State of Minnesota Electric Utility Infrastructure Energy Efficiency Potential Study (Final Report)

Abstract

This potential study is designed to provide useful information to utility planners and energy policymakers as they develop strategies to achieve conservation goals in Minnesota. The study identifies and quantifies conservation opportunity in Electric Utility Infrastructure (EUI) assets owned and operated by utilities serving Minnesota consumers. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to improve understanding of EUI as a tool utilities can use to meet their conservation goals. The results presented here can be used to inform utility programs and policy decisions aimed at capturing the identified conservation opportunities.

After estimating the potential for conservation, the project team developed a set of recommendations for utilities to capture the identified potential. The recommendations are designed to build understanding and confidence in EUI as a CIP tool over time. We start with general recommendations for utilities to explore EUI opportunities in their systems, for example, by convening meetings between generation and T&D planners and CIP personnel. We also identify specific recommendations that could help advance EUI conservation such as tracking T&D system losses over time and considering accelerated AMI deployment.