State EM&V Policies and Activities
This section of the EM&V Resource Library provides information about state EM&V policies, activities, and projects.
Regional EM&V Forum Participating States and Jurisdictions
Click on a state below to go directly to information about a particular state:
Connecticut |
Delaware |
District of Columbia |
Maine |
Maryland |
Massachusetts |
New Hampshire |
New Jersey |
New York |
Rhode Island |
Vermont |
CONNECTICUT
Evaluation Process: The Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control reviews and approves the energy efficiency programs proposed by Connecticut's electric utilities, Connecticut Light & Power and The United Illuminating Company.
In 2005, the Connecticut Energy Conservation Management Board (ECMB) formed an Evaluation Committee, consisting of three non-utility ECMB members, to work directly with an ECMB Evaluation Consultant in overseeing energy efficiency program evaluation planning and completion. This includes evaluation planning, study development, contractor selection, project initiation, project management and completion, and finalizing the evaluation report. In 2009, the Department's decision in Docket No. 08-10-03 ordered the ECMB's Evaluation Committee and their consultant to be totally responsible for all aspects of the evaluation process. The ECMB is now known as the Energy Efficiency Board (EEB).
Energy efficiency program administrators, while they do not hold a primary role in evaluation, are responsible for assisting the Evaluation Committee and EEB Evaluation Consultant with their evaluation responsibilities described above.
View the 2010 ECMB Evaluation Plan and the 2011 Program Evaluation Road Map.
Orders/Decisions: The Department of Public Utility Control approves the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund's budget and programs for 2011. The electric program evaluation process has been evolving through the annual C&LM (Conservation and Load Management) dockets over the past few years. The Evaluation Plan reflects changes ordered by the Department in its decisions in Docket Nos. 08-10-03 and 09-10-03. The Department will defer the full discussion on gas program evaluation to the final Decision in Docket No. 10-10-03.
To view the Connecticut DPUC orders/decisions that establish EM&V standards in Connecticut, click here. This website includes DPUC decisions from 2000 - 2011. Please see page 40 of the 2011 Final DPUC Decision - Electric Plan and page 11 of the 2011 Final DPUC Decision - Gas Plan for the most current information about Program Evaluation Studies for electric and gas efficiency programs in Connecticut.
Studies, Reports, and Evaluations: For studies, reports, and evaluations relevant to Connecticut, please view the the Repository of State & Topical EM&V Studies.
Other CT EM&V Information/Reports:
Reducing Emissions in Connecticut on High Electric Demand Days (HEDD): A Report for the CT Department of Environmental Protection and the US Environmental Protection Agency. This report by Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. includes an analysis of the impact of energy efficiency on High Electric Demand Days (HEDD) in Connecticut.
Visit NEEP's Energy Efficiency Policy in Connecticut webpage for more information about energy efficiency policy and programs in Connecticut.
DELAWARE
Evaluation Process: Created by legislation in June 2007, the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU), branded as Energize Delaware, is a non-profit organization that is the State-identified provider of energy efficiency services for Delaware residents. It is not regulated by the Public Service Commission, and policies/decisions regarding EM&V for SEU activities are made by the SEU Board and the Delaware Energy Office.
The SEU began operations in March 2009 and rolled out its first energy efficiency program, a residential appliance rebate program, in September 2009. Energy Delaware has now also started the first phase of its Efficiency Plus Homes and Efficiency Plus Business programs.
Delaware has not yet established an evaluation process for its energy efficiency programs.
Orders/Decisions: There are no orders or decisions pertaining to EM&V standards in Delaware at this time.
Visit NEEP's Energy Efficiency Policy in Delaware webpage for more information about energy efficiency policy and programs in Delaware.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Evaluation Process: Since 2005, the District of Columbia's energy efficiency programs have been administered by the District of Columbia Energy Office and funded by a systems benefit charge.
In 2008, D.C. enacted the Clean and Affordable Energy Act, which effectively eliminated the existing fund, the Reliable Energy Trust Fund, and replaced it with the Sustainable Energy Trust Fund. The act also authorized the creation of a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) and designated the SEU to be the one-stop resource for energy efficiency and renewable energy services for District residents and businesses. The SEU will serve under a performance-based contract with DDOE, with input and recommendations from the SEU Advisory Board, and oversight from the Council of the District of Columbia.
The EM&V process that will be applied to the Sustainable Energy Utility is still being developed as part of the SEU RFP process. The RFP was issued in July 2010, with proposals due on September 1, 2010. View an overview of DC's Sustainable Energy Utility (see slide 13 for information about EM&V). DDOE expects the standards established by the Regional EM&V Forum to inform the evaluation process in DC.
