|
82 projects found for:
|
|
Topic: Portfolio Management, Generation Supply Planning, and Procurement
|
|
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.
|
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
|
State Efficiency Plans
Client: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Synapse is assisting ACEEE with their efficiency plans for five states by developing avoided cost values as well as fuel costs and utility investments. Project ongoing.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Metering study
Client: New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate
Synapse assisted the NJ DRA with a technology and metering study focusing on residential and small commercial customers. The study was designed to look at the electricity use behaviors of four different groups of customers with various rates, metering technologies, and educational materials. Synapse helped select the technology vendors and the particular technologies that were evaluated. Synapse also helped determine the data to collect and evaluate in assessing experimental results. Project completed in September 2005.
|
Default Service Procurement for Delaware
Client: Delaware Public Service Commission Staff
Synapse advised Public Service Commission Staff in Delaware on alternatives for procuring power to serve default customers as provided for in the State's restructuring law and assisted the PSC Staff in the conduct of a multi-party workshop process considering those alternatives. Synapse examined issues of acquisition of generation supply and the management of a resource portfolio to provide bundled generation service to residential, commercial, and industrial customers and assisted staff in successful multi-party settlement negotiations. Project completed in September 2005.
|
Report on Impact of Proposed Reliability Pricing Model
Client: Illinois Citizens Utility Board
Synapse developed a report on the impact of PJM's proposed Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) on Exelon nuclear facilities' capacity revenues in northern Illinois. At the request of Illinois Citizens Utility Board (CUB), Synapse analyzed the current capacity revenues earned by Exelon's nuclear fleet in Illinois and compared those revenues to the historical six-year average prices for capacity in PJM and to the RPM "target price" as defined by a benchmark proxy peaker unit. The analysis showed that the capacity revenues for Exelon's nuclear units in northern Illinois would increase from $100 million (2005) to over $500 million annually under RPM, on average, and that annual earnings under RPM for a single year could be as high as $1.2 billion under extreme scarcity conditions. Project completed in August 2005. Download Report
|
Railbelt Integrated Resource Plan
Client: Alaska Conservation Alliance
Alaska Energy Authority hired Black and Veatch (B&V) to develop an IRP for the Railbelt region of Alaska. This is the region that covers the area from roughly Fairbanks to Seward and where the bulk of Alaska's population resides. B&V's IRP evaluated the resources it believes Alaska will require over then next 50 years to meet its energy demand. Synapse developed comments for the client that included an assessment of generation technologies (including renewables), their costs and benefits, transmission and reliability requirements, and what Alaska should consider in its resource planning. Project completed May 2010.
|
Advanced Metering in Maryland
Client: Maryland Office of the People's Counsel
Synapse assisted the Maryland Office of People's Counsel by reviewing filings regarding Baltimore Gas & Electric's pilot AMI program, including the program design and choice, accelerated DSM implementation, technology options, cost-benefit analysis, cost recovery mechanisms and the level of sufficient recovery, and alternatives to the program. Synapse also conducted a similar review of filings by PEPCO and Delmarva to take actions similar to BGE. Project completed March 2010.
|
FCM Working Group 2009
Client: Maine Office of the Public Advocate
Synapse assisted the Maine OPA in its participation in the FCM Working Group that is considering changes to the FCM rules in 2009. Project completed March 2010.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Review and Critique of FirstEnergy Companies' Proposed SSO Procurement
Client: Ohio Office of Consumer Counsel
Synapse, as a subcontractor to Resource Insight, Inc., provided expert testimony on portfolio management alternatives to the Companies' proposed declining clock auction for rolling three-year, slice of system contracts. Project completed in 2010.
|
Carbon Constrained Electric System Integrated Resource Plan
Client: Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board
Synapse was retained to collaborate with Nova Scotia Power on an update to its Integrated Resource Planning process. The planning was done subject to a hard cap on system carbon dioxide emissions, and other constraints. The resulting reference plan included aggressive development of wind and biomass, and rapid ramp-up of energy efficiency programs. Project completed February 2010.
|
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.
