Electric utility engineering stories from the field

Utilities are facing tougher energy-saving standards and declining returns from traditional programs, but new strategies are helping them overcome these challenges. In our Electric Energy Engineering session at the 2024 CLEAResult Energy Forum, experts shared insights from real-world projects on how utilities can continue to drive savings and improve energy performance for their customers. The big takeaway? Utilities interested in boosting the effectiveness of their programs should focus on improving customers’ operations and tapping into underutilized resources. 

Finding new solutions to lighting

Lighting programs with LEDs delivered major energy savings in the past, but as lighting savings decrease, utilities must find new ways to achieve their goals. Clair Hessmer, one of CLEAResult’s engineering leads, shared that in one state, savings from LEDs dropped from 90 gigwatts (GW) in 2018 to less than 30 GW in recent years based on market forces alone, without any regulatory drivers. While some utilities in regions where fluorescent bans aren’t fully implemented are still optimistic about continued savings, relying on these projects doesn’t offer a sustainable path forward.

Utilities need to rethink their reliance on lighting projects for energy savings and explore other technologies and approaches like Continuous Energy Improvement (CEI) and Strategic Energy Management (SEM) programs.

The power of SEM

The session highlighted a case study involving a public university that joined a CLEAResult-led SEM program. Despite having high-end technology like solar panels and automated HVAC systems, the university struggled to achieve the expected performance. The culprit was found to be a lack of operational knowledge and misaligned system settings.

The university focused on optimizing its existing systems. Through coaching and training provided by SEM, they identified key areas for improvement, which led to 6.6% energy savings. This underscores the idea that energy efficiency isn’t just about the latest gadgets—it’s about understanding how to operate and maintain what you have.

By investing in SEM, utilities can help customers achieve significant savings through operational improvements without the need for expensive new equipment. 

HVAC tune-ups: More than just maintenance

The HVAC sector is also experiencing diminishing returns as more stringent efficiency requirements are implemented. CoolSaver, a test-in/test-out HVAC tune-up program, has proven successful in extracting additional savings from existing systems.

A case study from Arkansas demonstrated how a simple tune-up went beyond improving the performance of 22 HVAC units and identified two units that needed to be repaired or replaced, yielding significant energy savings for the customer and creating a virtuous cycle of energy savings. This program allowed the utility to claim savings through multiple streams, including SEM/CEI, making it a win-win for the utility, the contractor and the customer. CoolSaver’s detailed, data-driven reports helped build relationships with facility managers, ensuring continued engagement and future savings opportunities.

Utilities should consider expanding HVAC tune-up programs like CoolSaver, which offer multiple touchpoints for long-term savings and improved customer relationships.

Handling complex incentive systems

Funding availability has increased in recent years, but for many customers, understanding how to access and combine these funds remains a challenge. In a case study centered around a chemical manufacturer in Illinois, the company struggled to navigate the various incentives offered by gas and electric utilities. Despite identifying an upgrade project and both utilities prioritizing customer service, the customer faced delays and confusion due to the complexities of incentive attribution between the two utilities.

This highlights the need for utilities to streamline the process for customers and offer clear guidance on how to braid funds from multiple sources, including government programs and utility incentives. Utilities that simplify this process can ensure that customers don’t miss out on opportunities to upgrade their equipment and improve energy efficiency.

Utilities need to take a proactive approach in helping customers braid funding from multiple sources, ensuring projects move forward smoothly and efficiently.

Key takeaways

• Shift focus away from lighting savings. As lighting savings decline, utilities must explore alternative energy-saving opportunities like SEM and CEI programs to deliver substantial results through operational improvements and access remaining pockets of untapped traditional savings.
• Promote SEM for operational efficiency. Encouraging customers to participate in SEM programs can unlock savings without requiring significant new investments in technology.
• Expand HVAC tune-up programs. Programs like CoolSaver provide multiple benefits for utilities, contractors and customers by identifying inefficiencies and offering ongoing savings opportunities.
• Simplify funding navigation. Utilities should take an active role in helping customers combine various funding sources, ensuring smooth project implementation and increased satisfaction.

Check out more lessons learned from our 2024 CLEAResult Energy Forum conference.