Utility Optimization
We can look before you leap.
The growing momentum for sustainable and renewable energy projects has driven aggressive action by private sector companies courting public commitment to qualifying projects. Many are presented as self-sustaining, but it’s not quite that simple. The economic viability of a project is typically based upon many interrelated assumptions that should be validated and tested for resiliency to changes in assumption. We provide independent assessment and validation to public sector clients that may be interested in pursuing these projects where cost is a significant consideration.
Our experience includes:
- Energy Security and Resiliency
- Energy Optimization
- Utility Master Plans
- Utility Condition Assessments
- ESPC/UESC Support
Energy Security and Resiliency
Providing backup in times of need.
The constant provision of energy is critical to the operation of many entities, and with today’s evolving energy supply and demand, keeping up with a secure and reliable system can be difficult. We provide analysis of critical loads and identify methods to enable our clients to build or acquire energy assets that provide backup in times of need.
Energy Optimization
Customizing energy optimization models to fit your needs.
Developing customizable energy optimization models is our specialty. For example, we developed a proprietary MATLAB based Cost Optimization Energy Independence and Security for the Army (COEISA) model. The model is capable of optimizing the best mix of purchased and on-site generated electricity to maximize cost savings and meet energy security goals for the Army. To control peak electric demand other optimization modeling techniques used by our team includes appropriately sizing the energy storage systems, load shifting, demand management techniques, and development of load-shedding plans. Additionally, we have developed optimization models to balance the electricity and steam production in cogeneration plants with focus on cost optimization and energy resiliency. Use of this model at one of the Army Installations showed potential annual savings of over $4 million by utilizing stranded generators to control the peak electricity demand.
Utility Master Plans
A goal without a plan is destined to fail.
We provide master planning services to enable our clients to rebuild, expand, or alter their utility system to meet goals for today and tomorrow. Our unique blend of knowledge and experience enables us to provide services across the utility spectrum, including not only water, wastewater, and electric but also natural gas and thermal systems, from production to distribution to collection.
Utility Condition Assessments
Our clients can plan for the future.
Understanding a utility system requires physical and computational analysis. Our teams spend time in the field getting to know existing systems and operations to provide our clients with detailed analysis of existing conditions. We evaluate the condition of assets, the potential remaining life, and forecast future needs so that our clients can plan for the future.
ESPC/UESC Support
We provide in-depth analysis.
Energy Savings Performance and Utility Energy Service Contracts are often prudent ways to enable our clients to save, or avoid, costs. However, the projects proposed by ESPC/UESC contractors require analysis both before and after implementation. We provide in-depth analysis of whether a proposed project is best for our client, both in terms of cost savings and mission compliance/enhancement. After implementation, we provide certified measurement and verification services to enable our clients to hold their contractors to their terms.
Utility Rate Intervention and Commodity Procurement
How is your electricity charged?
Our rate intervention and competitive commodity procurement services go back decades. As a complement to our leadership role in utility privatization for the Department of Defense (DoD), our staff offers experience in rate interventions and commodity procurements for DoD clients.
International Utility Consulting/Training
Global travelers with local concerns.
Our staff has consulted with and trained utility clients on five continents for the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Asian Development Bank as well as private international utilities. We remain dedicated to the principle that knowledge is power – and we can empower you in your relationship with utility services.