|
Supporting a Cleaner Energy Mix in Nevada
Clients: Western Resource Advocates, Nevadans for Affordable Reliable Clean Energy
Synapse assisted Western Resource Advocates and its local affiliate, NCARE, in developing a clean energy planning model to show how renewable resources can meet Nevada's future power needs and produce economic benefits at minimal cost to ratepayers. Synapse developed a clean development model that shows how transmission investments support renewables, along with aggressive development of renewable and energy efficiency potential in the state, can more than meet Nevada's electricity needs without relying on expensive and CO2-emitting new resources such as a proposed coal plant. Project completed November 2009. Download Testimony
|
Review KCPL IRP-Supply Side-Renewables
Client: Missouri Department of Natural Resources
For this project, Synapse reviewed KCPL's IRP for consistency with law on the supply side, for renewable resources. Tom Franks, of Optimal Energy, acted in a subcontractor role and focused on aspects of demand-side management. Project completed September 2009.
|
The Relicensing of the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plants
Client: New York State Attorney General
Synapse was retained to evaluate whether there are lower cost alternatives to the relicensing of the Indian Point Nuclear Power plants for an additional twenty years of operating life. Project completed August 2009.
|
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
|
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.
|
Costs and Risks Associated with Alternative Portfolio Strategies in Maryland
Client: Maryland Office of the People's Counsel
Synapse subcontracted to Resource Insight to prepare this analysis for the Maryland Office of the People's Counsel. The purpose of the study was to identify the cost and risk benefits to residential customers of alternative strategies for meeting their electricity requirements over a long-term planning period. Using data for a representative investor-owned utility in Maryland, the Synapse team modeled a baseline or reference strategy that reflects a continuation of their existing supply procurement approach, based solely on short-term contracts, as well as several alternative portfolio strategies, involving contracts of varying length as well as efficiency programs. Synapse evaluated the candidate portfolios and the baseline scenario using an Excel-based power-system model with a Monte Carlo simulation capability. This approach allowed the project team to evaluate the performance of each strategy under a large number of possible future scenarios, and to measure that performance both in terms of expected cost and cost variability across all future scenarios. Project completed in 2008. Download Report
|
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
|
SierraPacific Integrated Resource Planning Case
Clients: Environmental Defense, Western Resource Advocates
Synapse prepared testimony related to carbon price and escalation of construction costs for coal plants. Synapse testified before the Nevada Public Service Commission regarding our findings, and afterward developed a report based on our testimony. Project completed September 2008.
|
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.
|
Tufts Cove 6 Waste Heat Recovery Project 2008
Client: Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board
For the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, Synapse performed an analysis of a Nova Scotia proposal to convert two existing simple cycle combustion turbines into a single combined cycle unit with duct firing. Synapse reached the conclusion that the Board should proceed with Nova Scotia Power's proposed combined-cycle conversion without the addition of the extra 25MW of capacity from duct firing. The efficiency penalty imposed on the plant through the addition of duct firing was found to reduce the economic benefit to the point where duct firing was not justifiable. Project completed August 2008. Download Report
|
Alternative and Complementary Mechanisms to Procure Basic Generation Service in New Jersey
Client: New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate
Synapse evaluated alternative and complementary supply mechanisms to service Basic Generation Service customers in New Jersey for 2008. This included examining the benefits of portfolio management techniques on the part of electric distribution companies in securing power supplies. Project completed August 2008.
|
Long Term Procurement Plans of California Utilities
Client: California Division of Ratepayer Advocates
Synapse analyzed the Long Term Procurement Plans of three investor-owned utilities for the California Division of the Ratepayer Advocate, including aspects of competitive procurement procedures, least cost planning, risk management metrics and processes, and prepared prefiled testimony on those topics. In addition, Synapse evaluated novel proposals under which the investor-owned utilities are to auction off the energy rights to certain resources procured for their capacity value only, as well as providing support to the Division in mediation workshops on the energy rights auction issue. Project completed in August 2008. Download PG&E Testimony
|
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
|
Evaluating the Reliability Pricing Mechanism and Analysis of Wholesale Power System Issues
Client: Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate
Synapse provided services to the Pennsylvania Office of the Consumer Advocate regarding several wholesale power system issues. Our major focus was on PJM's Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) proposal for a new capacity market structure. Our work in this regard included participation in settlement discussions in the summer and fall of 2006, as well as significant effort on developing a process for implementing reliability and economic transmission system upgrades and the cost allocation metric associated with those upgrades. In addition, we perform periodic work on Market Monitoring and Demand Resource issues. Project completed August 2008.
