as the methods they have used to successfully quantify and promote them. Project completed in 2008.
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Full Cost Accounting Study of West Valley Project
Client: Citizens' Environmental Coalition
Synapse was engaged to critique cost benefit analyses of various remediation plans for this nuclear waste processing site and to improve the comprehensiveness of costs and benefits considered. Project completed December 2008. Download Report
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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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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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New York City Fine Particulate Emissions Study
Clients: Coalition Helping Organize a Kleaner Environment, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Reliant Energy
Synapse and researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health investigated the sources of fine particulate (i.e., PM2.5) emissions, both stationary and mobile, that affect New York City, and the impact of these PM2.5 emissions on air quality and health. The study also examined the potential control and mitigation measures that could be taken to reduce or offset PM2.5 emissions from all sources. Project completed in August 2007. Download Report
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Decoupling Support to Conservation Law Foundation - New England
Client: Conservation Law Foundation
Synapse provided consulting and advice to the Conservation Law Foundation in support of development of a regional approach to decoupling. Project completed in August 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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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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Clean Air Act Enforcement
Client: U.S. Department of Justice
Synapse was hired to prepare an expert reports on electric power system issues related to the EPA New Source Review. Bruce Biewald testified in a deposition prior to the settlement of the case. Project completed in July 2007.
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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 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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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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Review of the Proposed Power Plant Waste Recovery Project
Client: Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board
Synapse conducted and engineered an economic review of Nova Scotia Power's proposed addition of a heat recovery steam generator and duct fitting to an existing combined-cycle power plant. Synapse recommended Board approval of the Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) portion of the project, but not the duct firing portion. The Board agreed with Synapse's recommendation. Project completed in 2007. Download Report
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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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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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Testimony in Support of Power Plant Mercury Emissions Rule
Clients: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, LADCO
Synapse examined the impact of a proposed state-specific Mercury emissions rule upon wholesale electricity market prices, competition, and retail electricity consumers in Illinois. In our testimony, we demonstrated how IPM model results obtained by ICF Corporation did a poor job of resolving state-specific economic and dispatch impacts of the proposed rule. To rectify this, we developed our own estimates of the likely direct and indirect economic implications of the rule for the state and the surrounding region. Synapse's research and analyses showed that the benefits of implementing this rule significantly outweighed the costs. As a result, a slightly modified version of the rule was accepted upon settlement by all affected utilities and the state. Project completed in September 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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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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Mohave Generating Station Alternatives/Complements Study
Client: Southern California Edison
Synapse teamed with Sargent & Lundy to evaluate a set of supply- and demand-side technologies to replace or complement power flowing to Southern California Edison (SCE) from the coal-fired Mohave Generating Station in southern Nevada. The consultant team reported to a group of stakeholders including SCE, consumer and environmental advocates, the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe. Technologies evaluated included IGCC with and without carbon capture and sequestration, wind, various solar technologies, and a unique option comprised of DSM procurement in nearby states coupled with a power purchase of "freed up" supply imported into California. Synapse was responsible for development and characterization of the DSM procurement option, as well as estimates of projected fuel prices, output profiles, emission costs, economics of carbon sequestration, various tribal issues, and employment impacts on and off the affected reservations. Project completed in February 2006. Download Report
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Broadwater Energy LNG Terminal Alternatives Analysis
Client: Connecticut Fund for the Environment
Synapse was asked to evaluate alternatives to the Broadwater LNG import facility, proposed as a floating storage and regasification facility to be located in Long Island Sound. Synapse concluded that the region does not have a pressing need for a new baseload resource to provide natural gas, and the region's energy needs for the next decade can readily be met through energy efficiency, implementation of existing renewable energy goals, expanded use of combined heat and power, and repowering of existing power plants. Finally, we found that there are other options for increasing gas supply to the region which would be far preferable to the Broadwater proposal. The most promising of these includes two LNG import facilities already under construction in Eastern Canada, together with the planned expansion of the Maritimes and Northeast pipeline from Eastern Canada into the northeastern United States. Project completed in February 2006. Download Report
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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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Review and Critique of EIA Analysis of Midwest Coal Train
Client: Minnesotans for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ME3)
Synapse reviewed and critiqued the EIA's NEMS analysis done to support the proposed coal track/train investments to carry 100 million tons of coal per year from the Powder River Basin to coal-fired power plants in the Midwest. Project completed in September 2005.
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Technical Support to Environmental Groups in Regional Greenhouse Gas Modeling
Client: Energy Foundation
Through a grant from The Energy Foundation, Synapse provided technical support to several environmental groups participating in the northeastern Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The clients included: Environment Northeast, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Union of Concerned Scientists. Synapse was involved in reviewing the inputs for the RGGI modeling work and helped the client groups analyze and comment on the modeling results. Project completed in June 2005.