At the end of each contract year, the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) must commission an independent evaluation of the SEU's performance. This external evaluation process is still under development.
Orders/Decisions: There are no orders or decisions pertaining to EM&V standards in the District of Columbia at this time.
Studies, Reports, and Evaluations: For studies, reports, and evaluations relevant to the District of Columbia, please view the Repository of State & Topical EM&V Studies.
Key Evaluation Contact: The key EM&V contact in the District of Columbia is Taresa Lawrence, District Department of the Environment, Energy Office.
MAINE
Evaluation Process: In Maine, the Efficiency Maine Trust assumed responsibility for administering all non-transportation related energy efficiency programs for the State of Maine on July 1, 2010. The Trust has developed a Triennial Plan for 2011 - 2013, currently under review by the Maine PUC, that provides program design, planning and implementation strategies for all energy efficiency and alternative energy resources. The plan also sets aside funds to regularly evaluate the plan's most important programs. Program evaluation is considered to be key to continuous program improvements and the effective use of funds. The Efficiency Maine Trust will adopt rules for measurement and verification, cost-effectiveness tests, and independent evaluations.
Studies, Reports, and Evaluations: For studies, reports, and evaluations relevant to Maine, please view the Repository of State & Topical EM&V Studies.
Visit NEEP's Energy Efficiency Policy in Maine webpage for more information about energy efficiency policy and programs in Maine.
MARYLAND
Evaluation Process: In Maryland, five electric utilities offer similar energy efficiency programs: Allegheny Power, Baltimore Gas & Electric, Delmarva Power, PEPCO, and Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative. The Maryland Public Service Commission (MD PSC) leads an independent third party evaluator who reviews and approves the energy efficiency and conservation programs proposed by Maryland's utilities under the 2008 EmPOWER Maryland Act. The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is responsible for hiring an EM&V consultant who will develop and implement EM&V plans and provide evaluation management. For more information about the evaluation process in Maryland, view the EmPower Maryland Consensus Report on EM&V.
Orders/Decisions: The following order establishes the EM&V process in Maryland:
Order Number 82869 establishes the Commission-led Evaluator Model for the evaluation, measurement and verification process of the EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency programs. Commission-approved demand response programs are also included in this EM&V process.
Studies, Reports, and Evaluations: For studies, reports, and evaluations relevant to Maryland, please view the Repository of State & Topical EM&V Studies.
Visit NEEP's Energy Efficiency Policy in Maryland webpage for more information about energy efficiency policy and programs in Maryland.
MASSACHUSETTS
Evaluation Process: The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (MA DPU) has established a two-step pre- and post-implementation evaluation process for energy efficiency programs:
1) Pre-implementation: a Program Administrator must provide the MA DPU with (1) information supporting a determination that a program is cost-effective, and (2) a description of how savings will be quantified. For efficiency programs aimed at market transformation/customers, a Program Administrator must provide a description of the expected effects of a program on energy use and/or market indicators.
2) Post-implementation: a Program Administrator must file with the MA DPU evaluations of the savings achieved by each energy efficiency program.
The MA DPU requires all Program Administrators to include evaluation plans as part of their three-year energy efficiency plans. The evaluation plans identify the activities that will be taken to ensure that programs are monitored and evaluated, and that savings and costs are measured and verified. Evaluation plans must include detailed information about each evaluation study to be undertaken during the plan's three year period. View the 2010-2012 Massachusetts Joint Three-Year Electric Energy Efficiency Plan and Gas Energy Efficiency Plan.
For a briefing on EM&V activity in Massachusetts as of March 2011, please view this presentation.
Orders/Decisions: The following orders/decisions established/affect EM&V standards Massachusetts:
D.T.E. 98-100: Investigation by the Department of Telecommunications and Energy on its own motion to establish methods and procedures to evaluate and approve Energy Efficiency Programs, pursuant to G.L. c. 25, § 19 and c. 25A, § 11G. Issued February 7, 2000. See page 22 for Section 4: Monitoring and Evaluation of Energy Efficiency Programs.
D.P.U. 08-50: Investigation by the Department of Public Utilities on its own Motion into Updating its Energy Efficiency Guidelines Consistent with An Act Relative to Green Communities. Issued August 22, 2008.
D.P.U. 08-50A: Investigation by the Department of Public Utilities on its own Motion into Updating its Energy Efficiency Guidelines Consistent with An Act Relative to Green Communities. Issued March 16, 2009.
D.P.U. 08-50B: Investigation by the Department of Public Utilities on its own Motion into Updating its Energy Efficiency Guidelines Consistent with An Act Relative to Green Communities. Issued October 26, 2009. See page 38 for Evaluation Plans.
