Modeling Energy Efficiency in Integrated Resource Planning

There are myriad issues to consider when modeling efficiency into IRP. What are the best ways to optimize energy efficiency relative to generating resources? How should efficiency measures be bundled? Can a supply-side approach be an efficient and transparent process for stakeholders? What are the pros and cons for the supply-side optimization approach for energy efficiency versus an approach to place efficiency on the load-side as an exogenous input instead? How does IRP typically incorporate the results of efficiency potential studies? What are the key pitfalls of potential studies as used in IRP?

In “Searching for Best Practices for Modeling Energy Efficiency in Integrated Resource Planning,” presented at the 2015 ACEEE National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a resource, Kenji Takahashi examined the range of options used for incorporating energy efficiency into IRP. Drawing on case examples from various jurisdictions including PacifiCorp, Northwest Power Conservation Council, Tennessee Valley Authority, and Vermont, he recommended best practices for modeling cost-effective energy efficiency in long-term resource plans.