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Assessment of the Impact of Renewables and Energy Efficiency Policies in New England
Clients: Regulatory Assistance Project, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Synapse assisted RAP in evaluating the effects of recent state policies relating to renewable energy and energy efficiency on air emissions and the regional economy. The work, conducted for the U.S. EPA, included estimating the effect of programs such as utility efficiency funding and renewable portfolio standards since 2000, including avoided air emissions and impacts on regional jobs, income, and output. Project completed in June 2005. Download Report
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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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Avoided Costs for Energy Efficiency Programs in New Brunswick
Client: New Brunswick Power Company
Synapse assisted New Brunswick Power in developing avoided costs for proposed energy efficiency programs. The programs were intended to be supported with a system benefits charge and to be implemented by an independent energy efficiency utility in New Brunswick. The analysis included a review of production cost model results, avoided energy costs, avoided capacity costs, avoided transmission and distribution costs, and consideration of greenhouse gas emission reduction credits. The analysis also included an assessment of the potential rate impacts of the efficiency programs. Project completed in March 2005.
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Assessment of the Impact of a Renewable Portfolio Standard in Utah
Client: Utah Committee of Consumer Services
Synapse, with Resource Insight, assisted the Utah Committee of Consumer Services with issues relating to potential renewable energy legislation. Synapse reviewed the treatment of renewable resources in PacifiCorp's integrated resource plan and assessed the economic impact of a renewable portfolio standard proposed by the legislature or reviewed by the Public Service Commission. Project completed in February 2005.
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Comments on "An Incentive Framework for Utility Procurement of Energy Resources"
Client: The Utility Reform Network (TURN)
Synapse prepared comments for use by TURN; a pre-workshop memorandum on the California PUC's proposal titled "An Incentive Framework For Utility Procurement of Energy Resources Modeled After Cap-and-Trade Principles of the Sky Trust," issued as Appendix B to the PUC's 4/6/04 Order Initiating Rulemaking (OIR). Synapse also considered the OIR itself, the ALJ's scheduling ruling of 11/23/2005, and the "Addendum to the Sky Trust Proposal: Alternative Approaches to Elements of the Policy Framework" of 2/3/2005. Synapse considered the strengths and weaknesses of the Proposal at a conceptual level and a nuts-and-bolts level. The proposal set out one model for a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and certain alternatives to that model. The proposed system was described as applying to the resource selection and management the state's electric IOUs, to the natural gas distribution companies, or both. The documents briefly alluded to additional financial incentives for IOUs that related various ways to the proposed cap-and-trade system. Synapse's comments primarily related to the proposed cap-and-trade system as applied to an electric IOU and the financial incentive issue. Project completed in February 2005. Download Testimony
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Review of Connecticut Climate Modeling
Client: Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM)
Synapse was hired by NESCAUM to help review the modeling performed for the Connecticut Climate Change Stakeholder Dialogue in 2003. This modeling work assessed the impacts of a number of different policies focused on reducing carbon emissions. NESCAUM and Synapse developed summaries of this modeling work for use in discussions with Connecticut lawmakers and regulators. These summaries are available from NESCAUM. Project completed in December 2004.
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Need for Liquid Natural Gas Terminals in California
Client: Coalition of Environmental Groups
Synapse evaluated whether California utilities should be allowed to enter into long-term contracts for liquid natural gas (LNG). As part of this evaluation, Synapse investigated the need for additional natural gas supplies in California in light of the potential savings in gas use from the repowering of older, inefficient power plants and the potential impact of aggressive energy conservation and renewables on natural gas demand. Project completed in March 2004. Download Report
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Review of Greenhouse Gas Emission Reports for the Public Interest Research Groups
Client: National Association of State PIRGs
Synapse was hired by the Public Interest Research Groups to review drafts of state greenhouse gas reduction reports. The reports explored the brief history and context of greenhouse gas reduction efforts in selected states and performed calculations to estimate emission reductions from a suite of policies. In January and February 2004, Synapse edited the text of the Massachusetts and Connecticut reports and reviewed the spreadsheets containing these calculations. Synapse also met with PIRG staff to discuss methodological and editorial issues and provided technical support during the drafting of these reports. Synapse's work on the Massachusetts and Connecticut reports was completed in February 2004.
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Assessment of PJM Generation Attribute Tracking System
Client: Maryland Office of the People's Counsel
Synapse reviewed the proposals for a credit-based system for the PJM Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS), in order to comply with environmental disclosure rules and other environmental policies. Synapse also assisted the OPC with comments provided to the Maryland Public Utilities Commission and presented oral testimony at Commission hearings. Project completed in December 2003.