|
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
|
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.
|
Review of Bilateral Contracting in RTO-Run Markets
Client: American Public Power Association
As part of APPA's Electric Markets Reform Initiative, Synapse was asked to investigate whether or not today's RTOs have produced a healthy environment for managing electricity procurement costs through bilateral contracting. Synapse found that while bilateral contracts are widely recognized as crucial to the functioning of truly competitive electricity markets, RTOs have failed to create an environment conducive to the vigorous, competitive, long-term bilateral contracting that would provide the most benefits to consumers. Project completed May 2008. Download Report
|
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.
|
Review of AMP-Ohio's Proposed Coal-Fired Generating Plant
Clients: Natural Resources Defense Council, Ohio Environmental Council, Sierra Club
Synapse evaluated American Municipal Power's proposed 960 MW coal-fired power plant in Meigs County, Ohio and whether AMP-Ohio had adequately considered the risks associated with that proposed plant in its resource planning for its member communities. Synapse also examined the costs (including construction costs and the cost of CO2 regulations) of the proposed plant and of alternatives to the proposed plant. Synapse found that AMP-Ohio had not prudently evaluated the potential for further increases in the project's cost or the likely costs of federal regulations of greenhouse gas emissions. The Ohio Power Plant Siting Board approved the plant. Project completed January 2008. Download Report
|
Standard Offer Service Procurement
Client: Office of the People's Counsel for the District of Columbia
Synapse provided assistance to DC OPC effort to modify procurement rules for Standard Offer Service. DC PSC deferred all activity in this proceeding pending the outcome of other regulatory proceedings. Project completed in 2008.
|
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
|
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.
|
Wind Energy
Client: Union of Concerned Scientists
This project analyzed issues related to contracting for wind energy. Download Report
|
Entergy Arkansas Avoided Cost Computation Method
Client: Arkansas Public Service Commission Staff
For this project, Synapse reviewed Entergy's changes to its avoided cost methodology to see if they conform to Arkansas law. Project completed in 2007. Download Testimony
|
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.
|
Electric Resource Planning and Power Procurement
Client: Arkansas Public Service Commission Staff
Assist Staff of the Arkansas Public Service Commission as a subcontractor to Larkin Associates on a range of electric resource planning and power procurement issues over the year July 2006 through June 2007. Specific tasks included testimony regarding whether Entergy Arkansas Inc. (EAI)'s proposed acquisition of a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) capacity is in the public interest. Preparation of a background report on fuel diversity policies and practices to assist the Commission in its determination of whether to recommend the adoption of a fuel diversity standard under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005). Advice to Staff in their assessment of SWEPCo's proposal to construct a new coal-fired generating unit. Download Report
|
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
|
Wholesale Market and Transmission Analyses in PJM
Client: Ohio Office of Consumer Counsel
Synapse provided the Ohio Office of the Consumer Counsel and other consumer advocates with assistance in evaluating PJM's proposed Reliability Pricing Model (RPM) for capacity markets. Synapse reviewed, proposed modifications, and intervened in a contested process at FERC to determine the final design of the RPM capacity market. Our efforts helped secure modifications to the model that will save state ratepayers in PJM hundreds of millions of dollars annually. In addition, Synapse assisted the Office with transmission planning for economic and reliability upgrades (including cost allocation). Project completed in July 2007.