Studies, Reports, and Evaluations: For studies, reports, and evaluations relevant to Massachusetts, please view the Repository of State & Topical EM&V Studies.
Key Evaluation Contacts: The key EM&V contact in Massachusetts is Marilyn Ross, Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities.
Visit NEEP's Energy Efficiency Policy in Massachusetts webpage for more information about energy efficiency policy and programs in Massachusetts. Other MA resources of interest include MA DOER's recent publication, Energy Efficiency in Massachusetts: Our First Fuel and the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Advisory Council (EEAC) website.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Evaluation Process: Energy efficiency program evaluation activities are overseen by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NH PUC). Responsibility for monitoring and evaluation efforts was transferred from the New Hampshire utilities to NH PUC staff in 2006 (see Order No. 24,599 below). The NH PUC seeks input and advice from the utilities on monitoring and evaluation and also coordinates efforts with the utilities' Core programs implementation efforts.
Utilities have the opportunity to comment on preliminary study findings and results prior to publication and are permitted, on a case-by case basis, to participate in regional monitoring and evaluation studies as well as studies conducted by multi-jurisdictional utilities. The NH PUC invites interested parties to attend and provide input at evaluation presentations, and it pursues all available means to protect confidential customer information given that monitoring and evaluation studies frequently require access to such information.
Orders/Decisions: The following orders/decisions pertain to EM&V standards in New Hampshire:
Order Number 24,599 Granite State Electric Company, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Public Service Company of New Hampshire and Unitil Energy Systems: Petition for Approval of 2006 "Core" Energy Efficiency Programs, Order Following Hearing. Issued March 17, 2006. See page 5 for language pertaining to EM&V.
Order Number 25,062 2010 Core Energy Efficiency Programs, Order Approving Settlement Agreement. Issued January 5, 2010. See page 5 for a list of priority monitoring and evaluation activites to take place in 2010.
Order Number 25,099 2010 Core Energy Efficiency Programs, Order Approving Revised 2010 Core Budgets. Issued April 30, 2010. This order approves revised Core Program budgets for 2010 given a reduction of SBC funds and includes information about how monitoring and evaluation budgets have been modified.
Studies, Reports, and Evaluations: For studies, reports, and evaluations relevant to New Hampshire, see the Repository of State & Topical EM&V Studies.
Key Evaluation Contact: The key EM&V contact in New Hampshire is Tom Frantz, New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission.
Visit NEEP's Energy Efficiency Policy in New Hampshire webpage for more information about energy efficiency policy and programs in New Hampshire.
NEW JERSEY
Evaluation Process: In New Jersey, the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) approves energy efficiency program budgets and plans on an annual basis. As part of this approval process, the Office of Clean Energy (OCE) submits proposed evaluation budgets and activities to the BPU for consideration. The BPU authorizes the release of RFPs for evaluation services and approves the selection of contractors to provide evaluation services. The BPU also approves the protocols used for estimating energy savings.
The OCE oversees all evaluation activities, and the Rutgers Center for Energy, Economic and Environmental Policy (CEEEP) is responsible for formal evaluation of the effectiveness of the energy efficiency programs, and has overall responsibility for managing evaluation activities.
Applied Energy Group supports evaluation activities, and Program Managers including Honeywell, TRC, and the New Jersey utilities are responsible for supporting formal evaluation activities.
New Jersey has an evaluation plan for its Clean Energy Program Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Programs that is updated annually as part of the program and budget planning process. The current process results in the Program Managers and the OCE submitting a compliance filing by October 1 each year that includes program descriptions and budgets for the proposed programs to be implemented in the following calendar year. An updated evaluation plan that identifies the major evaluation activities proposed for the following year and budgets necessary to perform those activities is submitted coincident with the compliance filings.
View the 2010-2011 New Jersey Clean Energy Program Evaluation Plan for more information about New Jersey's evaluation activities. Click here to view a presentation on New Jersey's Current Energy Landscape by CEEEP. See slides 11 and 12 for information about energy efficiency evaluation.
Orders/Decisions: The 2010 programs and budgets for New Jersey's Clean Energy Program have been reduced due to Governor Christie's declaration of a fiscal emergency in the State of New Jersey. This order, issued in April 2010, describes the revised 2010 Clean Energy Program budget, including modifications to the evaluation budget.
Studies, Reports, and Evaluations: For studies, reports, and evaluations relevant to New Jersey, see the Repository of State & Topical EM&V Studies.