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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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Review of a Proposed 1100 MW Power Plant in Brooklyn, New York
Clients: Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, Greenpoint Williamsburg Waterfront Task Force
Synapse reviewed TransGas Energy's proposal to build an 1100 MW combustion turbine facility on the East River in Brooklyn, New York. Among the issues addressed by Synapse was whether the proposed plant would produce economic, environmental, and reliability benefits for the electric systems in New York City and/or New York State. Project completed in November 2003. Download Testimony
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Report on RPS Benefits for the Renewable Energy Technology and Environment Coalition (RETEC)
Clients: Renewable Energy Technology and Environment Coalition, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
In July 2003, NRDC retained Synapse to develop a white paper reviewing the literature on selected benefits of a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). The resulting report was titled "Cleaner Air, Fuel Diversity, and High-Quality Jobs: Reviewing Selected Potential Benefits of an RPS in New York State." The report was submitted by The Renewable Energy Technology and Environment Coalition (RETEC) in the New York Public Service Commission's proceeding reviewing the proposed New York RPS.
Subsequently, Synapse commented on work submitted by other parties. During August and September 2003, Synapse evaluated studies of the potential cost of such a standard prepared by other parties and summarized the findings in a report titled "Comments on the RPS Cost Analyses of the Joint Utilities and the DPS Staff." This report was also submitted by RETEC for the record in that proceeding. In June 2004, the Public Service Commission issued a recommended decision in support of the RPS. Project completed in August 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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Modeling Demand Response In New England
Client: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Synapse performed a comprehensive assessment of the emissions impacts of demand response programs in New England. As ISO New England continues to refine its nascent electricity markets, there is widespread interest in facilitating demand response (DR) -- the ability for customers to respond to high prices by reducing electricity use or producing their own electricity onsite. There is also widespread interest in the net air emissions impacts of DR.
Synapse assessed the net emissions impacts of selected DR programs using the PROSYM/PROMOD dispatch model. The programs assessed included the economic DR program proposed by ISO New England for the summer of 2003, an economic DR program proposed by the New England Demand Response Initiative (NEDRI) for the summer of 2004, and several scenarios that explored key variables and uncertainties in these programs. In addition, Synapse modeled several energy efficiency programs in order to compare the emissions impacts of these programs to the DR programs. For all programs assessed, Synapse explored both the emissions impacts of DR operation and the impacts of new DR capacity on ISO unit commitment. Project completed in May 2003. Download Report
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Energy Plan for the City of New York
Client: Resource Insight
Synapse conducted multi-area electricity market simulation analysis using the PROSYM-MULTISYM model to support analysis of generation, transmission, and demand-side resource options available to serve electric service needs in New York City. Project completed in April 2003.
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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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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 Proposed 300 MW Power Plant on Long Island, New York
Client: Townline Association, Inc.
Synapse reviewed Kings Park Energy's proposal to build a 300 MW combustion turbine facility in Suffolk County, New York to determine whether the proposed plant would produce economic, environmental, and reliability benefits on Long Island and/or in New York State. Synapse also examined whether the repowering of existing generating facilities near the proposed site on Long Island would be a reasonable alternative for achieving the same or greater environmental benefits. Project completed in January 2003. Download Testimony
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Developing a Tool for Estimating the Emissions Impacts of Energy Policies
Client: Ozone Transport Commission (OTC)
Synapse developed a quantitative tool to estimate emission reductions from a wide variety of energy policies in the Northeast. The tool was designed to assess three types of energy policies: policies that encourage energy efficiency and new clean generation, emissions portfolio standards, and multi-pollutant regulations targeting groups of existing power plants. Synapse used the PROSYM/PROMOD dispatch model to perform detailed marginal emissions analyses of the New England, New York, and PJM power control areas. The quantitative results of these analyses were embedded in a Microsoft Excel workbook designed to allow users to estimate emission reductions from different energy programs. Users of the workbook have the option to use the data on marginal emission rates developed by Synapse or to use other input data. Changes can easily be made in the workbook to represent different policy design decisions and assess the results of these decisions. The "OTC Emission Reduction Workbook," is available on both the OTC and Synapse websites. Project completed in December 2002. Download Workbook
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The Increasing Use of Limited Liability Companies and Multi-Tiered Holding Companies to Own Nuclear Power Plants
Clients: STAR Foundation, Riverkeeper, Inc.
Synapse surveyed the increasing use of complex corporate ownership structures and LLCs to own and operate nuclear power plants and reviewed the NRC's oversight of these developments. Synapse also identified those areas in which changes need to be made to assure that there are adequate funds available to meet NRC-imposed requirements, including post September 11, 2001 security-related requirements and Price-Anderson Act nuclear accident insurance obligations, and to assure that decommissioning funds are adequate and are protected. Project completed in August 2002. Download Report
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