|
Economic Analysis of Proposed IGCC Coal Power Plant and Alternatives
Clients: Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, Save the Valley, Valley Watch, Sierra Club
Synapse was hired by a coalition of public interest organizations to review the proposal by Duke Energy Indiana and Vectren to invest approximately $2 billion in a new integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) coal power plant at Edwardsport. The project included analysis and testimony by Bruce Biewald on computer modeling and resource planning, levelized cost comparisons, and ratemaking issues; by Phil Mosenthal of Optimal Energy on demand-side management potential and costs; Robert Fagan on renewable resource potential and costs; and David Schlissel on carbon dioxide regulations and power plant construction costs. The project team found that the Companies' planning for Edwardsport was inadequate, that the IGCC plant would increase dependence upon coal for electricity generation and would subject the Companies' shareholders and customers to unnecessary costs and increased risks. Synapse witnesses recommended that the Commission reject the Companies' request for approval of the proposal to construct and own the Edwardsport IGCC project, and instead require the Companies to do complete and proper planning which should include: (1) up-to-date construction cost estimates for IGCC and other resources; (2) analysis of the cost impacts on customers that reflect the ratemaking treatment that the Companies' request be used for the resources; (3) use of a realistic range of low, mid, and high case projections for future carbon dioxide prices; (4) full consideration of cost-effective demand-side management, combined heat and power, and renewable resources, and (5) a proper risk analysis that recognizes a range of risks including but not limited to construction cost overruns and project delays as well as fuel prices and environmental compliance requirements. Project completed in June 2007. Download Biewald Testimony
|
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.
|
Evaluation of Purchased Power Costs
Client: Washington Office of the Attorney General
Synapse evaluated Puget Sound Energy's proposed purchased power costs. Project completed in June 2007.
|
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
|
A Fuel Diversity Standard in the District of Columbia
Client: Office of the People's Counsel for the District of Columbia
In response to the requirements of EPAct 2005 Title XII, the DC Public Service Commission issued Order No.14239, requesting comments regarding whether and to what extent the Commission should implement additional fuel diversity standards specifically for Pepco. Synapse provided advice and written support to the Office of People's Counsel for its comments in response to the DC Public Service Commission's request. Project completed in June 2007.
|
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
|
New Jersey's 2007 Basic Generation Service Auction: Auction outcome forecast
Client: New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate
Since 2002, the State of New Jersey has held an annual auction for the procurement of fixed-price, basic electric generation service (BGS-FP). BGS-FP service is the name of the rate plan for those residential and small commercial customers who choose not to use a competitive supplier for their electricity needs. Synapse was hired to predict the outcome of the auction. This was accomplished by taking into consideration futures markets for electricity, natural gas, and coal, as well as recent auction/RFP results for BGS-FP-equivalent service from other states. Based on our analysis, we expected NJ-BGS 2007 auction prices to decline by approximately 12%-20 % over the 2006 results. Project completed in March 2007.
|
Integrating Wind Power into British Columbia's Hydro Electric System
Clients: Sierra Club of Canada, BC Chapter, BC Sustainable Energy Association, Peace Valley Environment Association
Synapse examined three interrelated British Columbia wind power issues for a group of BC environmental organizations and provided expert witness testimony. We analyzed BC Hydro's $3/MWh "firming" premium used at the evaluation stage of their 2006 RFP for energy resources. Synapse also reviewed the liquidated damages (LD) provisions of BC Hydro's standard contract for wind energy providers and summarized existing wind integration operational cost studies. Synapse concluded that the firming premium is not supported as the storage and ramping capability of BC Hydro's hydroelectric resource base is more than sufficient to allow for monthly rather than hourly scheduling. Synapse also concluded that the LD provisions could cause wind projects to appear more expensive than they actually are. Lastly, Synapse recommended detailed technical analyses be conducted to analyze the impact of varying levels of wind penetration on BC Hydro's operational costs. The BC Commission order (May 2007) did direct BC Hydro to look carefully at wind capacity projections. Project completed in February 2007. Download Testimony
|
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
|
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
|
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.
|
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
|
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.
|
Midland Resource Conservation Plan
Client: Michigan Department of the Attorney General
Review the Resource Conservation Plan for purchases from Midland Cogeneration Venture Limited Partnership. Download Testimony
|
Transparency and Efficiency in Default Service Procurement
Client: Delaware Public Service Commission Staff
Synapse assisted the Staff of the Delaware Public Service Commission conduct a multi-party exploration of potential updates to Delaware's procedures for competitive procurement of power to serve default service customers. In the wake of major retail rate increases from the state's first procurement, the Delaware Legislature enacted major changes to the state's electric restructuring statute. Synapse helped the Staff plan and run workshops to gather the views of retail marketers, wholesale generators and marketers, consumers, and the serving utility. We then fashioned written proposals for process changes, moderated discussions among the parties, and helped negotiate consensus on most of the issues. Synapse then helped the Staff draft and present its report to the Commission. Among the changes adopted by the Commission were provisions to increase and speed up public disclosure of information about bids, to coordinate procurement timing with surrounding jurisdictions, and provide the Commission with better market information and added flexibility to manage the RFP. Project completed in October 2006.