Visit NEEP's Energy Efficiency Policy in New Jersey webpage for more information about energy efficiency policy and programs in New Jersey.
NEW YORK
Evaluation Process: In New York, the Department of Public Service (DPS) approves energy efficiency programs and budgets. In June 2008, the DPS established an Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS) with the goal of reducing electricity usage by 15% statewide by 2015. At this time, the DPS also called for a change in its energy efficiency program evaluation process. The changes that have been implemented include:
1) Evaluation budgets have been increased from two to five percent of the overall program budgets
2) Detailed evaluation and reporting guidelines are required
3) Detailed evaluation plans are required with all program proposals
4) Monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting is required
5) A more active role for Commission Staff in overseeing and guiding evaluation and reporting activities has been mandated
Furthermore, a statewide Evaluation Advisory Group (EAG) with representation from about 20 parties has been established to advise the Commission and Staff on critical evaluation issues. Please view the Evaluation Plan Guidance for EEPS Program Administrators, which is an EAG document that provides guidance to program administrators involved in the preparation of evaluation plans and creates a foundation for the overall EEPS evaluation effort.
For more information, please view an Overview of NY DPS/EAG EM&V Protocols, Processes & Procedures from the NY DPS, Office of Energy Efficiency and the Environment.
Orders/Decisions: Click here to view the June 2008 Order Establishing Energy Efficiency Standard and Approving Programs. See page 37 for language pertaining to EM&V standards.
Studies, Reports, and Evaluations: For studies, reports, and evaluations relevant to New York, see the Repository of State & Topical EM&V Studies.
Visit NEEP's Energy Efficiency Policy in New York webpage for more information about energy efficiency policy and programs in New York.
RHODE ISLAND
Evaluation Process: In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) reviews and approves the design and implementation of the utilities' energy efficiency programs on an annual basis. The annual energy efficiency program plans are required to include a detailed Measurement and Verification Plan.
The utilities are also required to file reports about their programs and evaluation results with the Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council (EERMC) and the PUC. These reports include quarterly reports on program performance, a year-end report, updated savings goals and metric targets, and a summary of evaluation results for the previous year's programs
Orders/Decisions: For the most recent NH PUC decision, please view:
Docket No. 4000. Report and Order in Re: The Narragansett Electric Company, d/b/a National Grid Gas and Electric Energy Efficiency Program Plans for 2009, issued April 6, 2009. See page 47 for the Measurement and Verification Plan and Reporting Obligations.
Studies, Reports, and Evaluations: For studies, reports, and evaluations relevant to Rhode Island, see the Repository of State & Topical EM&V Studies.
Visit NEEP's Energy Efficiency Policy in Rhode Island webpage for more information about energy efficiency policy and programs in Rhode Island.
VERMONT
Evaluation Process: Vermont's statewide Energy Efficiency programs are currently delivered via contract between the Public Service Board and the Vermont Energy Investment Corporation to serve as Efficiency Vermont. The lone exception is in the city of Burlington, where the municipality delivers these services. Both entities are referred to as Energy Efficiency Utilities (EEUs). The Department of Public Service (Department) is the entity that provides for formal independent evaluation of energy efficiency programs approved by the Board for EEU implementation.
Recently, the Public Service Board, in Docket 7466, approved a change in delivery structure from the contract model to an "Order of Appointment". The Department will maintain its role in providing evaluation and oversight of the state's EEUs.
Evaluation includes an annual verification of the EEUs energy and capacity savings and ‘total resource benefit' claims. The Department conducts a two-month intensive review of a random sample of customer projects, application of a realization rate for the remainder of custom projects, and a review of the database of prescriptive measures. Site visits occur only on a very limited basis.
In addition to the annual review, every three years the Department conducts both commercial and residential market assessments, documenting the saturation of efficient buildings, equipment, and other appliances, and identifying areas of remaining need for energy efficiency improvement. After a decade of program implementation experience, these studies also can begin to provide an indication of market transformation.
Finally, circumstances are often revealed through the annual verification process or other methods where additional information is needed to properly verify savings claims. The Department conducts these evaluations as necessary.
The Department is required to submit an evaluation plan every three years. Click here for the most recent plan.
Orders/Decisions: There are no specific Orders or Decisions relating to M&V standards in Vermont. However, the Public Service Board did approve the above evaluation plan. The following two Orders are related to the Department's evaluation role.
The Public Service Board Order of 9/30/99 in Docket 5980 identified the Department of Public Service as the entity to "provide formal evaluation of the Core Programs and any other System-wide programs approved by the Board for EEU implementation."
The Board Order of 11/24/09 approved a change in structure to an Order of Appointment, and maintained the role of the Department in regards to energy efficiency evaluation.
