Synapse conducted analysis of new long-term electric contracting law in New Jersey.

Synapse reviewed the Needs Assessment performed by the ISO-NE regarding Dominion Energy Resources, Inc.'s request to de-list all four units at the Salem Harbor station for the power year from June 2012 to May 2013. 

Synapse analyzed the forward going costs of the entire fleet of coal-fired power plants in the western U.S. in order to develop a recommended coal retirement scenario for use in modeling by the Western Grid Operator.  We considered the costs of compliance with environmental regulations, and ordered the existing coal plants based upon net asset value. The retirement scenario was utilized by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council in its system planning model.

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 occurred in two phases. The goal of the first phase of the project 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 renewable energy projects and the state’s energy efficiency potential, 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.

In phase two, Synapse developed a spreadsheet tool for California air districts to use to estimate the quantity of air emissions that can be reduced from the state’s energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE) programs. Synapse performed electric system dispatch modeling to evaluate energy effects on EE/RE, and whether the location of the EE/RE resource reveals differences in what generation is displaced. Model outputs were then used to calculate potential criteria and greenhouse gas pollutant reductions. The spreadsheet tool is intended to be an asset to air districts, as they assess the efficacy of various control measures that can be implemented to attain ozone and fine particulate air quality standards, and to help meet California’s 2050 greenhouse gas reduction goals. 

Synapse researched and wrote a paper describing the need for changes to PJM system planning procedures and rules in order to address the challenges of the 21st century. Changes include better forecasting of future loads, and resources that incorporate public policy goals and future efficiency trends. The report focuses on PJM’s current reform efforts, the compliance requirements of FERC NOPR on Transmission Planning (Order 1000), and the impact of EPA regulations. Ultimately, PJM must demonstrate that its planning process contributes to just and reasonable rates with no undue discrimination.

A companion to Synapse’s 2010 report Beyond Business as Usual: Investigating a Future without Coal and Nuclear Power in the U.S. (BBAU 2010), this study examines the substantial “external” costs of burning coal to produce electricity—such as premature deaths, social costs, and environmental damages—and estimates the degree to which these costs could be avoided by 2050 by moving to the Transition Scenario modeled in the BBAU 2010 report.

For this project, Synapse reviewed existing demand-side resources in the Midwest ISO and mechanisms for demand resources (energy efficiency, demand response, and distributed generation) to participate in the Midwest ISO energy and capacity markets. Synapse also analyzed existing practices for demand resources participation in the energy and capacity markets in the other ISO/RTOS and how these resources were accounted for in their transmission planning processes. The project team suggested the "best practices" approach for incorporation of demand-side resources into the Midwest ISO markets and transmission planning.

In 2008, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). The Act aims to mitigate Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions by 10-25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050. Synapse worked in conjunction with Eastern Research Group and other sector experts to assist DOER in developing and analyzing policy instruments to help achieve these goals, and performed modeling to project the costs and impacts of various existing and potential greenhouse gas mitigation policies.

For this project, Synapse provided expert testimony before the New Mexico Public Regulatory Commission regarding whether investments made by the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) in certain environmental upgrades, along with other capital outlays, were prudent and should be allowed recovery. Our testimony also addressed the question of coordination between the company's integrated resource plan activities and its rate case requests. Finally, Synapse reviewed certain environmental regulations that were likely to affect the operations and economics of PNM's coal plants. Project completed in 2011.

Synapse assisted the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel with the state's Energy Master Planning (EMP) process. Our work included reviewing input assumptions and modeling methods for electric sector policies. Key policy options considered in the NJ EMP included energy efficiency programs, reform of the auction for Basic Generation Service, establishment of a state power authority, and various efforts to promote renewable energy and ensure reliable electricity service at reasonable cost to consumers. Project completed April 2011.

Synapse provided analytical and policy support to the Vermont Department of Public Service in its development of a State Comprehensive Energy Plan. Synapse assisted in the definition of energy future scenarios and analyzed the cost, emissions, and broader economics of these plans. Using Market Analytics, Synapse modeled base and alternative scenarios for energy efficiency targets and renewable procurement, in order to estimate the changes in wholesale electricity costs. Working with VT DPS, and using the REMI model, Synapse then modeled the economic impacts (in terms of jobs, real disposable income, and GSP) of these cost changes, and of the associated investments. Synapse also provided support for the development and presentation of the final plan.

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.

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.

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 publicly 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 on the statistical value of life and healthcare costs for hospital visits and lost productivity.