|
Regulatory Tools for Electricity Portfolio Management
Client: National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
Synapse was hired by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) to conduct an analysis and write a report on electricity portfolio management. Specifically, the paper critiques available models used for portfolio management and resource acquisition and provides advice for regulators on how to choose and utilize such models in making regulatory decisions. Measures for evaluating risks and hedging strategies are discussed, with an emphasis on the perspective of customers and regulators. Project completed in September 2006. Download Report
|
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.
|
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
|
Electricity Procurement for Serving Retail Load in Illinois
Client: Illinois Citizens Utility Board
Synapse advised clients in Illinois on alternatives for procuring power to serve default customers after the "transition period" provided for in the State's restructuring law. Synapse presented testimony addressing a proposal by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) to use a clearing price auction to procure wholesale power for default customers.
We evaluated the Company's proposal, examining issues of market power in the wholesale electricity markets, market power in retail provision of electricity, acquisition of generation supply, and the management of a resource portfolio to provide bundled generation service to residential and small commercial customers. We found that, while offering hypothetical benefits to customers, overall the proposal was too narrowly tailored, failed to provide necessary consumer protections, and cut off Commission review of a broad range of options that should be considered as Illinois emerges from the transition period.
Additionally, Synapse proposed alternatives for how the proposed auction process could be improved, should the Commission decide to authorize a similar mechanism to that proposed by ComEd. Testimony was presented before the Illinois Commerce Commission by witnesses Fagan and Steinhurst in docket 05-0159. Project completed in August 2006. Download Steinhurst Testimony
|
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
|
Evaluation of New Jersey's 2006 Basic Generation Service Auction
Client: New Jersey Division of the Ratepayer Advocate
Synapse was hired to examine the price results of the 2006 auction for Basic Generation Service to customers in New Jersey. Project completed in March 2006.
|
Arizona Public Service Company Rate Case
Client: Residential Utility Consumer Office of Arizona
Synapse investigated a number of issues in a rate case: 1) whether Arizona Public Service's (APS) acquisition of the Sundance Generating Station was prudent; 2) whether the amounts that APS requested for Operating & Maintenance expenditures ("O&M") for the PWEC Units and the Sundance Plant were reasonable; and 3) the generation and associated costs included in APS' base rate application. Synapse found that APS' acquisition of the Sundance Plant was reasonable and prudent. However, we found that the Company's requested power plant O&M was unreasonably high and should be reduced for both plants. Project completed in February 2006. Download Hornby Surrebuttal
|
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
|
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
|
Review of Procurement Practices for Electric Power in North America
Client: Confidential Client
Synapse surveyed electricity procurement in states and Canadian provinces with a focus on how to address affiliate participation in a solicitation by a regulated utility to purchase power. Codes of conduct and affiliate transaction rules were examined. We attempted to distill "best practices" from the set of current industry approaches. Project completed in December 2005.
|
Review of Standard Offer Procurement Rules and Portfolio Proposal
Client: Maine Office of the Public Advocate
Prior to the 2005 solicitation of supply bids to serve Maine standard offer customers, the Maine Office of Public Advocate requested that Synapse evaluate the 2004 standard offer procurement rules developed and implemented by the Maine Public Utilities Commission pursuant to ME PUC Docket No. 2004-147. Synapse filed comments in the proceeding that recommended the adoption of a portfolio management approach. Key elements included a multi-year procurement horizon and the specific acquisition of renewable resources as a hedge against fossil fuel price uncertainty. Project completed in September 2005. Download Report
|
Structuring and Pricing Default Service in Ohio
Client: Ohio Consumers' Counsel
Synapse analyzed the procurement approaches used by Ohio utilities for providing default service to retail electricity customers. Project completed June 2005.