Studies, Reports and Evaluations: For studies, reports, and evaluations relevant to Vermont, see the Repository of State and Topical EM&V Studies.
Key Evaluation Contacts: The key evaluation contact in Vermont is TJ Poor, Vermont Department of Public Service.
Visit NEEP's Energy Efficiency Policy in Vermont webpage for more information about energy efficiency policies and programs in Vermont.
Other State EM&V Information
CEE: The Energy Efficiency Program Industry: CEE has captured information about U.S. and Canadian efficiency budgets and CEE members' program impacts. This page includes links to detailed information about state energy-efficiency budgets and savings impacts of member programs.
Energy Information Administration: (EIA). The EIA website contains reported energy efficiency savings by state.
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) - State Regulations: Each Participating State's RGGI CO2 Budget Trading Program is based upon its own statutory and/or regulatory authority. Guided by the Model Rule, each state's regulations limit emissions of CO2 from electric power plants, establish participation in CO2 allowance auctions, create CO2 allowances and determine appropriate allowance allocations. This page provides links to each of the ten Participating States' (CT, DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT) CO2 Budget Trading Program regulation.
CALIFORNIA
California Energy Efficiency Evaluation Protocols: This document presents and describes the California Energy Efficiency Evaluation Protocols: Technical, Methodological and Reporting Requirements for Evaluation Professionals (a.k.a. Evaluators' Protocols) that are designed to meet California's evaluation objectives. This document is to be used to guide the efforts associated with conducting evaluations of California's energy efficiency programs and program portfolios launched after December 31, 2005. The Protocols are the primary guidance tools policymakers use to plan and structure evaluation efforts and that staff of the California Public Utilities Commission's Energy Division (CPUC-ED) and the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the portfolio administrators will use to plan and oversee the completion of evaluation efforts.
The California Evaluation Framework: The California Evaluation Framework provides a consistent, systemized, cyclic approach for planning and conducting evaluations of California's energy efficiency and resource acquisition programs. This document presents the framework and provides valuable information concerning when evaluations should be conducted, the types of evaluation that can be conducted, and a discussion of approaches for conducting those studies.
California Measurement Advisory Committee (CALMAC): CALMAC provides a forum for the development, implementation, presentation, discussion, and review of regional and statewide market assessment and evaluation (MA&E) studies for California energy efficiency programs and demand response conducted using Public Goods Charge funds.
Database for Energy Efficient Resources (DEER): The Database for Energy Efficient Resources (DEER) is a California Energy Commission and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) sponsored database designed to provide well-documented estimates of energy and peak demand savings values, measure costs, and effective useful life (EUL) all with one data source. The users of the data are intended to be program planners, regulatory reviewers and planners, utility and regulatory forecasters, and consultants supporting utility and regulatory research and evaluation efforts. DEER has been has been designated by the CPUC as its source for deemed and impact costs for program planning.
Lessons Learned and Next Steps in Energy Efficiency Measurement and Attribution: Energy Savings, Net to Gross, Non-Energy Benefits, and Persistence of Energy Efficiency Behavior. This study, funded by the California Public Utilities Commission and prepared for the California Institute on Energy and Environment, identifies current and improved techniques and associated policy issues related to impact evaluation; attribution / free ridership / net to gross; non-energy benefits; and persistence. The paper also includes a summary of key elements of the California Protocols.
Survey of Energy Efficiency Evaluation Measurement and Verification (EM&V) Guidelines and Protocols: An Initial Review of Practices and Gaps and Needs. This study, funded by Pacific Gas & Electric Company, was prepared as a project of the California Evaluation Outreach Initiative, which was started by Commissioner Dian Grueneich of the California Public Utilities Commission. The report documents a survey of EM&V practices, primarily in the United States.
PENNSYLVANIA
• Act 129 / House Bill 2200. See page 51 for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program requirements, including evaluation requirements.
• Docket No. M-00051865, adopted at the January 28, 2010 public meeting, includes an update to Pennsylvania's Technical Resource Manual.
Other PA EM&V Information/Reports:
Potential for Energy Efficiency, Demand Response, and Onsite Solar Energy in Pennsylvania. This report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) assesses the total cost-effective, or "economic," potential for energy efficiency in Pennsylvania. Based on the findings of this analysis, ACEEE estimates that about 30% of Pennsylvania's projected electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and propane needs in 2025 can be met through existing, cost-effective efficiency measures that are widely available today.
Visit NEEP's Energy Efficiency Policy in Pennsylvania webpage for more information about energy efficiency policy and programs in Pennsylvania.