|
Analysis of Connecticut Alternative Transitional Standard Offers
Client: Connecticut Office of Consumer Counsel
The Connecticut DPUC has opened a proceeding to consider possible Alternative Transitional Standard Offers (TSOs) authorized by the legislature. On behalf of the Office of Consumer Counsel, Synapse prepared recommendations for how to structure and procure Alternative TSOs for both renewable energy and energy efficiency products made available to residential and small commercial customers who do not shop for competitive offers. Project completed in November 2004. Download Report
|
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.
|
Retail Choice Proceeding Testimony
Client: Texas Office of Public Utility Counsel
Synapse provided testimony in an on-going retail choice proceeding involving an Entergy subsidiary in East Texas (Entergy Gulf States). Synapse assisted the Texas Office of People's Counsel (OPC) in evaluating Entergy's proposal for an "independent" subsidiary to oversee the transition to a retail open access structure authorized by the Texas legislature. Synapse compared the proposed "independent" Entergy subsidiary to the standards and criteria that FERC applies to applications for Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and provided testimony before the Texas PUC. Project completed in May 2004. Download Peterson Testimony
|
Structuring and Pricing Default Service in Ohio
Client: Ohio Consumers' Counsel
Synapse analyzed the Cincinnati Gas and Electric Company's proposed "Market Based Standard Service Offer" and "Competitive Bid Process." Synapse concluded that the MBSSO was not reasonable and subsequently proposed an alternative approach for pricing electricity for default customers. The analysis and recommendations were presented in the testimony of Neil Talbot before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. Project completed in May 2004. Download Testimony
|
Energy Efficiency Programs For the Municipal Aggregator on Cape Cod
Client: Cape Light Compact
The Massachusetts restructuring law enables municipal aggregators to implement energy efficiency programs with funds raised from all customers through a system benefits charge. Synapse designed the energy efficiency programs that are being provided by the Cape Light Compact, the municipal aggregator on Cape Cod. Synapse also assisted the Compact in obtaining approval of its Energy Efficiency Plan from the Massachusetts DTE. Synapse further assisted the Compact with designing Phase II of the efficiency initiative, which included improvements to existing programs as well as innovative, new programs. Project completed in December 2003. Download Report
|
Cost Impacts of a Vermont Renewable Portfolio Standard
Client: Vermont Public Service Board
Synapse prepared an estimate of the likely impact of a proposed renewable portfolio standard on electricity rates in Vermont. The analysis was based on a detailed "supply curve" of potential new renewable resources in the New England region, as well as potential imports from Canada and New York. The analysis considered two different renewable standards, one where renewables were broadly defined (including small hydro projects and all biomass), and one where renewables were limited to those eligible in the Massachusetts and Connecticut renewable portfolio standards. The report was presented to the Board and used to inform the Vermont RPS Collaborative discussions. Project completed in October 2003. Download Report
|
Portfolio Management
Clients: Regulatory Assistance Project, Energy Foundation
On behalf of the Regulatory Assistance Project and the Energy Foundation, Synapse prepared a manual on Portfolio Management that reflects state-of-the-art thinking on integrated resource planning, energy efficiency program planning, and risk management for electric utilities. Project completed in October 2003. Download Report
|
Audit of Utility Power Purchasing Practices
Client: New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Staff
Synapse evaluated whether Rockland Electric Company's power purchases during the period from August 1999 through July 2003 were prudent. Synapse prepared an audit report concluding that the Company was imprudent for failing to enter into a multi-year power purchase agreement when it divested all of its generating facilities in 1999. Project completed in July 2003. Download Report
|
Review of Power Procurement and Risk Management
Client: Nevada Public Utilities Commission Staff
Synapse reviewed the power procurement and risk management practices of Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company in the Western markets for a test year that included the summer of 2002. The results of this review were presented in the testimony of Bruce Biewald (PUCN Dockets 02-11021 and 03-1014). Project completed in May 2003.
|
Review of a Green Power Proposal
Client: Delaware Public Service Commission Staff
Synapse assisted the Staff in reviewing proposals from Green Mountain Power and Conectiv Energy to offer an innovative green power program to residential electricity customers. Project completed in October 2002.
|
